Have you ever gotten a call or text from an unfamiliar number and wondered who it could be? A free reverse phone lookup can help you identify the owner of that number.
Reverse phone lookup services can be quite handy, with several websites offering to help you uncover the caller's identity. However, it's essential to be cautious, as many of these sites aren't genuinely free. They often ask for your personal details or require payment.
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What Is a Free Reverse Phone Lookup?
Rather than searching for a person's phone number by entering their name, you start with the phone number and use a reverse lookup service to find out their identity. This approach is useful if you receive a call from a number you don't recognize or have a phone number written down with no other details.
How to Do a Free Reverse Phone Lookup
If the number is unpublished, you might uncover little, but you can still determine whether it's a cell or landline and the city it's registered in. Typically, personal numbers are unpublished, whereas business numbers often provide full details.
While free reverse phone lookup sounds simple, it often proves difficult because many sites mislead consumers. These sites lure users with the promise of free services, only to charge them later.
It's wise to avoid sites that ask for your email address or other personal details in return for a reverse phone lookup, particularly those that show a prolonged search with a progress bar. A reverse phone lookup should be quick; extended wait times are just a tactic to make you more likely to pay.
BeenVerified and Intelius are reliable reverse phone lookup platforms. To conduct a search, just enter the full 10-digit number and hit Search. The results, which may include the name, address, and phone type (cell or landline) of the business or individual, should appear shortly.
If a phone number search yields no results, knowing whether it's a cell or landline and the registration city can help. You can get information on most business numbers, though personal numbers often remain unpublished.
5 Ways to Look Up a Phone Number for Free
People Search Engines: Best for Free Reverse Phone Lookups
People search engines enable you to perform a free reverse phone lookup using a name.
Using a people finder tool, you can locate cell phone numbers online. These sites compile extensive information about individuals, including their phone number, full name, address, email address, employment history, and family ties, among other details.
Many of these websites allow you to search based on any known information. For example, you can identify the owner of a phone number or find out which numbers are associated with a person if you have their name, email address, username, or address.
Using these sites to search for relatives and neighbors, you may also find the phone number of someone's brother, for instance, if you only know his sister's name.
BeenVerified and Intelius are two notable examples of sites offering free personal information; however, they charge a fee for more comprehensive personal details.
Social Media: Track a Number and Other Personal Information
On certain platforms, you can conduct a free reverse phone lookup using a person's name, even if you don't initially know their name.
Globally, hundreds of millions are active on social media sites, which are commonly used for communication, including exchanging phone numbers. You can see what information appears by entering a person's name in the search function.
While some individuals may choose to keep their social media profiles private, causing a connection before you can access their personal details, others might have open profiles that display their phone numbers and other information publicly.
If you do know the person's name, searching for their phone number on some platforms may be free.
Web Search Engine: Find Cell Phone Numbers Across Multiple Sites
You can use a search engine to find various types of phone numbers, including mobile, landline, or toll-free numbers. For instance, you can search for an 800 number by typing "800 number" or look for a company's phone number by searching "contact us" followed by the company's name for their support contact number.
Using Google or another search engine for free reverse phone number lookups can assist you in tracking a cell phone number. This method is effective for utilizing the entire internet as a cell phone directory.
If a phone number is displayed on a blog, website, public job profile, or a people search engine that is not previously mentioned, it will show up in search results. You can then conduct further research on that particular site to determine the owner of the number and possibly find additional contact details like their email address or physical address.
Finding cell and landline numbers via a search engine is straightforward. For example, to find an 800 number, simply enter "800 number" into the search bar or search "contact us" along with the company's name to find a specific company's support number.
Use a Site Built for Finding Cell Phone Number Information
These services are effective for finding a person's telephone number or, doing the reverse, identifying a person from their phone number.
While the previously mentioned method is good for finding cell phone numbers, it might not always yield results. For such instances, there are specialized websites that focus on finding phone numbers and identifying their owners.
These services can also look at landlines, and they're proven to work both ways: finding a number from a person's name or finding a name linked to a number.
- InfoTracer: This service is not free, but it searches through over half a billion mobile numbers to associate a name with a cell phone number.
- NumLookup: This site reveals the person's name and the carrier currently associated with the number. It can also connect to the person's social media profiles and provide additional details like age, address, and household members.
- USPhonebook: On this straightforward website, you can search for a telephone number to see who it belongs to or search by name to find the corresponding phone number. It also offers details on potential relatives.
- Spy Dialer: This tool shows the owner's name and the area code's location. You can listen to the person's voicemail greeting and phonetics.
Find a Cell Number with Just a Username
The website supports Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Patreon, Facebook, and Reddit, among others. You can use it to continue your search for the person's phone number on these platforms.
It's common for people to use the same username across multiple websites, so discovering their username can lead you to all the platforms they frequent. This could be a useful starting point for finding their phone number in the future.
The website displays which sites a username is registered on, along with links to those sites. You can then carry on with your search for the person's phone number on supported sites like Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Patreon, Facebook, and Reddit.
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12 Best Paid Reverse Phone Lookup Sites
- BeenVerified — Best Reverse Phone Lookup Site Overall
- PeopleLooker — Best for Quick Results
- Spokeo — Best to Identify Spam & Scam Callers
- PeopleFinders — Best for Professional Services
- TruthFinder — Best for Searching the Deep Web
- Intelius — Best for Ease of Use
- Instant Checkmate — Largest Phone Number Lookup Directory
- US Search — Best for Beginners
- CocoFinder — Best for Comprehensive Phone Lookup
- Whitepages — Best for Efficient Reverse Phone Lookup
- USPhoneLookup — Trusted US Phone Directory
- Truecaller — Global Caller Identification App
BeenVerified — Best Reverse Phone Lookup Site Overall
BeenVerified is a well-known service for online background checks and public records searches, offering users the ability to find information about individuals through various search parameters, including phone numbers.
A key component of BeenVerified is its reverse phone lookup tool, which enables users to obtain information about the owner of a specific phone number. To use the reverse phone lookup on BeenVerified, users simply input the phone number into the search bar on the homepage or within the reverse phone lookup section of the site.
After the phone number is submitted, BeenVerified's search tool examines a vast source of public records, such as social media accounts, court documents, and other online sources, to compile a comprehensive record of the phone number's owner.
The report from BeenVerified's reverse phone lookup usually contains details like the owner's name, address, email address, social media profiles, and any criminal or civil records linked to them. This data can be invaluable for reconnecting with old friends or potential relatives or confirming someone's identity.
Pros
- The mobile app is user-friendly
- Includes information from social media
- Simple cancellation process
Cons
- Searches may require some time
- Limits on the number of reports available
- No free trials offered
Pricing
BeenVerified provides various membership plans for accessing its background check services. Although single searches are not available for purchase, users can select from two subscription options. The one-month membership is priced at $29.99 per month, and the three-month membership is offered at $19.49 per month.
PeopleLooker — Best for Quick Results
PeopleLooker's reverse phone lookup feature allows users to access information about a phone number by simply entering it into the website's search bar. The service searches its source to provide details about the phone number, including the owner's name, address, email address, and other contact information.
This feature is handy for individuals looking to reconnect with old friends or family members or for identifying unknown callers.
The reverse phone lookup tool on PeopleLooker is user-friendly and straightforward. Users can enter the phone number they're searching for and receive immediate results, enabling them to gather the information they require.
PeopleLooker offers advanced search capabilities, such as the ability to filter results by location or name, which helps users refine their searches and access the needed information more efficiently.
Pros
- Attractive interface
- User-friendly
- Searches remain confidential
- Available mobile apps for Android and iOS
Cons
- Lacks live chat support
- Request processing can be slow
- Extra fees for certain information
Pricing
PeopleLooker offers two pricing plans, allowing you to choose based on your needs.
- The first plan is a one-month subscription, priced at $23.99 per month. This plan includes unlimited reports, sex offender searches, property lookups, as well as phone and email address lookups, and access to criminal and traffic records.
- The second plan is a three-month subscription, which costs $19.19 per month, billed every three months. This plan is more economical on a monthly basis because it's billed in a single installment for the entire quarter.
Spokeo — Best to Identify Spam & Scam Callers
Spokeo is a web-based service that searches through more than a billion phone directories and white pages to provide detailed information. By simply entering a 10-digit phone number, you can discover the caller's identity, location, photos, and social media profiles.
To use Spokeo, just input the phone number into the search bar, and the site will handle the rest. However, Spokeo charges for comprehensive records.
Pros
- Affordable
- User-friendly
- Allows downloading of PDFs
Cons
- Only available in the US
- Sometimes lacks information
Pricing
Spokeo offers cost-effective monthly subscriptions and individual phone number searches. Prices for a single reverse phone lookup range from $0.95 to $1.95, and discounts may occasionally reduce the cost further.
Below are the details of the monthly subscription costs:
- One-month plan: $19.95/month
- Three-month plan: $14.95/month
PeopleFinders — Best for Professional Services
PeopleFinders is a well-established service that provides comprehensive reverse phone lookup capabilities. The platform is user-friendly, featuring a quick and straightforward search function that can deliver reliable results swiftly.
PeopleFinders allows access to detailed information, including a person's full name, current and past addresses, and any available background details.
A notable strength of PeopleFinders is the extensive depth of its source, which encompasses both landline and mobile phone numbers. You can initially use the service for free to conduct several searches, giving you the opportunity to evaluate its effectiveness before deciding to subscribe.
PeopleFinders stands out as an efficient and thorough reverse phone lookup service, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to obtain information about a phone number, thanks to its simple-to-use interface, vast source, and affordability.
Pros
- Over 20 years of experience
- Excellent customer care
- Simple to use
Cons
- Available only in the US
- It does not search social media
Pricing
PeopleFinders offers affordable options for both long-term and short-term users. Individual phone lookup reports are available for purchase at a cost ranging from $1 to $1.95 per report.
For those interested in a longer-term membership, here are the monthly packages and their associated costs:
- PeopleFinders Membership: $24.95/month
- PeopleFinders Premium Membership: $29.95/month
TruthFinder: Best for Searching the Deep Web
TruthFinder offers a dark web scanning add-on that helps users identify suspicious callers. It's recognized as one of the best reverse phone number lookup and email search subscription plans for obtaining reliable details from various sources. This affordable, US-based service is known for its comprehensiveness.
Besides revealing the identity of unknown callers, TruthFinder provides access to a wealth of information. Its vast source links people's names to police records, court documents, and data from social media platforms.
With the ability to scan the dark web, TruthFinder allows users to detect potential threats and discover what personal information is accessible online. This makes it a valuable tool for both identifying unknown callers and managing one's online presence.
Pros
- Reasonable charges for phone lookup services
- Offers dark web monitoring subscription
- Comprehensive in-depth reports
Cons
- Additional fees for detailed in-reports
- Reports require a few minutes to generate
- Results are limited to the US
Pricing
TruthFinder's reverse phone number lookup service is priced at $4.99 per month, offering unlimited lookups. However, this plan provides only limited information. Additional fees are required for more detailed data about a phone number. Below is the list of packages:
- 1-month unlimited reports – $28.05/month
- 3-month unlimited reports – $23.28/month (Billed at $46.56 every two months)
DISCLAIMER: You may not use TruthFinder or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. TruthFinder does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
Intelius: Best Phone Number Lookup Site for Ease of Use
Intelius offers details such as the phone's current location, historical locations, and type. Using the service is straightforward: simply navigate to the Phone section above the search bar, enter the mobile number, and quickly receive results. Intelius boasts a quicker algorithm compared to its competitors, enhancing the efficiency of searches.
