What area code is 686?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 686 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
686 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 686
Richmond (overlay)4 communities on record for 686.
Where 686 sits on the map
Overlay of 804Coverage area
About the 686 region
686 covers Richmond in Virginia, including Petersburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The code has been in service since 2024.
686 itself is an overlay: it shares its territory with 804 and was introduced when those codes ran low on new number combinations. New lines may receive either code, calls between them are local, and 10-digit dialing is required across the region.
Overlaid on 804.
Who called me from 686?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 686 does not prove the caller is really in the 686 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 686 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 686 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 686?+–
686 is a telephone area code serving Richmond in Virginia, United States, in service since 2024.
Where is area code 686 located?+–
It covers Petersburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula in Virginia.
What cities are in area code 686?+–
Major communities on record include Petersburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The code's territory spans the Richmond region of Virginia.
What time zone is 686?+–
686 observes Eastern (ET), which is UTC−5 / −4 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 686 start?+–
686 entered service in 2024. Its history: overlaid on 804.
Why does area code 686 exist?+–
686 is an overlay of 804: it covers the exact same territory and was introduced when the original code ran low on new number combinations. New lines may receive either code, calls between them are local, and 10-digit dialing applies.
Is 686 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 686 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 686 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 686 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 686 number regardless of where you physically live, although in an overlaid region you may be assigned 804 instead.