How To Find Your Landline Number

Finding your landline number might seem like a simple task, but many people are caught off guard when asked for it. Whether you have just moved house, installed a new phone line or simply never use your home phone, it is not unusual to forget or be unsure of the actual number connected to your landline.

This guide explains how to find your landline number in the UK, whether you have a phone plugged in or not. It also covers what to do if your phone is not working, how to check using different devices or services, and what to avoid when trying to uncover your number.

Why You Might Not Know Your Landline Number

In an age where mobile phones are the primary form of communication, many people have a landline only for broadband access or emergencies. Some homes even have a phone socket without a handset connected, making it difficult to confirm the number.

Landline numbers are usually assigned when the service is installed, but unless you make or receive regular calls using it, the number may not be written down or remembered. In rented properties, tenants often inherit a working line without any clear documentation.

Luckily, there are several easy ways to identify the number associated with your landline.

Call Another Phone to Display the Number

The simplest and most direct method is to plug a working phone into your landline socket and call a mobile. If caller ID is enabled, your landline number will show up on the mobile screen. Make sure the mobile has signal and is not set to hide caller information.

This method is quick and accurate, but it does rely on having a working handset and call credit if your provider charges for outgoing calls. If your line is restricted to broadband only or does not have outgoing call capability, you may need to try another approach.

Use the 17070 Line Test Service

In the UK, you can often dial 17070 from a BT or Openreach-supported landline to access a test line. This service plays an automated voice message that includes your phone number. It is designed for engineers but is commonly used by residents to identify their landline number.

The 17070 number does not charge and works with most traditional providers. If it does not work or is unavailable through your current setup, your provider may offer an alternative.

Check Paperwork or Online Accounts

If your landline was installed recently, the number will usually appear on your contract, order confirmation, welcome letter or installation report. Most broadband and phone providers also list your landline number in your online account dashboard or in your billing information.

Logging into your provider’s portal is often the fastest way to confirm your number if you cannot or prefer not to plug in a phone.

Ask Your Provider Directly

If none of the above methods are suitable, contact your broadband or phone provider. They can look up your account and confirm the number associated with your address. You may need to answer a few security questions, but once verified, they will provide the correct number.

This option is especially useful if you are not sure which provider owns the line or if the number was transferred from a previous address.

Using a Cordless or Digital Phone

If your phone is a cordless or digital handset, it may show the number on the screen automatically. Some models display the registered number in the settings or call menu. Check the instruction manual or the on-screen menu for options like “Line Info” or “My Number”.

While this method is not universal, it can save time if the phone already stores the number by default.

What If You Have No Handset at All?

In cases where you only use the landline for broadband and do not have a handset, calling your provider is usually the most practical option. You could also ask a previous occupant or landlord, but keep in mind that some properties may have multiple historical numbers, especially if the line has been reactivated or changed.

If you plan to use the line for calls in future, it is worth connecting a basic handset or investing in a corded phone so you can test the line, receive calls and check voicemail if needed.

Avoid Guessing or Relying on Mobile Apps

Some mobile apps claim to identify your landline number using signal detection or location-based data. These are not reliable and should not be used to determine your official landline number. Your number is assigned by the telecoms provider and is not discoverable through mobile networks or third-party tools.

For official use, such as registering the number with services or setting up call forwarding, always confirm it directly using a verified method.

Conclusion

Finding your landline number is usually straightforward, provided you have access to a working phone or your online account. Calling a mobile, dialling 17070 or checking your provider’s paperwork are the most effective options. If in doubt, your provider can confirm the number for you. In a digital age where landlines are less frequently used, it is still important to know the number assigned to your line, particularly if you rely on it for broadband or home services.