What Is 192.com

Overview

192.com is a digital directory service that provides access to UK residential and business contact information. Originally launched in 1996, it evolved from a print-based phone directory model into a comprehensive online database. The platform aggregates publicly available data to help users locate individuals, verify addresses, and identify unknown callers.

As one of the earliest online directories in the UK, 192.com has maintained relevance by adapting to digital privacy standards and search expectations. It sources data from public records, telephone directories, and business registrations, ensuring accuracy through regular updates. The site supports both free and paid tiers, offering varying levels of detail depending on user needs.

• Founded in 1996, 192.com was among the first UK websites to digitize telephone directories, predating Google’s launch by two years.
• The platform covers over 30 million UK households, making it one of the most extensive residential databases in the country.
• It includes more than 2 million UK business listings, featuring contact details, company types, and geographic locations.
• 192.com offers reverse phone number lookup, allowing users to identify unknown callers with over 90% coverage of listed numbers.
• The service complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and allows individuals to request removal or opt-out of listings.

How It Works

192.com functions as a searchable database that enables users to find people, businesses, and property details through multiple search methods. Users can input names, phone numbers, or addresses to retrieve associated records, with additional tools for background checks and identity verification.

• Search by Name: Enter a person’s first and last name to find associated addresses and phone numbers across the UK. Results include current and past residential locations.
• Phone Number Lookup: Input a landline or mobile number to identify the owner and view linked addresses, useful for verifying unknown callers or spam detection.
• Address Search: Users can enter a postcode or full address to find residents, previous occupants, and nearby businesses in that area.
• Premium Reports: For £6.99 to £19.99, users access detailed reports including electoral roll history, property ownership, and associated individuals.
• Business Directory: Search by company name or sector to find contact details, registration numbers, and executive names for over 2 million UK businesses.
• Opt-Out Option: Individuals can request removal of their data through a verified process, ensuring compliance with UK privacy regulations and GDPR standards.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 192.com with similar UK directory and background check services based on coverage, pricing, and features.

192.com stands out for its comprehensive residential database and affordable premium reports. Unlike Yell or Thomson Local, it offers reverse phone lookups and detailed personal data, making it more suitable for identity verification. While some competitors offer free access, they lack the depth of individual records found on 192.com.

Why It Matters

192.com plays a significant role in personal, professional, and legal contexts by providing verified contact information. Its utility spans from reuniting lost friends to supporting due diligence in hiring and tenant screening processes.

• Family reunions: Users have successfully located long-lost relatives using name and address searches across the UK’s extensive database.
• Employer screening: Companies use 192.com to verify candidate addresses and contact details during background checks.
• Tenant verification: Landlords access premium reports to confirm applicant identities and previous residences before renting.
• Spam call identification: Reverse phone lookup helps users identify and block nuisance callers and potential scams.
• Legal investigations: Solicitors and investigators use the platform to locate witnesses or serve legal documents accurately.
• Data transparency: The opt-out feature empowers individuals to control their digital footprint in compliance with UK privacy laws.

As digital identity becomes increasingly important, platforms like 192.com balance accessibility with privacy. Its long-standing presence and regulatory compliance make it a trusted resource for verified UK contact information.