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How to Tell if a Number Is a Cell Phone or a Landline
Use these free phone validators and reverse lookup services
By Tom Nelson Tom Nelson Writer Tom Nelson is an engineer, programmer, network manager, and computer network and systems designer who has written for Other World Computing,and others. Tom is also president of Coyote Moon, Inc., a Macintosh and Windows consulting firm. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 13, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Phone Number Validator Reverse Number Lookup Use a Caller ID App Frequently Asked Questions Ever wonder if the number you’re about to dial will connect you to a cell phone or a landline? Some countries assign cell phones with unique prefixes, but in North America, a prefix can designate a cell number or a landline. When you factor in the fact that we can transfer cell phone numbers to new phone services, it becomes nearly impossible to tell if a number is a landline or cell phone number. However, there are some ways to figure it out. Evan Polenghi / Lifewire Phone Number Validator
One of the easiest ways to check if a phone number is from a mobile or landline is to use a phone number validator. These tools are routinely used to check if a phone number is valid. Plus, some phone number validators will send a live ping to the number to ensure that the number is in service. Besides confirming that a number is real, the phone number validator also provides additional details, including whether the number is for a wireless (mobile) or landline service. The phone number validator performs this task by querying the LRN (Location Routing Number) database. Every phone company makes use of an LRN database that instructs the telephone company how to route a call and which switches to use to send the call to the proper destination. The LRN database also includes information that distinguishes the line type (mobile or landline) and which LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) owns the number. Phone number validators usually offer their services for a fee, selling lookups in large batches to those who need to verify large quantities of phone numbers. Luckily, many of these services offer a limited version of their validators that allow you to check a single number at a time for free. Some of the best-known free phone validators include TextMagic, Phone Validator, and Validito: Visit TextMagic Visit Phone Validator Visit Validito Reverse Phone Number Lookup
If you prefer not to use a phone number validator, try using a free reverse lookup service. Once a special service provided only by the phone companies, reverse lookups are now available from many websites. This is where the phone number is used to look up information such as the name and address of the owner of the phone number. Most reverse lookup websites include information about the number type (cell or landline) as part of a free package of information and then charge to reveal additional data. Since you’re only looking to discover whether the number is for a mobile phone or an old-fashioned landline, a free service like Whitepages or Spokeo is sufficient. Visit Whitepages Visit Spokeo Google also makes use of its standard search service to return basic information about a phone number entered. It can be hit or miss, but it will usually provide the information without you having to click through search results. Use a Caller ID App
The last suggestion is to use a caller ID app on your smartphone. Most caller ID apps for iPhone or Android phones will include the phone number type as part of the information displayed for any incoming call. In addition, some caller ID apps allow you to enter a phone number manually, so you’re not limited to looking up numbers that have called you. Some of our favorite caller ID apps for smartphones include TrueCaller and CIA APP. Download TrueCaller Download CIA APP FAQ Is a cell phone or landline better in a hurricane? A landline is the most dependable form of communication during bad weather. Cell towers and internet connections often lose power during storms. If you lose power, a landline will still work. Can 911 operators tell if a call is from a landline or cell phone? Yes. The caller's address automatically displays on the 911 dispatch screen if it's a landline call. However, if the call is from a cellphone, the dispatcher's PC must request the cellphone's location. The data exchange can take up to a few minutes, and sometimes no location shows. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 5 Best Ways to Find a Cell Phone Number Online How to Unblock a Number on iPhone or iPad How to Hide Your Number With *67 Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) How to Block Cell Phone Numbers On Android or iPhone (iOS) How to Call Back a Private Number How to Block Political Robocalls How to Block No Caller ID Calls on iPhone Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? 8 Solutions for When Your iPhone Says No SIM How to Find Someone's Phone Number Online How to Know If Someone Blocked Your Number How to Find Out Who Owns an 800 Number 8 Free Ways to Find Someone Online 7 Ways to Tell If Your Phone Is Being Tapped How to Stop Unwanted & Spam Calls on Your Cellphone or Landline Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies