What area code is 256?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 256 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
256 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 256
HuntsvilleShowing 12 of 68 recorded communities — major cities first.
Where 256 sits on the map
Overlay: 938Coverage area
About the 256 region
256 covers Huntsville in Alabama, including Decatur Metropolitan Area, The Shoals, Anniston, Albertville and Alexander City. The code has been in service since 1998.
As the Huntsville region grew, 256 ran low on available numbers, so 938 was added as an overlay code over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
Split of 205; 2010: overlaid by 938.
Who called me from 256?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 256 does not prove the caller is really in the 256 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 256 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 256 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 256?+–
256 is a telephone area code serving Huntsville in Alabama, United States, in service since 1998.
Where is area code 256 located?+–
It covers Blount County, Calhoun County, Cherokee County and other counties, including Decatur Metropolitan Area, The Shoals, Anniston, Albertville and Alexander City in Alabama.
What cities are in area code 256?+–
Major communities on record include Decatur Metropolitan Area, The Shoals, Anniston, Albertville and Alexander City, among others. The code's territory spans the Huntsville region of Alabama.
What time zone is 256?+–
256 observes Central (CT), which is UTC−6 / −5 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 256 start?+–
256 entered service in 1998. Its history: split of 205; 2010: overlaid by 938.
Why do calls to 256 require 10-digit dialing?+–
256 shares its territory with overlay code 938. 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 256 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 256 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 256 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 256 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 256 number regardless of where you physically live.