Curiosity often piques when an unknown number flashes across the screen of one’s phone. Questions bubble up: Is it a crucial call missed, a friend with a new number, or perhaps, an unwelcome marketer?
The urge to uncover the mystery behind these digits grows, pushing towards a search for answers. Fortunately, advancements in technology have paved the way for platforms that offer insights into the origins of these calls.
I will present the best ways to find out who called you in the following sections.
Is It Possible To Find Who Called Me?
Discovering the identity behind an unknown phone call is more straightforward than many might think. This capability hinges on leveraging the right tools and understanding the technology that makes it possible.
At the core of solving the “unknown caller” puzzle are databases—extensive collections of phone numbers paired with details about their owners. When a call comes from a number not stored in your contacts, these services step in to fill the gap, offering clues about the caller’s identity.
Steps to Find the Caller
- Use a Caller ID App: Install a reputable app designed to identify incoming calls. These apps cross-reference incoming numbers with their databases to provide the caller’s name or business.
- Search Online: Input the number into a search engine or a dedicated reverse phone lookup website. Often, if the number is associated with a business or has been reported for spam, information will surface.
- Check Social Media: Some social networks allow users to search for profiles using phone numbers. This method might reveal if the caller has their number linked to a public profile.
- Contact Your Service Provider: Some telecom companies offer caller ID services or can provide assistance in identifying unknown numbers, though privacy policies may limit the information they can share.
If you are using Virtual Phone System to target potential clients, keep in mind that you should never be annoying since the other side can easily find you and even block the number.
What Are the Best Platforms?
Selecting the right platform to identify unknown callers is crucial. Here are reviews of the best options with further explanation of how to use them.
1. Truecaller
Truecaller is one of the most popular caller identification services globally, offering a comprehensive suite of features including caller ID, spam detection, and call recording. It operates on a vast, user-generated database that continually updates to provide accurate information.
Key Features
- Caller ID: Identifies incoming calls, even if the number is not in your phonebook.
- Spam Blocking: Automatically blocks known spam numbers based on community reports and database listings.
- Call Recording: Allows users to record phone calls (subject to local laws).
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Extensive database, feature-rich, good user interface.
- Cons: Privacy concerns due to access to your contacts, premium features require a subscription.
Truecaller has over 300 million users worldwide, making it one of the largest phone community directories.
2. Hiya
Hiya specializes in caller identification and spam protection, using data from its global database to offer users a safer calling experience. It’s known for its accuracy and ease of use.
Key Features
- Caller ID: Provides detailed information about incoming calls.
- Automatic Spam Blocking: Filters out calls from known spam numbers.
- Phone Number Lookup: Allows users to search for information about phone numbers.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Free basic service, accurate spam detection, easy to use.
- Cons: Some features locked behind a premium subscription, occasional ads in the free version.
Hiya analyzes over 13 billion calls globally each month to provide its spam and fraud detection services.
3. RoboKiller
RoboKiller is an award-winning app designed to block spam calls and texts. It uses predictive call-blocking technology and a blacklist that’s updated in real time to keep users protected from unwanted calls and scams.
Key Features
- Spam Call Blocking: Advanced detection of spam calls, with automatic blocking.
- Answer Bots: Uses bots to answer spam calls, wasting telemarketers’ time.
- SMS Spam Protection: Blocks unwanted text messages.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Effective at reducing spam calls, humorous answer bots, text message blocking.
- Cons: Requires subscription for full features, may occasionally block legitimate calls.
RoboKiller claims to have blocked over 500 million spam calls, saving users over 50 million hours of wasted time.
4. Nomorobo
Nomorobo targets robocalls and telemarketers by using a constantly updated blacklist to prevent unwanted calls from reaching users. It’s available for both landlines and mobile phones.
Key Features
- Robocall Blocking: Stops robocalls from ringing through.
- Transparency: Allows users to see why a call was blocked.
- Voicemail Integration: Blocked calls are sent to voicemail, and users can review them.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Effective at blocking unwanted calls, supports landlines, easy to set up.
- Cons: Monthly subscription for mobile users, limited features compared to competitors.
Nomorobo was the winner of the FTC’s (Federal Trade Commission) Robocall Challenge, designed to combat unwanted telemarketing calls.
5. Whoscall
Whoscall specializes in identifying and blocking spam calls and SMS. It has a large database of phone numbers, powered by community reports and official data.
