UK Mobile Numbers Format and Prefixes: A Comprehensive Guide
UK MOBILE NUMBER FORMAT GUIDE
07XXX XXXXXX for local calls and +44 7XXX XXXXXX in international format (you drop the leading 0). The “07” prefix signals a mobile, and the next digits identify the network range, while the remaining subscriber numbers are unique to each user. This guide explains the correct UK phone number format, common prefixes and how to recognise different types of UK mobile numbers.Mobile phones are a key part of everyday life in the United Kingdom, but the way UK mobile numbers are formatted can be confusing. Different prefixes, networks and number types (mobile, geographic, non-geographic and virtual) all follow specific rules. In this guide, we’ll break down the UK mobile number format, explain common prefixes and network ranges, and show you how to write UK phone numbers correctly in both national and international formats.
Basic Structure of UK Mobile Numbers
A standard UK mobile number is 11 digits long and always starts with 07. This is reserved for mobiles in the UK telephone number system.
07123 456 789 | 07456 789 012Correct format examples (international format):
+44 7123 456 789 | +44 7456 789 012(Replace the leading
0 with +44, the country code for the United Kingdom.)In simple terms, the basic UK number format for mobiles looks like this:
07XX XXX XXXX – national format for calls and texts inside the UK+44 7XX XXX XXXX – international format for calls and messages from abroad
The first few digits after 07 identify the network range, while the remaining subscriber numbers are unique to each customer. This structure helps networks route phone calls, texts and data to the right device across different geographic areas.
UK Mobile Network Providers and Their Prefixes
Historically, different networks were allocated specific 07 prefixes. Even though mobile number portability now lets you keep your number when you change provider, these prefixes still give a hint about the original network range.
Below are some example UK mobile prefixes. Each prefix is linked so you can search Numbers Market for numbers starting with that range.
| Mobile network | Example prefixes (click to search) |
|---|---|
| EE | 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979, 07777 |
| O2 | 07971, 07972, 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979 |
| Three | 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979 |
| Vodafone | 07771, 07772, 07773, 07774, 07775, 07776, 07778, 07779 |
| Virgin Mobile | 07410, 07411, 07412, 07413, 07414, 07415, 07416, 07417, 07418, 07419 |
Some MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), such as giffgaff or Tesco Mobile, share the same underlying network and therefore use the same UK mobile numbers ranges as their host network.
Types of UK Mobile and Telephone Numbers
When you’re formatting UK phone numbers, it helps to understand the different number types you might see in the UK telephone number system.
1. Standard mobile numbers
These are the everyday mobile numbers UK customers use for calls, texts, WhatsApp and data. They use the 07 prefix and follow the standard phone number format UK: 07XX XXX XXXX or +44 7XX XXX XXXX for international calls.
2. Geographic numbers
Geographic numbers are linked to a specific geographic area and usually start with 01 or 02. They are not mobile numbers but are included here because many people mix them up when formatting UK phone numbers. For example, a London geographic number could be written as:
020 7123 4567 – local UK format+44 20 7123 4567 – international format
3. Non-geographic and service numbers
Non-geographic numbers are not tied to a specific town or city. They are often used for businesses, customer service, helplines and national destinations:
- 03 numbers – national-rate, often used by businesses and public sector.
-
08 numbers – include freephone numbers such as
0800, plus other service ranges. - 09 numbers – premium-rate services.
These are not mobile numbers, but they follow specific access codes and rules for pricing and are important to understand when working with UK phone numbers in general.
4. Virtual and VoIP mobile numbers
Virtual mobile numbers and VoIP-based numbers are not tied to a single physical SIM card. Businesses use them for:
- Call forwarding to local numbers or multiple phones
- Separating personal and business calls
- Marketing campaigns and tracking phone calls from adverts
They still follow the standard UK mobile number format, so they look like normal UK phone numbers to callers.
Formatting UK Phone Numbers Correctly
When you write or store phone numbers in the UK, consistency matters. It helps people dial the right number, and it also avoids errors when importing or exporting data between systems.
07XXX XXXXXX – mobile01XXX XXXXXX or 02XX XXXX XXXX – landline / geographicInternational format (outside the UK):
+44 7XXX XXXXXX – mobile+44 1XXX XXXXXX or +44 20 XXXX XXXX – geographicThe simplest rule for formatting UK phone numbers is:
- Remove the leading
0. - Add
+44in front for the international format. - Keep spaces in sensible places so the number is easy to read.
This works for local numbers, mobiles, and most national destinations, as long as the number itself is valid.
FAQs: UK Mobile Number Format
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the basic format of UK mobile numbers?
- UK mobile numbers are 11 digits long and start with 07. A typical example is
07123 456 789. In international format, it becomes+44 7123 456 789. - How can I identify the mobile network provider from the number?
- The digits after
07form the prefix and indicate the original network range – for example,07771is a Vodafone range. Because of number portability, the current network may be different, but the prefix still reflects the original allocation. - Are virtual mobile numbers different from regular ones?
- Yes. Virtual numbers aren’t tied to a single physical SIM. They can forward calls or messages to other phones and are often used for business, marketing and customer service, while still following the same UK mobile number format.
- What are MVNOs?
- MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use another network’s infrastructure. For example, an MVNO on O2 will often use the same UK mobile numbers ranges and prefixes as O2 itself.
- Are non-geographic numbers free to call?
- Some freephone numbers, like
0800, are typically free from most UK mobiles and landlines. Other non-geographic ranges may be charged differently, so it’s always worth checking with your provider before making long or frequent international calls or service calls.