How can I look up a mobile phone number?
Sometimes you urgently need someone's mobile number, but you forgot to save it or ask for it. Or maybe you have received several missed calls from the same number and want to find out who is trying to reach you. There are several ways to do this.
Looking up someone's mobile number
In Belgium, privacy laws make it difficult to link a phone number to a person. However, you can try using online directories or directory enquiry services such as 1404. Below are the most practical ways to look up a mobile number.
Looking up a mobile number in an online directory
Are you looking for the mobile number of someone whose name or Belgian postcode you know? The easiest way to look up a mobile number is through an online directory. However, this will only work if the person has chosen to have their mobile number listed.
For example, you can visit the White Pages website. Enter the person’s name and postcode and, with a bit of luck, you will find the phone number you are looking for. There are also other websites you can use, such as infobel.be.
Is the person whose mobile number you are trying to find self-employed? If so, there is a good chance that you can find the number in the online database at goldenpages.be. Small business owners often use their mobile number as their business number, making it easier for customers to reach them.
Looking up a phone number by calling 1404
You can also call 1404 for both directory enquiries within Belgium and international directory enquiries. However, these services are not free. The rate varies depending on the operator and the duration of the call, but a single enquiry may cost several euros.
Looking up a phone number to find out who called you
The reverse search is much easier. If you already have a phone number, but do not know who is trying to reach you, there are more ways to identify the person. Here are the main options.
Adding a mobile number to WhatsApp
Most people use WhatsApp, and their profile is always linked to their phone number. You can use this to find out who is trying to call you. Simply add the phone number to your contacts by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android smartphone
- Tap the icon to create a new message
- Select “New Contact”
- Enter any name and add the mobile number
- Tap “Save” in the upper-right corner
You will now see the WhatsApp profile picture of the owner of the mobile number. Their first and last name will also often appear in the profile description.
Do you want to block someone so they can no longer call or text you? You can block their phone number.
Find out how to do thisSearching Google for a phone number
Searching Google for the mobile number of a private individual will usually not produce any results. It can also be difficult to find out who owns a particular mobile number.
Why should you still use Google? Because you can quickly identify phishing and call center numbers. Many websites allow people to report these phone numbers and leave reviews. This lets you see immediately whether it is worth calling back or answering the next time the number calls.
Do you regularly receive unwanted calls or text messages? Depending on the number calling, you can take various actions.
Find out what you can do
Good to know
In accordance with legal requirements, Proximus automatically filters fraudulent calls and text messages before they reach your mobile phone. This helps reduce the risk of phishing and scams.
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