What area code is 212?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 212 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
212 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 212
Manhattan2 communities on record for 212.
Where 212 sits on the map
Overlay: 646, 332Coverage area
About the 212 region
212 covers Manhattan in New York, including New York City. The code has been in service since 1947 and is one of the original North American area codes.
As the Manhattan region grew, 212 ran low on available numbers, so 646 and 332 were added as overlay codes over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
Created for all of New York City; 1984: split to create 718 for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island; 1992: the Bronx switched to 718; 1992: overlaid by 917; 1999: overlaid by 646; 2017: overlaid by 332.
Who called me from 212?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 212 does not prove the caller is really in the 212 region or even in the United States.
- Avoid calling back unknown one-ring numbers — some premium-rate scams rely on curiosity callbacks.
- Never share verification codes, payment details, or remote access during an unsolicited call, even if the caller claims to be your bank or a government agency.
- When a 212 call pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization directly through its official number.
Be the first to add a community report for a 212 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 212?+–
212 is the original area code for New York City, now covering Manhattan and highly sought after. It shares Manhattan with the 646 and 332 overlays.
Where is area code 212 located?+–
It covers New York, including New York City in New York.
What cities are in area code 212?+–
Major communities on record include New York City. The code's territory spans the Manhattan region of New York.
What time zone is 212?+–
212 observes Eastern (ET), which is UTC−5 / −4 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 212 start?+–
212 entered service in 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes. Its history: created for all of New York City; 1984: split to create 718 for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island; 1992: the Bronx switched to 718; 1992: overlaid by 917; 1999: overlaid by 646; 2017: overlaid by 332.
Why do calls to 212 require 10-digit dialing?+–
212 shares its territory with overlay code 646 and 332. Because both codes serve the same geographic area, the phone network needs all 10 digits to route a call, and calls between the codes are still local.
Is 212 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 212 included — caller ID is easy to spoof, so the code alone does not tell you who is really calling. Check the community reports on this page before calling back an unknown 212 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 212 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 212 number regardless of where you physically live.