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AREA CODE · ALABAMA

Area code 256

Area code 256 covers Huntsville, Alabama. Map, time zone, overlays, carriers, the full list of prefixes and how to dial it.

State: Alabama Major City: Huntsville Central Time (CT) Overlay: 256/938
01 / WHERE IT IS

Where is area code 256?

Area code 256 is assigned to Huntsville and the surrounding region in Alabama. Calls to numbers that start with 256 are routed to this area.

Area code 256 shares its territory with 938. Because it is an overlay, local calls require dialing all 10 digits.

Counties covered

Madison CountyMorgan CountyCalhoun CountyMarshall CountyLauderdale CountyEtowah CountyCullman CountyTalladega CountyJackson CountyDeKalb CountyLimestone CountyTallapoosa CountyColbert CountyCherokee County

Line types

  • Mobile 34.18%
  • Landline 65.82%
02 / MAP

Area code 256 on the map

The shaded area joins the code’s numbering centers; the marker shows its main city.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors

03 / LOCAL TIME

Current time in Huntsville

This area code is in the Central Time (CT) time zone.

Local timeHuntsville, AL--:--:--

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America/ChicagoLive
04 / HOW TO DIAL

How to call Huntsville

WITHIN THE US256 XXX XXXX

Always 10 digits — landline, mobile or VoIP. Local, long distance or a different state: the format is always the same. You do not need to dial the 1 first.

FROM ABROAD+1 256 XXX XXXX

Exit codes: 00 Europe/Mexico · 011 Canada · 010 Japan · + universal

WHATSAPP / IMESSAGE+1 256 XXX XXXX

Always save the number in international format so messaging apps recognize it correctly:

Call typeTraditional landlineMobile / VoIP
Local (same area code)10 digits10 digits
US long distance1 + 10 digits10 digits
Emergency911911
🌐Universal+1 256 555 0123
🇪🇸🇲🇽Spain / Mexico00 1 256 555 0123
🇦🇺Australia0011 1 256 555 0123
🇯🇵Japan010 1 256 555 0123
HAVE THE FULL NUMBER?

Learn more about that number.

Check the line type and the carrier the number block was originally assigned to.

10 digits to see the carrier and line type of the number

05 / CARRIERS

Carriers in area code 256

Share of the number blocks by carrier and line type.

Landline

AT&T
40%
Lumen Technologies
12%
Windstream Communications
12%
Sinch
6%
Metro by T-Mobile
5%
Others
26%

Mobile

AT&T Mobility
42%
Verizon Wireless
31%
T-Mobile USA
18%
USA Mobility
3%
Southern Communications
2%
Others
3%

Carrier shown is the original assignment of each number block and may differ today because of number portability.

06 / PREFIXES

Complete list of prefixes for area code 256

784 number blocks (NXX) assigned in this area code.

PrefixTypeCityCarrier
(256) 200 Mobile Arab Verizon WirelessCELLCO PARTNERSHIP DBA VERIZON WIRELESS - AL
(256) 201 Mobile Heflin AT&T MobilityNEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC - GA
(256) 202 Mobile Guntersville Verizon WirelessCELLCO PARTNERSHIP DBA VERIZON WIRELESS - AL
(256) 203 Landline Huntsville Lumen TechnologiesCENTURYLINK COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
(256) 205 Mobile Wadley SinchONVOY SPECTRUM, LLC
(256) 206 Mobile Athens AT&T MobilityNEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC - GA
(256) 207 Landline Sylacauga AT&TBELLSOUTH TELECOMM INC DBA SOUTH CENTRAL BELL TEL
(256) 208 Landline Sylacauga AT&TBELLSOUTH TELECOMM INC DBA SOUTH CENTRAL BELL TEL
(256) 209 Mobile Decatur AT&T MobilityNEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC - GA
(256) 210 Landline Huntsville SangomaVOIP INNOVATIONS, LLC

Showing 10 of 784 prefixes

07 / FAQ

Frequently asked questions about area code 256

Where is area code 256 used?
Area code 256 serves Huntsville and the surrounding area in Alabama, including Madison County, Morgan County, Calhoun County, Marshall County, Lauderdale County.
What city is area code 256 from?
The main city of area code 256 is Huntsville, AL.
What time zone is area code 256 in?
Area code 256 is in the Central Time (CT) time zone (America/Chicago).
Is 256 an overlay area code?
Yes. It shares its territory with 938. In an overlay, every call requires dialing all 10 digits.
How do I call a number with area code 256 from the United States?
Dial the 10 digits: 256 + 7-digit number. For some long-distance calls from a landline you may need to add a 1 first.
How do I call a 256 number from another country?
Dial your country's exit code (or +), then 1, then 256 and the seven-digit number. From a mobile you can use +1 256 XXX XXXX.
Which carriers use area code 256?
Most landline blocks belong to AT&T and most mobile blocks to AT&T Mobility. The carrier shown is the original assignment and may differ today because of number portability.
Is area code 256 for landlines, mobiles or both?
Both. About 65.82% of the number blocks are landline, 34.18% mobile.
How do I save a 256 number in WhatsApp or my phone?
Save it in international format: +1 256 XXX XXXX. That way WhatsApp, iMessage and Telegram recognize it from any country.
Is it safe to answer calls from area code 256?
The area code only shows the region a number was assigned to; it does not tell you who is calling. Scammers can fake any area code, so do not share personal or banking information with unknown callers, and let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
KEEP EXPLORING

Nearby area codes

931Clarksville, TN629Nashville, TN615Nashville, TN404Atlanta, GA943Atlanta, GA770Atlanta Northeast, GA

Other area codes in Alabama

205 · Birmingham251 · Mobile334 · Montgomery659 · Birmingham938 · Huntsville

View all Alabama area codes →