The quickest way to find the country code of a phone number is to look at the number itself. In international format, the country code is the one- to three-digit prefix that appears immediately after the plus sign (+), such as +1 for the United States or +44 for the United Kingdom.
How to find the country code of a phone number instantly
When a phone number is written in international format, it begins with a plus sign followed by the country code, then the national number. To identify the country code at a glance, simply locate the digits between the plus sign and the first digit of the local number. For example, in +1 555 123 4567, the country code is 1. In +44 20 7946 0958, the country code is 44. This system follows the ITU's E.164 numbering plan, which is the standard reference for all international calling codes and dialing. If the number you have does not include a plus sign, you can often still identify the country code by recognizing that it is the prefix you would dial after the international access code from your own country.
Use an online country code directory
If you cannot identify the code by sight, a web-based country code directory is a reliable next step. These directories maintain searchable databases of international numbers and their associated countries.
- Choose a reputable online directory that is frequently updated and verified for accuracy.
- Enter the phone number into the site's search field. Some directories require the full international number including the plus sign, while others only need the digits after the country code.
- Review the results, which should display the country code and may also show the country's location and time zone.
- Verify the result against another source if the number is important, such as for a business transaction.
This method is convenient because the directories are free to access and provide immediate results without installing any software.
Look up the code with a mobile app
Mobile apps can identify the country or region of a phone number without requiring you to memorize codes. These apps are especially useful when you need to look up numbers regularly.
- Open the app store on your device and search for a reputable app that offers country code lookup, such as PhoneArea or Call From Where?.
- Install the app. Call From Where? is free, works offline, and runs on iOS 16.6 and later.
- Type the phone number into the app. Call From Where? accepts a full number, a 3-digit area code, a city, a state, or a +country code.
- Review the result, which shows the country, region, or city associated with the number.
Keep in mind that apps like PhoneArea rely on publicly available telecom data, so carrier assignment information is only shown when that data is available in public datasets. The PhoneArea app listing says it can show carrier assignment info only when available in public datasets. Call From Where? The Call From Where?
When to check official ITU resources
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the body that maintains the E.164 standard for country codes. Its public materials, such as Operational Bulletin documents, include country code tables and specific entries for countries like Iran (+98) and South Africa (+27). However, the ITU's International Numbering Resources Database is restricted to ITU Member States and ITU-T Sector Members only. The ITU public database page shown in the results is restricted to ITU Member States and ITU-T Sector Members. There is no consumer-facing ITU tool that accepts a phone number and returns its country code. For most people, online directories and mobile apps are more practical than ITU documents, which are designed for telecommunications regulators and industry professionals rather than individual lookup. Contacting the phone service provider can be an effective approach to obtain the country code, as they possess comprehensive databases and technical expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions about country codes
What is a country code in a phone number?
A country code is the numerical prefix that must be dialed before the national phone number to reach someone in another country. It routes the call to the correct country and is defined by the ITU's E.164 numbering plan.
Do mobile phone numbers have country codes?
Yes, mobile phone numbers use the same country codes as landline numbers. When dialing an international mobile number, the country code is required to connect the call.
Can a country code change over time?
Country codes can change due to geopolitical shifts, changes in telecommunications regulations, or the introduction of new numbering plans. It is wise to check current information if you are unsure about a code.
Are country codes the same for all phone numbers within a country?
Yes, every phone number within a single country shares the same country code. The country code identifies the country, while the rest of the number identifies the specific subscriber within that country.
Related reading: What Is The Phone Number In International Format and What Is Us Country Code Phone.
