We have a database of contacts and their phone numbers, and we would like to validate whether these phone numbers actually exists. I googled and did not find any solution. I am looking for one of the following, though I prefer the first option.

1. Write code using existing phone library to check whether the phone of the contact actually exists. Probably we make the phone ring once or twice

2. Use an existing software that can be used to ring the phone and validate user contact number manually.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I've been working on an application that sends text messages to phone numbers. What I found is that text messages are actually handled from STMP. When you send a text message, it's being sent to

[email protected]

For example

[email protected] would refer to Verizon's number.

Hypothetically, then, you can check if a number exists by querying every service provider and checking for a response. Not sure if this will work with landlines.

You can find a list of service providers here

I would iterate through each of the providers on the list and check if you can extract a response. If you can't, time to change gears- a phone directory will contain landline numbers. We've eliminated every number on the American grid except any cell phone without texting, which is becoming increasingly rare.

Update: This technique is effective, but it can be illegal in some states if abused, and you may incur messaging charges. This should only be used to check a few select numbers, rather than attempting to profile users who haven't given consent for their info to be used.