When you conduct a phone number search on Intelius, the service can deliver a wealth of information, including the phone's current and previous locations and type. For more insights, consider exploring our detailed review of Intelius.
Pros
- Highly recognized company
- Unlimited phone number searches
- Quick generation of results
Cons
- Results are limited to the US
- The pricing plan lacks transparency
- Additional charges for other services
Pricing
Intelius background check program includes:
- 1 Month: Starting at $24.86/month
- 2 Month: Starting at $21.13/month (billed at $46.56 every two months)
DISCLAIMER: You may not use Intelius or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Intelius does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
Instant Checkmate: Best for Largest Phone Number Lookup Directory
Instant Checkmate covers every public source, ensuring user privacy is protected and there's no need to worry about concealing your identity while using the site.
With its extensive source of public records, Instant Checkmate stands out among competitors in providing phone number search services.
When you look up a phone number on Instant Checkmate, you can discover who called you and their location at the time of the call. The service also provides a complete profile of the individual associated with the phone number.
Pros
- Generates reliable results
- Access to a vast pool of public records
- Advanced search filters are available
Cons
- The search process can be time-consuming
- Subscription fees are relatively high
- No option for single-report purchases
Pricing
The downside of Instant Checkmate is that there are more expensive options for reverse phone number lookup services. However, the upside is that it offers good value over the long term. Total membership levels provide access to all Instant Checkmate services.
- 1-month unlimited reports plan – $35.12/month
- 3-month unlimited reports plan – $28.09/month, billed at $84.28 every three months
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DISCLAIMER: You may not use Instant Checkmate or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Instant Checkmate does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
US Search: Best Reverse Phone Number Lookup Site for Beginners
US Search features a visually appealing and user-friendly website. As a new user, you can start your search with a wizard that guides you through the process.
Having been in operation for over two decades, US Search is a well-established name in the market for people search tools. Unlike other services, US Search specializes in helping people find long-lost friends and family members.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Quickly generates results
- Boasts the longest source lifespan in the market
Cons
- Only available to residents of the United States
- Presents information in a very basic format
- Comprehensive background checks are more expensive
Pricing
- Monthly subscription – $19.86/month
DISCLAIMER: You may not use US Search or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. US Search does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
CocoFinder — Best for Comprehensive Phone Lookup
CocoFinder is widely recognized as a highly reliable and comprehensive reverse number search platform. It simplifies discovering who is calling with no need to answer the phone. You can obtain valuable information about any number, including the caller's name, residential address, email address, social accounts, dating profiles, and more.
Pros
- Tutorials available for new users
- Offers unlimited inquiries for free
Cons
- Requires a secure network to operate
Pricing
The pricing details and plans for CocoFinder aren't clearly outlined, but the platform offers a free reverse phone lookup service.
Whitepages — Best for Efficient Reverse Phone Lookup
Whitepages is the ultimate reverse phone lookup tool. It allows users to delve deeply into a caller's background with detailed reports that include scam ratings, criminal and traffic records, and more.
Pros
- Blazing-quick processing
- Comprehensive caller ID reports
- Straightforward, no-nonsense interface
Cons
- Limited to US numbers
- Free search provides limited information
Pricing
- Premium plans start at $4.99 for 20 premium searches
USPhoneLookup — Trusted US Phone Directory
USPhoneLookup provides a quick and straightforward reverse number search experience. Its user-friendly interface allows for an unlimited number of searches, pulling information from a wide range of public records, including government agencies and public directories and millions of online datasets.
Pros
- Quick service
- Highly simplified use
- Free of cost searches
Cons
- Lacks customer support service
Pricing
USPhoneLookup provides both free and paid options for reverse phone lookups to accommodate different user needs.
