Complete Guide to Area Code 626: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re contacted from an unknown 626 number, you might be wondering who’s on the other end of the line. “What area code is 626” and are “626 numbers legit?” are just a few questions that may come to mind.

Whether you need to know who’s calling or want to get your own 626 number, this guide has all the answers you need to stay connected while keeping your personal info safe.

626 area code overview: key facts

Note: Older web summaries sometimes list Orange County or 310/424 as related to 626; CPUC’s official boundary shows 626 entirely within L.A. County’s San Gabriel Valley, and the bordering codes above reflect the most recent CPUC filing.

What area code is 626?

Area code 626 is a prefix assigned to telephone numbers originating out of Southern California, specifically servicing northeastern Los Angeles County and parts of the San Gabriel Valley. It was created in 1997 as the 16th area code in California, splitting off from its parent, area code 818.

626 area code location

Some well-known neighborhoods and cities in the 626 area code include:

• Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Alhambra
• San Gabriel
• Temple City
• Monterey Park
• Rosemead
• El Monte
• Sierra Madre
• South Pasadena

Zip codes serviced by the 626 area code

The 626 area code covers a variety of zip codes, including but not limited to:

• 91006, 91007 (Arcadia)
• 91101, 91103, 91104, 91105, 91106, 91107 (Pasadena)
• 91754, 91755 (Monterey Park)
• 91730 (part of Rancho Cucamonga)
• 91770 (Rosemead)
• 91775, 91776 (San Gabriel)
• 91780 (Temple City)
• 91801, 91803 (Alhambra)

Keep in mind, zip codes can overlap area codes, so this isn’t a complete list.

Local Landmarks

The 626 region is home to several famous landmarks in East Los Angeles:

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (San Marino)
• Santa Anita Park (Arcadia)
• Pasadena City Hall
• Old Pasadena (shopping and dining district)
• Rose Bowl Stadium (home to the UCLA Bruins football team and New Year
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area

Neighboring Area Codes

Area code 626 is bordered by several other area codes:

• 323 (Los Angeles)
• 818 (San Fernando Valley)
• 909 (Inland Empire)
• 562 (southeast LA County)
• 213/310 (central and west LA)

626 time zone & business tips

The 626 area runs on the Pacific Time (PT) zone—which is UTC -8:00 Standard, and UTC -7:00 during Daylight Savings for half of the year.

• Pacific Standard Time (PST): November to March
• Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): March to November

That said, it’s got a rhythm all its own. Businesses here are a mashup of old-school family operations and fresh immigrant hustle, so relationships matter.

If you want to get ahead, tap into the tight-knit local networks: show up at community events, support neighborhood causes, and don’t be afraid to get personal. Word-of-mouth is gold here, and trust is everything.

Remember, in the 626, a handshake and your reputation can open more doors than the fanciest pitch deck.

The history of area code 626

Back in 1948, when area codes first rolled out under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the 213 area code covered the whole of Los Angeles. Back then, the city was much smaller and didn't have the sprawling suburbs we see today.

Over the following decades, the population of Los Angeles grew rapidly—and so did the need for more phone numbers. The proliferation of mobile phones, fax machines, and pagers drove an exponential increase in the need for telephone numbers, making the creation of 626 essential to guarantee an adequate supply.

626/818 area code overlay

Area code 626 emerged officially in 1997 in response to the accelerating population boom and the escalating demand for telecommunications services within the San Gabriel Valley and its neighboring communities in Los Angeles County. It was carved from the preceeding 818 area code (which formed as a split off the 213 in 1984).

Rapidly, the 626 area code became associated with the eastern portion of the San Gabriel Valley, including cities like Pasadena, Arcadia, El Monte, and Alhambra. This area, celebrated for its diverse cultures and thriving suburban life, adopted the new area code as an integral part of its developing identity within the larger Los Angeles area.

Today, there are 11 different L.A. area codes servicing the metropolitan area, which is more than any other city in the U.S.

Why a 626 number still turns heads

Despite being nearly three decades old, a 626 number still carries a distinct sense of place and identity.

For locals, spotting those three digits immediately calls to mind the unique blend of suburban comfort, cultural vibrancy, and historic neighborhoods that define the San Gabriel Valley.

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Businesses often highlight their 626 numbers as a badge of local credibility, signaling roots in one of Southern California's most dynamic regions.

