Whether you’re running detect malicious bots in real time campaigns, verifying customer details, or preventing fraud, it’s critical to know which carrier owns a number. This helps ensure messages reach real, active numbers and prevents wasted efforts.

There are many ways to check which carrier owns a phone number, from free online tools like the numverify free carrier lookup tool to contacting mobile network providers directly. For example, iPhone users can check their carrier by navigating to Settings > General > About. And Android owners can dial *#06# to identify their phone’s network provider.

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Carrier lookup services can also provide additional useful information such as a number’s line type (mobile or landline), location, and spam and risk score. They can even help determine if a number is virtual, such as a VOIP or SIP, which are associated with higher-risk users and transactions.

In addition, carrier lookups can help with mobile number portability by identifying the current network service provider. This is particularly important during the porting process, as it enables companies to ensure that customers receive uninterrupted service when their numbers change carriers. And it also helps to resolve technical support issues more quickly.