Free Reverse Lookup
- Input a phone number to access a limited preview of the information available
- The preview displays the phone type, location, carrier, and name (if available)
- No fees or registration necessary
- No full report is available. Suitable for basic checks, such as checking the area code or scouting the number
Paid Plans
USPhoneLookup offers three paid plans that include full reports:
Truecaller — Global Caller Identification App
Truecaller revolutionizes caller identification, allowing you to reveal the identity behind incoming calls using just a phone number.
The process is straightforward, and no complicated steps are required. While the desktop version requires a quick registration, the mobile app enhances the experience by immediately displaying caller names, making it even more convenient.
Pros
- Extensive source with comprehensive information.
- User-friendly and simple to navigate
Cons
- Mandatory sign-up for usage.
- Access to detailed information requires a premium account.
Pricing
- Free lifetime basic plan available
- Premium plan begins at $10.99 per month, with discounts available for annual payments
Is It Legal to Find Someone by Their Phone Number?
The most straightforward method to identify a caller is to ask them directly. If the caller is genuine, they should willingly provide their identity. However, if the person is reluctant to reveal their name or acts evasively, it's advisable to end the conversation.
It's crucial to understand that not all techniques for identifying callers are legal. If you're being harassed and wish to discover the caller's identity, the recommended course of action is to contact your local police department. They can help you trace the caller and take necessary measures.
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Free Reverse Phone Lookup — FAQs
How Do You Find Out Who Is Calling You from a Certain Number?
Reverse phone lookup services are readily accessible online and are the simplest way to find out who's calling. Below, we've highlighted some of the top services available. These reverse number lookup websites and apps allow you to identify callers quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the most notable options.
Can Google Search for a Phone Number?
Unfortunately, Google deactivated its phone number lookup feature due to concerns over privacy violations. However, there are still many other services that can effectively provide information about unknown phone numbers, often with more detailed results than Google offers.
Previously, people could use Google to search for phone numbers to learn more about the individuals associated with them. While Google continues to offer this service, it is now only available when users specifically request it.
Is There a Free Way to Look up a Phone Number?
All the platforms mentioned in this post provide reverse phone number lookup services. These platforms also have access to sources that are likely larger than Google's, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive information.
Besides the free services, there is a paid option for conducting phone number lookups, which we have detailed in this post. Some of these platforms even offer unlimited extensive phone number lookups at no cost to their users.
Can You Be Traced through a Phone Call?
A Faraday cage can effectively block a cell phone's signal, rendering it untraceable. To identify the caller behind a landline or mobile phone number, tracing the call is a possible approach.
To discover the owner of a specific phone number, you can reach out to the respective service provider. Mobile phone locations can also be determined by triangulating the positions of the cell towers the phone communicates with.
Simply placing a cell phone inside a Faraday cage is enough to block its signal and make it untraceable.
Can You Tell if Your Cell Phone Is Being Monitored?
Yes, it's possible to detect if a cell phone is being spied on by observing certain signs:
- Rapid battery drainage
- Strange noises during calls
- Frequent random reboots of the phone
- Overheating of the device, even when idle
- Unusual incoming text messages
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Conclusion — Free Reverse Phone Lookup
Conducting a reverse phone number lookup is quick and easy when you have the right tools at your disposal. A lookup can reveal more than just a name, helping you identify mysterious callers. The best part? It doesn't have to cost you a cent.
Our top recommendations for background check services are BeenVerified and PeopleLooker. They provide comprehensive reports, among other features. Pick the reverse phone lookup tool that fits your needs, and discover who's behind that unknown number today!
>> Visit BeenVerified for Paid Tool >>
All product names, logos, brands, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
DISCLAIMER: You may not use the non-FCRA-approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. These services don't provide consumer reports and are not consumer reporting agencies. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
The information available here may not be 100% accurate, complete, or up to date, so do not use it as a substitute for your own due diligence, especially if you have concerns about a person's criminal history. The services we mention do not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy of the information available through our website or about the character or integrity of the person about whom you inquire. For more information, please review each service's Terms of Use.
