TwilioLookup API
Data Validation · Identity & KYC
Twilio Lookup is a real-time phone number intelligence API that provides instant validation, carrier identification, line type detection, and fraud signals for any phone number globally. Built on Twilio's extensive carrier network relationships, Lookup enables developers to query phone number metadata before sending SMS messages, onboarding users, or processing transactions helping reduce messaging failures, detect fraud, and route communications optimally.
TwilioLookup API Highlights
TwilioLookup API is verified for developer integrations in Nigeria and across African markets, providing documented endpoints, sandbox testing, and developer support.
Account SID + Auth Token (HTTP Basic Auth)
Account-level rate limits apply. Contact Twilio for specifics.
Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
AWSTwilioLookup API is best for:
Nigerian fintechs and messaging platforms that need real-time phone number intelligence carrier ID, line type (mobile vs VoIP), SIM swap detection, and number format validation before sending SMS or onboarding users.
- Basic phone number validation:FREE
- Carrier lookup:$0.005/lookup
- Line Type Intelligence (mobile/landline/VoIP/toll-free): paid add-on
- SIM swap and caller identity:additional per-query fees
TwilioLookup API Core Features & Capabilities
Features Included
Not Supported
TwilioLookup API Supported Webhook Events
Twilio sends HTTP requests for message status changes, incoming calls/SMS, recordings, and threshold alerts. Requests carry an X-Twilio-Signature header.
| Event Name | Trigger & Description |
|---|---|
sms.delivered | Outbound SMS was delivered to recipient handset. |
sms.failed | SMS delivery failed. |
call.completed | Voice call concluded. |
recording.available | Call audio recording is ready for playback/download. |
Required Access Documents for TwilioLookup API
- Twilio Account RegistrationRequiredSign up at twilio.com with an email address. Free trial provides test credits. No business documents needed to start.
Different TwilioLookup API use cases
- Pre-Send Number Validation:Use Twilio Lookup before sending SMS to Nigerian users to validate the number format and confirm it is active and on a mobile carrier reducing SMS failures and wasted messaging costs.
- Fraud Prevention at Registration:Check line type during Nigerian fintech user registration to block VoIP numbers (commonly used by fraudsters) from registering, allowing only genuine mobile numbers from Nigerian carriers.
- SIM Swap Detection for Banking:Run Twilio Lookup's SIM Swap detection before processing high-value transactions from Nigerian banking users, flagging accounts where the SIM card was recently changed a common account takeover vector.
- Carrier-Based Routing Logic:Identify the Nigerian carrier (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) of a user's number and route SMS through the optimal sender ID or messaging provider for that carrier to maximize delivery rates.
- Phone Number Cleanup for CRM:Validate and reformat Nigerian phone numbers in bulk CRM or contact lists to E.164 standard (+234...) using Twilio Lookup, reducing failed deliveries from incorrectly formatted numbers.