Cold calling? That’s probably why you’re here. Or maybe you’re trying to reconnect with someone, track down an old flame, or — no judgment — plan the world’s most harmless prank.
Whatever your reason (as long as it’s legal), you need to find a phone number and fast.
We’ve been there, scrolling through the same recycled tips on Google that never seem to work.
So, instead of giving you the usual runaround, we’re cutting to the chase with real, tested ways to find the numbers you need.
Let’s get to it.
Use an online tool
If the person has a LinkedIn profile, Wiza can help you pull their contact information, including their phone number and email.
How it works:
- Install Wiza’s Chrome extension and search for the person on LinkedIn.
- Use the tool to extract their contact details by clicking the “Find email and phone number” button.
The phone number will appear on the right side of the page. You can either copy it directly or save it to a list within the tool for bulk download.
You can also log in to Wiza for free, click the “Prospect” tab at the top of the screen, and use the “Personal Filters” on the left side of the screen to search for the contact’s first and last name.
Since Wiza’s database is updated frequently, you can trust that you’ll get the correct phone number and email address — and if it isn’t, Wiza’s team will refund the credits you spent.
There are also other tools you can try. For example, Whitepages is a classic option. It’s been around for years and remains a reliable tool for public directory searches, particularly in the U.S.
- Head to Whitepages
- Enter the person’s full name and location (if you know it)
- Browse the results for their phone number or other contact details.
There’s a distinction between premium records and free ones. The results at the top offer a full report that starts at $1 — but if you scroll down, you can find records that you can browse for free.
They might not be as thorough or accurate, but there may be landline or mobile numbers you can use there.
To give you more options, we tested ZoomInfo and Apollo as well.
Apollo.io allows you to search and filter for contacts within the platform, finding the best fits along the way. Unlike other tools, you can also reach out to these contacts directly within the tool. You can set up automated email sequences, send cold emails, or use the dialer to start a call with a click.
This makes Apollo.io a good option if you want to improve your sales processes as you search for new contacts.
- The free plan offers up to unlimited email credits per month, with 60 mobile credits included. As you upgrade, you’ll get access to deeper data insights, more automation tools, and more integrations.
- ZoomInfo is the only one on the list that you can’t use for free, but it’s still really good if you’re looking to invest in a business tool.
- Like Apollo.io, it’s a better fit if you’re looking to speed up your existing sales processes. It has a deep contact database focused on companies, advanced search tools for filtering people, and features to track signals and changes so you can call your leads at the right time.
On top of these, there are tools you can use to analyze your efforts, improve your sales team performance, and keep growing with high-quality leads.
There is a lot of controversy around the pricing for teams since it is custom quoted. We’ve found many different plans on Reddit.
It’s a good pick if you’re really committed to expanding your sales tool arsenal, but it may be overkill for most small and medium businesses.
You’ve found the number, what’s next?
Finding someone’s phone number is only half the battle — what you do after can make or break the connection.
Whether it’s a personal outreach, recruitment, or a cold call for business, the next steps require thought, strategy, and a clear plan.
This isn’t the time for generic messages or awkwardly winging a call.
1. Personal outreach, call or text?
If it’s a personal reason, context and timing are everything. Ask yourself:
- Does this need an immediate response? Call
- Could this catch them off guard? Text first to set the tone.
When to send a text:
- Reconnecting after a long time
- Non-urgent topics like catching up or asking a casual question.
Example to copy and paste:
Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name].
I found your number and wanted to reconnect about [specific reason].
Let me know if it’s okay to call, or we can chat here!
When to call directly:
- It’s urgent or time-sensitive
- You’re certain they’d recognize your name or reason.
2. Cold calling
Cold calling is tricky, but follow-up is key to making the effort worthwhile.
Steps to take:
- Prepare for the call. Know their name, company, and why you’re reaching out.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [First Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company].
Quick question — are you the best person to speak to about [specific challenge or opportunity]?
(Pause for their response)
Great! We’ve helped companies like [relevant example] achieve [specific result] in [short timeframe], and I think we could do something similar for you.
Would 30 seconds now or a follow-up email work better?
- Next, follow up with an email. If they don’t answer or seem interested, send an email that reinforces your message and adds value.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [First Name], it was great connecting earlier!
I wanted to follow up with more details about [specific topic/product].
Let me know if you’d like to continue the conversation.
- Lastly, track responses. Log the call and email details in your CRM for follow-up scheduling.
In our campaign, we used cold calls to reach 30 potential clients. While only five answered, following up with personalized emails led to three booked meetings.
3. Recruitment calls
When reaching out to potential hires, the goal is to make them feel valued—not like just another name on a list.
What to say:
- Start with a genuine compliment about their work.
- Mention the role and why you think they’re a great fit.
- Respect their time by keeping the call short and focused.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company].
I came across your work in [specific field], and I’m really impressed.
We’re hiring for [specific role], and I think your skills in [specific area] would be a fantastic fit.
Would you have a moment to discuss this further?
- Follow-up tip: If they don’t answer, leave a professional voicemail and follow up with a LinkedIn message or email.
Wrapping Up
Finding someone’s phone number doesn’t have to be an endless hunt across the internet. With the right tools, a strategic approach, and a little know-how, you can track down the contact info you need efficiently and ethically.
Now that you’ve got the tools and tips, it’s time to put them to use. Have other strategies worked for you? Share them in the comments — we’d love to learn from your experience!
Commonly asked questions
How can I find someone’s phone number by their name?
You can use tools like Whitepages, TrueCaller, or ZoomInfo to search for a phone number by entering the person’s full name. Adding additional details like location or company can improve your search results.
How do you find a person’s phone number?
Start by checking LinkedIn profiles, company websites, or social media accounts, as some people list their contact details publicly. For more specific searches, try tools like Wiza, Hunter.io, or Apollo.io to source and verify numbers efficiently.
What is the app that finds people’s phone numbers?
There are several apps and platforms designed for this purpose. TrueCaller is great for personal phone numbers, while Wiza, ZoomInfo, and Apollo.io are tailored for professional contact details.
Is there a free way to look up a phone number?
Yes, tools like Whitepages (basic version) and TrueCaller offer free options for finding phone numbers. Additionally, LinkedIn’s “Contact Info” section or social media bios can sometimes provide numbers at no cost. Premium tools may be required for bulk needs or more advanced data.