The 626 area code has even found its way into pop culture, referenced in music, art, and social media as shorthand for the communities it represents. Whether it’s a shoutout in a local restaurant’s Instagram bio or a nod in a viral TikTok, 626 is more than just a prefix—it’s a symbol of hometown pride.

For newcomers and longtime residents alike, having a 626 number feels like belonging to an unofficial club. It’s about more than geography; it’s about being part of a community with a shared history and a distinct vibe, all captured in just three digits.

How to get a 626 phone number

If you’re hoping to snag a 626 number for yourself or your business, the good news is it’s still entirely possible. Whether you’re setting up a new mobile line, opening an office in the San Gabriel Valley, or just want to rep your hometown, here’s what you need to know:

1. Choose a carrier
   Start by contacting your preferred mobile or landline service provider. Most major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and local companies—offer numbers in the 626 area.
2. Request your area code
   When signing up for new service, simply ask for a number with the 626 prefix. If numbers are available, the carrier will assign one to you. Some online services let you choose your exact number for an extra fee.
3. Port your number
   If you already have a phone number from another area code but want to switch to 626, ask your carrier about number porting options. You might be able to select a new number with the 626 code and keep your existing device.
4. Use virtual number services
   For businesses, virtual phone number apps and VoIP providers (like Google Voice, Grasshopper, or RingCentral) often let you pick your area code, making it easy to set up a 626 number—even if you’re not physically in the San Gabriel Valley.

Getting a 626 number is more than just a technical process—it’s a way to tap into the region’s identity and show your local pride. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, those three digits carry a little piece of the San Gabriel Valley with every call.

Spotting and blocking 626 area code scams

According to the National Do Not Call Registry, Los Angeles County ranked 21st out of 56 California counties for the most complaints filed in 2024, totaling 46,691. Of these, a significant 62% (29,988) were attributed to robocalls, while 33% (15,632) involved actual individuals attempting scams.

Red flags to watch out for

• Unsolicited offers: Be cautious of calls offering prizes, urgent deals, or financial windfalls out of the blue.
• Spoofed numbers: Scammers often use “neighbor spoofing,” making their number appear local to increase the odds you’ll pick up.
• Requests for sensitive info: Any legitimate business will never ask for your social security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone.
• Pressure tactics: If someone is trying to rush you into a decision or payment—especially with threats or scare tactics—hang up.

According to DNC 2024 data, the most common complaints filed by those in the 626 area code involved:

1. Imposter scams
2. Debt reduction schemes
3. Medical services and prescriptions

How to protect yourself from 626 scams

• Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
• Block suspicious numbers on your phone.
• Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Use your phone’s built-in spam filter or a reputable call-blocking app.

How to block a 626 number

If you keep getting unwanted calls from area code 626, there are a few steps you can take to stop the ringing:

1. Check your phone settings: Most smartphones, whether iOS or Android, allow you to block or filter specific numbers directly from your call history or settings, making it easy to manage persistent unwanted callers. Your mobile carrier likely offers call-blocking features, too; some are free, while others may have a small additional cost, but they can effectively filter out known spam or robocalls.
2. Download an app for defense: Several third-party apps, like Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller, specialize in identifying and blocking spam calls. These apps often utilize extensive crowdsourced databases to recognize scam patterns effectively.
3. Join the National Do Not Call registry: Consider registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. While this won't stop scammers, it can significantly reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive.
4. Forward fraud to the FTC: You can report suspicious texts by copying the message and forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider identify and block similar messages in the future.
5. File a complaint: If a scammer manages to bypass your other defenses, you can file a complaint with the FTC. This action assists regulators in tracking down and cracking down on repeat offenders.

How to look up a 626 phone number

1. Do a free search: Simply type the number into a search engine like Google to see if it's associated with any known businesses or organizations in the 626 area.
2. Check government databases: The FCC provides resources and databases where you can check reported scam numbers.
3. Use a reverse phone lookup tool: Want to learn more about a call from the 626 area code? A reverse phone lookup can be a quick way to identify the caller. These tools may provide details like the owner's name, location, and other relevant information.

With services like Intelius, you can easily look up a 626 number, uncover caller details, and determine if it’s linked to a legitimate business or a potential scam.

Need intel on a caller with a 626 area code? Run a reverse phone lookup now to quickly gather key information.

Frequently asked questions about area code 626