An HLR Lookup is a real time query of subscriber information stored in a mobile network operator's Home Location Register (HLR). An HLR is a database with context and status information about every mobile phone in a mobile network and forms the backbone of subscriber data. An HLR Lookup dips into a mobile network operator's HLR to obtain current and up-to-date status information on a mobile phone number.

Unlike static mobile number portability queries (MNP Lookups), which only provide network and portability information (MCCMNC) from periodically updated and static portability databases, HLR Lookups obtain live mobile phone connectivity and portability data from mobile network operators (MNOs) directly.

The HLR Lookups API and Enterprise Web Client accept mobile phone numbers (MSISDN) as input and returns information on whether these numbers are valid, currently active in a network (connected? absent?), their MCCMNC (Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network Code), IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), information on whether they're ported from one network to another (portability), whether they are currently roaming, as well as their relevant Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

Read "A Brief Guide To HLR Lookups (PDF)" and learn "How HLR Lookups Benefit Businesses and Organizations (PDF)" or watch our video for more information on HLR Lookups.