How to Find out who owns a phone number

Answering calls from unknown callers isn’t a great idea. This is why people ask, “How do I find out who owns a phone number?” Learning how to check a phone number and uncover its owner can save you from scams, threats, and even telemarketing harassment. This article will share with you all the effective ways to search for the owner of any telephone number with ease.

Can you check the phone number owner?

Yes, you can check the owner of a phone number using various tools, such as reverse phone lookup, contacting the phone/network provider, searching on social media, or using a White Page directory. Always remember that each method may sometimes lead to a different answer. But by combining the various ways to check a phone number, you are one step closer to finding the correct owner or person behind that suspicious call. 

How to find out who owns a phone number online free 

There are a variety of free and paid tools that help you find the owner of a phone number. However, the tools you use depend on how much information you want, alongside their benefits and drawbacks. 

Reverse phone lookup

The most dependable way to check anyone’s phone number is by using a Reverse phone lookup tool. This tool compiles data directly tied to your phone number, providing you with robust information about the owner of that phone number. There are a great number of free reverse phone lookup services, and they often follow these processes. Some free reverse lookup services out there include Truecaller and IPQuality Score. You even can unlist phone number from Truecaller. Here’s how it works using the Truecaller website. 

• Go to the Truecaller reverse phone lookup page. Input the phone number.
• Tap the search sign.

• Browse through the resulting information pulled from a variety of public resources. 

Pros 

• Free tools offer a great starting point for your search.
• Usually provides names and mailing addresses of the owner of the phone number. 

Cons

• Limited access to information, unlike paid reverse lookup tools.
• It may require additional charges to access all you need.
• Information isn’t always accurate.

Use Truecaller app

The Truecaller App is also a fantastic way to check the phone number. It provides a more convenient app that works directly on your phone allowing you to check out any phone number in real time. If you even choose the Truecaller Premium, you can access spam block features and the opportunity to view the full name of the owner of any phone number as soon as it calls your phone. Here’s how to use the app:

• Download the Truecaller app on your IOS or Android device. 

• Tap on the “Search a number” tab.

• Type in the phone number using the dialer that comes up. Remember to start with the country code.

• Now tap “search +….”
• Now browse through the results.

Pros 

• A free and convenient app that works anywhere and at any time
• The premium version provides spam block protection and real-time identity search
• A fantastic way to gauge the spam score of any suspicious number.

Cons

• The free version contains ads. 
• Requires paying the premium fee to access a robust suite of features
• Relies on user-generated information which can be manipulated. 

Google Search

Google Search is one of the most straightforward ways to find the full name and identity behind that phone number. As long as the phone number has been published on the internet, you might be able to track down its owner. Here’s how it works:

• Go to Google Search and type in the phone number. Press the Enter key.
• Browse through the results which might consist of articles, website pages, and contact lists about that phone number. 

Pros 

• A simple and completely free way to search for details about any phone number.
• Opens access to billions of search records to uncover relevant information.

Cons

• Mostly finds information from websites, bio pages, and forums.
• Google Search might not dig deep into public records. 
• You may not find much information about the phone number if it does not belong to a public account or business. 
• Time-consuming to search through a variety of websites, media, and forums.

Contact phone carrier

You can also call your network operator to complain about a suspicious phone call you received. Since you’re a recipient of the call, they might be willing to help you find out more about the phone number. Bear in mind that due to privacy regulations they might not divulge the full name of the caller. However, they will be able to confirm if the call was malicious or not. Here’s how it works:

• Call, or chat with your network provider’s customer care center.
• Be ready to give the full phone number and the date and time you received the call.
• State the reason for your inquiry.

Pros 

• This a fantastic way to verify if the phone number is associated with hackers, telemarketers, or individuals
• Better access to relevant and accurate information for free.
• The carrier may help you block the number and prevent future calls.
• Reveals the original carrier and line type.
• Your report helps carriers actively identify and fight spam or fraud.

Cons 

• It might be time-consuming to jump through hoops to speak to customer care representatives.
• If the phone call came from overseas, your carrier may not be able to help.

Find phone number on social media

Your social media channels are also a perfect way to find whoever is using that phone number. However, most social media platforms restrict the information shown to others. So, unless they’ve made the phone number public either through their posts or by making it visible on their “About” or “Contact” tab, you may not find it. The best social media pages for this search include Facebook and X. 

On X:

• Launch the X app or website. Enter your details to log in or register.
• Enter the phone number in the search tab at the top of the page. Press the Enter key.

• Browse through the results. You’ll be likely to see details about the phone number if someone has tweeted about it. 

• You can also tap on “latest” to ensure you’re seeing current information about that phone number. 

Go to Facebook via your web browser or the Facebook app

• Login to your Facebook account. 
• Go to the search bar and type in the number and tap the search sign. Ensure to input the country code without the plus sign. Press the Enter key.

• Browse through the results. 

• Then tap on “Posts” in the left bar.

Pros 

• A quick tool to determine who owns a phone number, especially when it’s connected to a social media profile.
• Social media makes it easy to confirm identity especially when the phone number is used by a business or organization. 

Cons 

• Social media platforms do not typically make phone numbers public which may limit your results. 
• You may not be able to find their full name, beyond what their social media profile says about their photos, interests, and mutual connections.

Check the number on the Whitepage directory

The whitepage directory is also a great place to carry out your reverse phone lookup as well. It’s a great big phone book listing people and businesses by their name, address, and phone number.  You can use this website as a convenient way to search for the owner of a telephone number, especially when it’s associated with a business. To use this approach:

• Go to Whitepages reverse phone lookup.

•  Enter the phone number you wish to look up and tap the “search button.”
• View the results or pay the search fee to access more comprehensive results. 

