Google: the fastest Phonebook on the Web
There are many web phone number directories, but none as close to your fingertips as is Google’s search field. Sure, like many of the things we cover in GoogleTutor, it’s been around for a while. But, also like many of the things that have been around for a while, barely anyone knows about them!
Google provides an excellent directory of residential and business phone numbers in the United States. With Google Phonebook you’ll be able to:
- search residential listings separately
- search business listings separately
- search both business and residential listings together
- perform a reverse number lookup
Looking Up Phone Numbers
There are three operators that perform the searches for a phone number (we’ll get into the reverse directory lookup later). These are:
- rphonebook: Search the residential listings
- bphonebook: Search the business listings
- phonebook: Search both residential and business listings
The format for these operators is [operator] [name] [location]
A search beginning with any of these operators brings up Google’s Phonebook search results page. A search of both business and residential combined (phonebook:) will list up to five matches for each of the two phone books, with links to display more. The other two operators display a longer initial page of matches.
If you are looking for a business, Google Phonebook will simply look for a match of your search term word or phrase (multiple words are considered a phrase–won’t be reordered) in the listing business name.
The location can be a zip code, a city or a state. If you’re looking for a Smith, you better narrow it down to zip code if you can. If you’re looking up Shiblowski, it probably doesn’t matter.
Here is an example of finding a specific individual, zip code known:
- rphonebook: Aaron Smith 92101
Here is an example of finding all plumbing companies in Los Angeles; state not required due to uniqueness):
- bphonebook: Plumbing Los Angeles
Here is an example of finding a CPA in Belmont; unsure if listed in business or residential
- phonebook: Stevens Belmont, CA
Wildcards are not permitted and just using a portion of a word does not act as a wildcard. For example, using “Plumb” will not find “Plumbing.” However, putting in one or more full words of a multi-word listing name will work as a “wild card;” i.e. “Plumbing” shows all listings with the word “Plumbing” in the name.
You can also use a logical OR for the residential or business name, but not for the location. This could be helpful if there are several ways similar business might describe themselves. For example, if you had some clothes you need altered you might need to look up both sewing and alterations. Or, for a residential listing you might not know if a last name is spelled Fleming or Flemming:
- bphonebook: (sewing | alterations) los angeles
- rphonebook: john (fleming | flemming) ca
Doing a Reverse Lookup
All of the three operators can be used for a reverse number lookup using the format [operator] [phone number]. Area code is required. The following looks up the phone number 805-555-1234 in either directory:
- phonebook: 805-555-1234
Asking Google to Remove Your Listing
If you aren’t happy that Google has your name listed, you can go to the Google Phonebook Removal Page to request that they remove it.
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The problem is that no web directory is 100% current or accurate. Most of the data comes from two companies but databases are updated in different times. Also, some directories offer more data (ie. middle initials) than others. This is why a federated search tool can check various databases simultaneously, remove dupes, and provide plety of post processing power. One tool, free, called Argali does all of this, no spyware. Works great. Here’s a review I wrote for Search Engine Watch.
http://www.searchenginewatch.com/searchday/article.php/3091071
Also, most public libraries offer powerful online phone directories FREE without having to even go to the library building. For example:
http://www.slolibrary.org/einfo.htm
The San Luis Obispo Public Library offers access to the
American Business Info Database.
I love how google has so many hidden things that arent even published or talked about until someone comes upon them, they would be much bigger if they told people about there features.
Yes, that’s why I started this site–there is so much! Pass the site link to your friends; the more readers the more tips I’ll get from others to share!
I can’t get it to work…
What am I doing wrong?
For example,
phonebook pizza belmont, ca
Did not bring up the phonebook site – just websearch results for those keywords.
You need forgot the colon (:) after phonebook.
Awesome!
Thanks!
The phonebook has some problems:
“phonebook: (510) 651-9600″ will find Tri-City Worlds Largest Sporting Goods, but “phonebook: Tri-City Sporting Goods” doesn’t find anything.
London calling. Any tips on international phone searches, like UK, NZ, Spain etc.? Have needed a service like this for years but no good if only US?
Thanks,
James
How can I do a reverse phone number lookup for a # from London UK?
can’t get this to work for the life of me; i am trying :
rphonebook: charles brown 55066
it is definitely a person. howcome nothing?
Hello everyone ; thanks for the really catchy portal ! I have now all the thing that needed. Thanks! http://www.cordlesstoolsdirect.info
Many interesting information on your site – keep up good work
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Is the reverse lookup feature available for pages in India as well.
How can I do a reverse phone number lookup for a number from London UK?
The site\’\’s very professional! Keep up the good work! Oh yes, one extra comment – maybe you could add more pictures too! So, good luck to your team!N
How can I try to find the residential addresses or email for a celebrity like Sir Paul McCartney (yes, I know its silly…!) Thanks much!
It is annoying that lookup sites are listed as ‘free’ when they turn out not to be free at all!
Can it be used for UK phone numbers?
Hack again?!