BlogHow to Check If a Number is VoIP?

Getting a call from an unknown number often brings a moment of hesitation. Is it an important update or just another scam attempt? The rise of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers has made it even harder to tell. While many businesses and professionals use VoIP for legitimate communication, fraudsters also take advantage of it to hide their identity.

This uncertainty leaves you stuck: ignoring the call might mean missing something important, but answering could expose you to scams or harassment.

In this guide, you’ll discover simple ways to check if a number is VoIP, helping you make an informed decision about whether to answer, block, or return the call.

Key Highlights:

  • A VoIP phone number is a virtual number that lets you make and receive calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
  • VoIP numbers are affordable, flexible, feature-rich, ideal for remote work, and accessible globally.
  • While scammers may use VoIP for anonymity, most VoIP numbers are used by businesses and professionals for affordable, flexible, and global communication.
  • You can check if a number is VoIP by using reverse phone lookup services, carrier lookup tools, CNAM databases, or by directly contacting the carrier for confirmation.
  • Popular VoIP checker tools include ClearoutPhone, NumLookup, Whitepages, Twilio Lookup, and Telnyx Number Lookup, for instant number verification.

What is a VoIP Phone Number?

A VoIP phone number is a telephone number that uses Voice over Internet Protocol technology to make and receive calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Unlike landline or mobile numbers that are tied to a specific location or SIM card, a VoIP number is virtual; it can be used on any device with an internet connection, such as a smartphone, laptop, or desk phone.

Why Do People Use VoIP Phone Numbers?

VoIP phone numbers are widely used since they reduce calling expenses, allow users to work from any location with internet, and offer advanced communication tools. They also help companies expand smoothly and connect with customers globally through local numbers.

  1. Lower Costs: VoIP services are generally more affordable than traditional landline or mobile plans, especially for long-distance or international calls.
     
  2. Location Independence: VoIP numbers are not tied to a physical location or device. This means users can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection using smartphones, computers, or VoIP phones.
     
  3. Scalability: VoIP phone systems are easy to scale. Businesses can quickly add or remove numbers, extensions, or users without the need for new hardware or complicated installations.
     
  4. Advanced Features: VoIP numbers often come with advanced business communication features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, call recordings, and more.
     
  5. Global presence: Businesses can set up virtual numbers in different countries to build trust and make it easier for international customers to reach them.

How to Check If a Number is VoIP?

You can check if a number is VoIP using methods like reverse phone lookup services, carrier lookup tools, CNAM databases, or by directly contacting the carrier. These approaches reveal whether the number is linked to a mobile, landline, or VoIP provider, helping you verify its authenticity.

1. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup Service

One of the simplest ways to find out if a phone number is VoIP is by using a reverse phone lookup service. These tools search public telecom databases and carrier records to give you useful details about the number. You’ll see information like the carrier, whether it’s a mobile, landline, or VoIP number, and sometimes even the general location or owner’s name.

Some of the popular VoIP checker reverse lookup services include ClearoutPhone, NumLookup, and Whitepages. Here's how each of these tools can help you determine if a phone number is VoIP.


a. ClearoutPhone


ClearoutPhone is an online VoIP number checker that helps you determine whether a phone number is virtual, mobile, or landline. It gathers data from global telecom databases, analyzes the signal, and recognizes number patterns to check if the phone number is VoIP.

You can check up to 100 numbers for free using this tool. And it delivers results in seconds for every search. To check if a number is VoIP using ClearOutPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the ClearoutPhone Line Type Checker.
  2. Enter the phone number in the provided search field.
  3. Click Validate.
  4. The results will display whether the number is VoIP or not.

b. NumLookup


NumLookup is one of the most widely used free reverse phone lookup services in the United States. It lets you instantly check whether a number is VoIP, mobile, or landline and see the carrier name. You can also access details such as the owner’s full name, location, address, and even linked social media profiles when available.

NumLookup is known for gathering data from multiple sources and providing real-time results. To check if the number is VoIP or not through NumLookup, follow the given procedure:

  1. Visit the official site of NumLookup.
  2. Enter the number you want to check.
  3. Click on the search button.
  4. NumLookup will generate a report with the details about the number.

c. Whitepages


Whitepages is one of the oldest reverse phone lookup services in the U.S. It allows you to identify whether a number is VoIP, mobile, or landline, while also showing details like the owner’s name, address history, and carrier information. In addition, Whitepages often flags numbers that may be associated with spam or fraud, making it useful for spotting suspicious VoIP activity.

The platform offers both free basic lookups and paid premium reports for more detailed information, such as background checks, property records, and criminal history. To check if a number is VoIP using Whitepages, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official site of Whitepages.
  2. Click on Reverse Phone and add the number.
  3. Click on Search.

2. Check with Carrier Lookup Tools

Another effective way to find out if a number is VoIP is by using a carrier lookup tool. These tools query telecom databases to reveal which carrier issued the number and whether it belongs to a mobile line, landline, or VoIP provider. These tools rely directly on telecom registry data, which makes them highly accurate.

Some popular carrier lookup tools include Twilio Lookup, Telnyx Number Lookup, and CarrierLookup.

3. Use CNAM (Caller ID Name) Lookup

CNAM lookup is another method for checking whether a number is VoIP. CNAM is the database that stores the caller ID information linked to phone numbers. By running a lookup, you can see details such as the registered caller’s name, line type, and carrier information.

While traditional numbers often display a verified name or business, VoIP numbers may return generic labels like “Wireless Caller,” “VoIP Caller,” or sometimes no name at all.

4. Contact the Carrier

If you’re still uncertain, you can directly contact the carrier to check if a number is VoIP or not. Firstly, identify the carrier of the number and reach out to them through emails or phone calls. The telecom carriers are often open to providing you with the number information. This method may take a little longer, but you get the most accurate result.

Wrapping Up

Identifying whether a number is VoIP can help you make safer choices about which calls to answer. With tools like reverse lookups, carrier checks, and CNAM databases, you can quickly verify a number and protect yourself from unwanted risks.

At the same time, it’s worth remembering that VoIP isn’t just a tool for scammers—it’s a powerful technology trusted by businesses worldwide. Affordable, flexible, and easy to manage, VoIP numbers allow you to stay connected from anywhere.

If you’re ready to take advantage of those benefits, Calilio is a smart choice. As a cloud-based phone system, it gives you virtual numbers from 100+ countries, advanced call management features, and the freedom to call and text from any device.
 

Try Calilio today and experience a better way to connect.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to tell if a phone number is VoIP?

Yes, you can check if a number is VoIP. There are several reverse phone lookup services and Caller ID apps available that determine the type of number and its origin.

Is a VoIP number a real phone number?

What is the difference between VoIP numbers and mobile numbers?

Should I be concerned if someone is using a VoIP number?

FAQ Illustration

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