Key Features
- Caller ID & Block: Identifies incoming calls and allows users to block spam.
- Number Lookup: Users can search for the identity behind phone numbers.
- Offline Database: Offers caller ID services even without an internet connection.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Offline functionality, large database, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Premium features require payment, occasional inaccuracies in database.
Whoscall has its own proprietary database with over 1 billion numbers globally, providing caller ID services without internet access.
6. Mr. Number
Mr. Number is a powerful call blocking and identification app that helps users prevent spam and scam calls. It offers flexible call blocking options and detailed caller information.
Key Features
- Block Calls & SMS: Users can block calls and texts from individual numbers, entire area codes, or countries.
- Reverse Lookup: Provides detailed information about unknown numbers.
- Automatic Spam Protection: Identifies and blocks potential spam calls.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: High level of customization for call blocking, easy to use, effective spam detection.
- Cons: Some features are limited to the premium version, occasional false positives.
Mr. Number is part of a larger suite of security apps by Hiya, offering enhanced call protection features across the board.
7. CallApp
CallApp offers caller ID, call blocking, and call recording features, utilizing a database of billions of phone numbers to provide accurate information about incoming calls.
Key Features
- Caller ID: Identifies callers in real-time.
- Call Blocking: Blocks spam calls automatically.
- Call Recording: Allows users to record calls for personal use.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Comprehensive feature set, large database for caller identification, call recording capability.
- Cons: Call recording may not be legal in all jurisdictions, premium features require a subscription.
CallApp has a Caller ID feature that can show you the photo of the caller, even if they’re not in your contact list, by linking with social media profiles.
8. Should I Answer?
Should I Answer? is not just a call blocker; it’s a community-based spam protection tool. It rates incoming calls based on community reviews and personal experience, helping users decide whether to answer.
Key Features
- Community Ratings: Calls are rated by the community, providing insight into the nature of the call.
- Personal Blocking Options: Users can set their own blocking preferences based on the ratings.
- Offline Database: Works offline, providing protection even without internet access.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Community-driven insights, effective at blocking unwanted calls, operates offline.
- Cons: Relies on community input, which may not always be accurate or up to date.
Should I Answer? operates on a unique model where users can leave ratings and comments on numbers, creating a community-driven database.
9. TrapCall
TrapCall is a unique service that not only blocks unwanted calls but also unmasks blocked numbers, revealing the caller’s true identity. It’s particularly useful for dealing with harassment or unknown callers.
Key Features
- Unmask Blocked Calls: Reveals the number and information of the caller, even if they’ve tried to hide it.
- Spam Blocking: Automatically blocks known spam numbers.
- Blacklist Unwanted Callers: Users can add numbers to their personal blacklist to prevent future calls.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Ability to unmask hidden numbers, effective spam blocking, user control over blacklist.
- Cons: Requires a subscription for full features, unmasking feature may raise privacy concerns.
TrapCall is the only service that offers the ability to unmask blocked calls, revealing the number and even the name of the caller who tried to remain hidden.
FAQs
Is there a 100% free phone lookup?
There are some websites and apps that claim to offer free phone lookup, but they may not be accurate, reliable, or up-to-date. Some of them may also require you to sign up, pay a fee, or download software to access the full results.
How can I trace a call?
You can try to use the *57 feature on your phone to activate the call trace service, if it is available from your phone company. This may help you identify the caller’s number and location, but it may not work for all types of calls. You may also need to contact your phone company to request the trace information.
How can I find out who this phone number belongs to free?
You can try to search the phone number on online platforms like Facebook, Google, or Bing. Sometimes, the phone number may be linked to a profile, a business, or a location. However, this method may not always work, as some people may have privacy settings that prevent their number from being displayed or searched.
How can I find out unknown number details?
You can use a reverse phone lookup tool, such as Truecaller, to find out some details about an unknown number. You may be able to see the caller’s name, location, spam rating, and comments from other users. To use this tool, you need to sign in with an email address or download the app.
Last Words
With the right tools, figuring out who’s behind those unknown calls is easier than ever. Services like Truecaller, Hiya, and others provide powerful options to keep unwanted calls at bay and bring clarity to your call log. As we navigate our daily communications, these platforms stand as allies, ensuring that every ring brings with it a sense of security and knowledge.
