If you are like me, you want to tell right away if it’s a landline or cell phone that’s calling you. Perhaps you are tired of telemarketers or want to verify customer contacts. Understanding how to know if a phone number is a cell phone can be useful. However, there’s no unique prefix for landlines and cellphones in North America. And matters are much more confusing, since we can transfer cell phone numbers to new phone services. That said, there are still some ways to figure it out, which will be discussed in this guide.
Landline or Cell
Before we talk about how to know if a phone number is a cell or landline, let’s talk about what differentiates these two communication methods. Landlines connect via physical wire, like fiber optic cable or copper. So, they are installed on a physical location, and the phone is stationary. Landlines also provide mainly voice service. They are very reliable and can function even during power outages with basic corded phones.
In contrast, cell phones or mobile phones connect using radio waves that allow wireless transmissions with a network of cell towers. They are known for their high mobility, allowing communication from different locations as long as there is network coverage. Cell phones also offer voice calls. But beyond that, they can provide other features like messaging, internet access, and applications.
How to tell if a number is cell phone or a landline
Knowing the difference between cell phones and landlines, you would wonder how to tell the difference by looking at the phone number used to call you. Here we will talk about how to know if a phone is a landline or a cell phone.
Check the number’s prefix
A great way to check if a phone number is a cell phone or landline is to analyze the first few digits of the phone number. Before now, landline and mobile numbers had different prefixes. This was because landline numbers used to have an area code for where the landline phones are installed physically. For example, in the U.S, you might have the 212 area code for landline phones installed around Manhattan.
However, this method doesn’t work effectively anymore. Recently, some regions have used the same prefixes for both landline and mobile numbers. And also, numbers can now be ported from landlines to mobile phones. Nevertheless, you should still combine with other methods discussed below to gain more insights about the phone number before you.
Send a text
Landline numbers usually cannot receive text messages. So, if a phone number belongs to a landline, you might find that the text messages do not deliver. And if your message delivers, then there’s a higher chance you’re dealing with a mobile number. However, you should also know there are text-to-landline services now that might still allow your message to go through even if the receiver gets an automated voice message. Also, this method may not be appropriate if you don’t want the receiver to know that you are verifying the phone number.
Examine international dialing codes
International dialing codes typically help determine if a phone number is for a landline or cell phone. Usually, different countries have specific dialing codes for different phone number types or carriers. However, in North America, the dialing code is just +1. So, you cannot differentiate landlines from mobile phones here using just the dialing code alone. What you might use is the area code which can provide information on whether it’s owned by a landline service area.
Use phone number validator
One of the best ways to tell if a phone number is from a landline or cell phone is to use a phone number validator. Phone validators access comprehensive databases called LRN (Location Routing Number) databases. Phone companies use these LRN databases to instruct telephone companies on how to route a call and how to send the call to the correct destination. So, this LRN database will help you find the number’s type (mobile or landline) and which carrier (Local Exchange Carrier, or LEC) owns it. Some phone validators may also send a live ping to the number to be sure it’s in service and also determine its location. Popular validators you can use include Phone Validator and IPQS.
- PhoneValidator
This free phone validator service specifically helps you identify a phone type. It also includes a special feature for identifying fake phone numbers that you cannot call or text back. All you need to do is enter the number to receive the information right away.
- IPQS
IPQS also provides validation services. Here, you’ll love how you can access data points about the carrier name and line type to determine if the phone number is cellular, landline, or VOIP. You’ll also find insights on disposable phone numbers. Beyond that, IPQS uses community data to score phone numbers to help determine the ones associated with spam and abuse reports. It is also useful for businesses that want bulk validation services and detailed line type intelligence. So, IPQS is a superb tool for managing their large contact lists.
Use reverse phone lookup
Reverse phone lookup tools also help you look up information about any phone number. This tool will find the line type alongside the name and address of the owner of that phone number. Let’s talk about two popular Reverse phone lookup websites you can leverage for comprehensive insights about phone numbers in the United States.
- WhitePages
WhitePages is a reverse phone lookup service that has been around for a long time. This website allows you to enter a number to find if it’s a landline or cell phone. You’ll also access carrier information and sometimes physical addresses associated with it.
- LocatePhone
LocatePhone is also a fantastic reverse phone lookup service for identifying and verifying unknown callers. This tool is the simplest way to know if a phone number is a cell or landline. You can check the line type, find the name of the local carrier, alongside physical addresses connected to that phone number. LocatePhone is super beneficial for identifying spam or scam calls.
Use a caller ID app
Caller ID apps like Truecaller depend on phone contact lists used by their users to help display if a call is from a landline or mobile number. Once installed on your phone, it can tap into its database automatically to display information about the calling party.
Use the API for bulk check
When businesses want to verify large volumes of phone numbers, they use API services. These services can be integrated into the business system to automate the process of determining if a number is from a cell phone or landline. APIs like Twilio’s Lookup API offer bulk validation and line-type intelligence. With Twilio, businesses will find the mobile country code, network code of the carrier, name of the carrier, and phone number type. Businesses love how this service helps improve communication and reduce costs.
Observe call costs
Usually, calls from mobile phones incur higher charges than from a landline. So, if a call is costing more than you think it should, there’s a greater chance it’s a landline. That said, many North American phone companies now offer a variety of calling plans dedicated to different users with special allowances. And calls from long-distance will cost more for both landlines and mobiles. This may further complicate how to know if the phone number is a cell or landline.
FAQ
Is a mobile phone a landline?
No, a mobile phone isn’t a landline. A landline connects via a physical wire or cable, usually via a telephone line. In contrast, a mobile phone uses wireless connections via cellular towers.
How do I know if I have a landline number?
Most landline numbers have local area codes and are associated with a particular geographic location. Also, you’ll use them using a stationary phone that connects using physical lines to your building. So, if you have a phone service that comes through a cable or wire to your home or office, and isn’t a part of a mobile plan, it’s a landline.
How to check if a number is VoIP or not?
It’s tricky to know right away if a phone number is a VOIP or not. But you can use online services and apps like Caller ID apps, phone validators, and reverse lookup tools like LocatePhone. Using reverse phone lookups like LocatePhone will uncover the line type, carrier type, and other insightful details to find if the phone number is a VOIP or not.
Can you send a text to a landline phone number?
Landline networks are designed for voice calls. So, your traditional landline phone numbers won’t be able to receive a text message. However, some services now provide text-to-landline service. This means you send the text message to the landline like you would send a regular SMS to a mobile number. Then the text-to-landline service receives your message and converts it to an automated voice message, which the landline receiver will get. Some advanced text-to-landline services used by businesses also have software that allows the landline to receive and display the text message on a special device attached to the landline.
What if the number has been ported from a landline to a mobile?
When a landline number is ported from a landline to a mobile phone, it now becomes a regular mobile phone number. So, this means the number can now send and receive standard SMS messages. The porting process essentially converts the number into a mobile number for all communication needs.
Conclusion
Now you know how to determine if a phone number is a landline or cell phone. With tools like phone validator services or reverse lookup tools like LocatePhone, uncovering the details behind any number is easier. But don’t forget that no single tool is perfect. You might need a combination of the different methods to achieve the best information about those phone numbers. So, whether you’re just verifying contacts, screening calls, or satisfying your curiosity, these resources place the answers in your hands.
