In this guide, you will find information about the prefixes used by mobile operators and how to identify the owner of a phone number in Switzerland.
When receiving a call from an unknown number, it is common to wonder which operator or region the prefix belongs to. This guide will help you determine the mobile provider associated with a number and how to identify who called you.
Before continuing, remember that to call in Switzerland, you need a mobile subscription or an affordable prepaid plan with included calls to avoid high per-minute charges.
What Are the Mobile Phone Prefixes in Switzerland?
Before number portability was introduced, mobile prefixes could clearly indicate the operator of a phone number. Today, however, it is no longer possible to determine the provider with certainty.
Nevertheless, Switzerland has five official mobile prefixes: 074, 076, 077, 078 e 079.
If a number has never been ported to another operator, the default assignment is as follows:
075: Swisscom
076: Sunrise, Lebara, yallo, Quickline, TalkTalk e Aldi Suisse
077: Lycamobile, M-Budget Mobile, Mucho, Wingo
078: Salt (in precedenza Orange), Coop Mobile e UPC
079: Swisscom
Swiss Mobile Number Format Example
A Swiss mobile number follows the international format:
📞 +41 7X XXX XX XX
+41 → Swiss country code
7X → Mobile operator prefix
For example:
+41 79 123 45 67 → Swisscom
+41 76 987 65 43 → Sunrise
The leading zero in the 7X prefix is removed when using the international format.
Who Called Me on My Mobile?
As mentioned earlier, due to number portability, it is not always possible to determine the exact operator of a number. However, several free online tools can help you identify the caller without having to return the call.
Step 1: Check the Country Code
First, note the phone number and pay close attention to the international prefix:
+41 prefix → Indicates a Swiss number
Other prefixes → The call originates from abroad
Step 2: Use Free Online Tools to Identify the Caller
Here are the best tools available in Switzerland to check who called you:
📌 Search(.ch)
Provides access to a phone directory
Search by entering the phone number
Works for both individuals and businesses
Database contains over 2 million entries
📌 Local(.ch)
Same group as Search(.ch)
Includes businesses and professional services
Allows local searches by city
📌 Truecaller
N.1 caller identification app worldwide
If a number is registered in Truecaller, it will show the caller’s name
Allows spam call reports and automatic call filtering
📌 2link(.be)
Available only in Dutch
Collects global phone directories
Useful for fixed-line numbers registered in official directories
Note: These tools are more effective for landlines calls and business numbers but may not always work for mobile numbers.
Step 3: Additional Methods to Identify a Caller
If the tools above do not help, try these alternative methods:
Check Messaging Apps
WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger can reveal the caller’s profile
Save the number in your contacts and check if a profile picture or name appears
Ask the Community
Tellows: A community-driven platform that ranks phone numbers with a trust score (1-9)
Sync(.me): An open-source phone directory with millions of registered numbers
Stay Informed with internet-offer
Explore more guides and articles in our Magazine to get useful tips for living in Switzerland.
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