Pros 

• Whitepages offers a fast way to find owners of businesses and other organizations.
• Whitepages often provide a vast database of public records and may include information you won’t find elsewhere. 

Cons

• Information isn’t always accurate and depends on what the owner of that information submitted to the platform.
• Access to comprehensive information requires paying a fee.

Do a public record search

Public records are also relevant sources you can use to track down the owner of a phone number. Most states and countries have organized public records databases usually at the county, city, and Federal level. These records range from birth certificates, court records, property records, business licenses, voter registration records, and campaign finance records. However, you may not be able to search these records using their phone number. Here’s how you can use this approach:

• Consider using other reverse phone lookup services to find possible names.
• Then check county, city, or Federal records to confirm and validate records about the names you have. 

Pros

• An ideal way to uncover verified information about anyone.
• One of the best ways to verify and validate any information about an individual or business.
• Most public record searches are free or very affordable. However, you might only pay if you have to print the information. 

Cons

• Time-consuming and might demand some skills and patience to weave through billions of records.
• All public records are not centralized and it’s virtually impossible to get everything from one place. 
• You cannot search directly with the phone numbers you have. 
• Some records might be incomplete, old, and outdated. 

Paid tools to find the owner of the phone number

One of the best ways to uncover insights about any phone number is using a premium tool. These tools can intelligently dig deeper to help you explore information you won’t find anywhere else. However, each of these tools also has its unique benefits and drawbacks. 

Intelius

Intelius is a fantastic public records business website that allows you to conveniently conduct background checks, people, and property searches alongside reverse phone lookups. With this website, you can access a robust database of real and accurate information enabling a complete picture of the identity of whoever is behind that phone number. 

• Go to Intelius reverse phone lookup service. Input the phone number and click on “Search Now.”

• Wait for the search to complete. 

• Click on “View Results.”

• Enter your details and tap “Save”

• Pay the search fee. 

Pros 

• Extensive background information about the phone number
• Can easily access Intellius’s customer support for extra help. 
• Unlimited monthly reports on anyone.
• Entirely discrete service. 

Cons 

• Pricey reverse phone lookup service. 
• There’s still a risk of inaccuracies with the information available. 
• Issues canceling your subscription. 

LocatePhone

LocatePhone also provides a robust directory that allows you to find out a great deal of information about phone numbers. With this tool, you’ll find the name, address information, mailing location, and even social media profiles. It’s one of the most dependable ways to identify unknown callers, verify someone’s identity, and even track down lost phones. You’ll also find how it finds the real-time location of that phone number to verify that whoever is calling you is where they are supposed to be. 

• Go to LocatePhone reverse phone lookup.
• Input the phone number and tap “Lookup.”

• Enter your email address to access the results. 

Pros 

• An effortless and lightning-fast way to identify unknown callers. 
• Access a database of information that works no matter where you are worldwide. 
• It ensures your search is completely anonymous and secure to protect your data. 

Cons 

• The information provided may not always be accurate because of data limitations. 
• Requires paying a subscription fee to access all information. 

Spokeo

Spokeo also provides a robust database of information for tracking down information about any phone number. Here you can find the owner of any phone number by accessing a variety of data from court records, voter registration, phone books, social media, and more. To use Spokeo:

• Go to Spokeo phone lookup
• Enter the phone number and tap lookup.

• Browse through the comments to access any information connected to the phone number.

• If not enough, access the comprehensive report about that phone number by tapping on ‘View Report.’

Pros 

• Enjoy a convenient way to access extensive data collection from various sources.
• Has a free basic search option that provides user-generated comments about spam phone numbers. 

Cons 

• Potential inaccuracies in the information provided. 
• Requires a steep monthly subscription. 
• The process of disputing incorrect information isn’t available. 

Cellphone Location

Another fantastic way to search for any phone number is using CellPhone Location. You’ll love how this tool deep dives to uncover any information you desire. It’s an effortless tool that allows you to take control of how you find matching records about any phone number. You’ll be able to find the full name, address, carrier information, and more. CellPhone Location also helps validate phone numbers linked to spammers and telemarketers making it easier to return calls from a well-informed standpoint. Here’s how it works:

• Go to Cellphone Location reverse phone lookup.

• Input the phone number and tap the search button.
• Wait for the results to become available. 
• Enter your email and create your account to access the results. 

Pros 

• Access targeted information about the identity of any phone number
• Avoid wading through incorrect reports and records to find what you need. 
• A fantastic way to locate someone in an emergency.

Cons

• Requires paying a fee to access results. 

FAQ

Can I find out who a phone number belongs to?

Yes, you can find out who a phone number belongs to using a variety of tools. You can use Reverse phone lookup services like LocatePhone, Truecaller, Intelius, Spokeo, and CellPhone Location. Alternatively, you can search White Page directories, and social media channels, or contact your phone carrier. 

Can I trace an anonymous caller?

If someone calls you anonymously, you can directly trace it by dialing *57 immediately after the call. Alternatively, you can use that phone number to search through reverse phone lookup directories like LocatePhone for insights into the name, address, and identity of the anonymous caller. 

How to check the number owner details?

You can check any number owner details using reverse phone lookup services like LocatePhone and CellPhone Location. These services require inputting the phone number to access the owner’s name, email, social media profiles, and location. Alternatively, you can call your phone carrier or use Google search and social media to find more information. 

Conclusions

So there’s no straightforward way to answer the question – how do I find out who owns a phone number? But by using the variety of solutions, we’ve covered in this article, you are one step closer to unmasking your mystery caller. Feel free to use a couple of paid and free solutions to find just the information you need to make the best decisions about your caller.