How to Get Cell Phone Numbers

Last Updated: March 4, 2021 Tested

These days, people are abandoning their land line phone and switching more and more to their cell phones. Since phone books don't list cell phones, it's a bit trickier to reach out and touch somebody you don't already know. Understanding how to get cell phone numbers can help you contact a specific individual in case of emergency, reconnect with an old friend, or simply get in touch with someone whose cell phone number has been misplaced. We'll show you how.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Use the Internet

1
Visit the National Cellular Directory. The National Cellular Directory is an organization which functions much like a land line phone company, keeping a database of individual cell phone numbers. However, it is an "opt-in" service, and to find a person there, that person must have voluntarily registered.
2
Pay for a service. People search organizations such as Intellius will quickly find just about anybody. A simple name/address/phone number search can be very inexpensive—in some cases, under a dollar. If you do a lot of searches, though, you would probably want to consider a more robust plan.
- Most online searches will "find" a person for free. But to get any more information than that will have a significant cost.
- These organizations do not always operate with information that is up-to-date. For example, while they may be able to find the cell phone number of a particular person, that cell phone number may have been discontinued several months previously. Use caution when considering these organizations to ensure you are working with a legitimate company. Experience has also shown that those sites have incorrect ages or locations, even going so far as to offer to sell you the phone numbers of people who are long deceased.
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3
Go to Google. While virtually all the name search sites will charge you to view a phone number, there is a plethora of information out there on all of us, and our phone numbers may be attached to a number of things. School newspapers, social media sites, local organizations we may have joined, etc.
4
Use Facebook or LinkedIn. Many times, people will make their phone numbers available to the general public. If you know the person and are trying to reconnect, friend them on Facebook, or make them a connection on LinkedIn.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Use SneakerNet

1
When the Internet fails, use "Sneakernet," the informal description for doing actual legwork!
- Use word of mouth to get cell phone numbers. For example, if you need to find Dave, but don't know his phone number, ask mutual friends if they will get a message to Dave and say that you'd like to contact him. If they don't know where Dave is, either, broaden the search to check with coworkers and family.
- Be sure to be honest with these contacts regarding your reason behind obtaining the number to ensure the best results for all parties involved.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I locate someone's cell phone number through Facebook?

Community Answer

Ask them through direct messaging. Do not be a creep and try to stalk them to find their number, just ask.
Question

How do I find someone's cell phone number?

Community Answer

Through Facebook and Google. In Facebook, you can find cell phone numbers by the details of the account. In Google, you can find it by researching about their life so that you can see it.
Question

How do I know my own cell phone number?

Community Answer

Look in Settings to find your phone number, or use your phone to call your friend and have your friend tell you what it is.