Is *69 still a thing?

Is *69 Still a Thing? Yes—And It’s Still Useful

If you’ve missed a call and wondered whether you could quickly return it without searching through logs or trying to remember the number, chances are *69 might come in handy. Despite the rise of smartphones and advanced calling apps, this little-known feature is still alive and working across most landline and mobile networks in North America.

How does it work? Simply dial *69 on your phone right after missing a call, and the system will automatically retrieve the number of the last person who called you—even if they were anonymous or their number didn’t appear on your screen. Within seconds, you’ll hear a recorded message stating the caller’s number and the time of the call, and in many cases, you’ll be given the option to connect directly by pressing a key.

While smartphones have made call logs more accessible, *69 remains a quick fix, especially for those using basic phones or dealing with blocked or unknown numbers. It’s particularly helpful when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to dig through recent calls.

Availability and limitations: Most major U.S. and Canadian carriers still support *69, but it’s not always free. Some providers charge a small fee per use, while others include it as part of standard service. Also, it only works if the last caller didn’t block their number—calls from numbers ending in *67, for example, won’t be traceable.

So yes, *69 is still a thing—and more than just a relic of the past. It’s a simple, no-frills tool that’s held up surprisingly well in the digital age. Next time you miss a call from an unknown number, don’t overthink it. Pick up the phone and dial *69. You might just reconnect in seconds.