The 602 area code is the original area code of Phoenix, Arizona. For years it covered only the central city. Since 2023 it has been combined with 480 and 623 into one overlay for the whole Phoenix area.
This guide explains where 602 is used, Arizona’s unusual time zone, the history of the code and how to handle unknown 602 calls.
602 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | Arizona |
| Location | Phoenix and the surrounding metropolitan area |
| Time zone | Mountain Standard Time all year (UTC-7), no daylight saving time |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Type | Original geographic area code, now part of an overlay |
| Shares its area with | 480 and 623 (overlay since September 12, 2023) |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 602 Area Code Located?
Area code 602 is located in central Arizona. It is most closely tied to the city of Phoenix itself. The wider metro area includes:
- Phoenix
- Glendale
- Scottsdale
- Mesa
- Tempe
- Chandler
- Peoria
Traditionally the East Valley cities used 480 and the West Valley cities used 623.
What Time Zone Is the 602 Area Code In?
Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time all year.
- UTC-7 in every season
- No daylight saving time, so the clock never changes
That puts it on the same time as Denver in winter and the same time as Los Angeles in summer. A quick time check saves you from calling someone at dinner or before breakfast.
History of the 602 Area Code
- 1947: 602 is created for the entire state of Arizona.
- March 19, 1995: Arizona outside the Phoenix area becomes 520.
- March 1, 1999: metro Phoenix is divided three ways. 602 keeps most of the city of Phoenix, 480 takes the East Valley and 623 takes the West Valley.
- September 12, 2023: the internal boundaries are removed. 602, 480 and 623 become a single overlay, and ten-digit dialing becomes mandatory.
One Region, Three Codes
For 24 years, a Phoenix-area number told you which part of the valley it came from. After the 2023 change, new numbers in any of the three codes can be issued anywhere in the metro area. Existing numbers stayed the same, so most 602 numbers are still Phoenix numbers. Our 480 area code guide covers the East Valley side.
Remember that most of Arizona does not change its clocks. In summer Phoenix is on the same time as California, and in winter it is an hour ahead.
How to Dial a 602 Number
Local calls in this area are dialed with the area code included.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 602 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 602 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 602 a Scam?
A 602 number usually belongs to a Phoenix resident or business. State agencies are based in Phoenix as well, so scammers use 602 numbers when posing as a state office, a court or a utility.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Fake bank or card fraud alerts that ask for your PIN or passcode
- Calls about Medicare, health insurance or a car warranty you never asked about
- Messages that claim a family member is in trouble and needs money
- Pressure to stay on the line and act right now
Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number on your screen does not prove where a call comes from.
What to do with an unknown 602 call
- Hang up as soon as a call feels wrong. You do not owe a stranger an explanation.
- Verify the caller through an official number, not the one they give you.
- Block the number.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 602 Phone Number
You do not have to live in Phoenix to use a 602 number.
- Carriers: new lines in metro Phoenix can receive 602, 480 or 623, whichever has numbers available.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 602 number and forward calls to any phone.
- Toll-free numbers: a better fit if your customers are spread across the country.
Read our guides to virtual phone numbers and the 800 area code.
Area Codes Near 602
| 480 | Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe and the East Valley |
| 623 | Glendale, Peoria and the West Valley |
| 520 | Tucson and southern Arizona |
| 928 | Flagstaff, Yuma, Prescott |
Related guides: 480 area code for the East Valley, 702 area code for Las Vegas, 619 area code for San Diego.
602 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 602?
Phoenix, Arizona.
Is Scottsdale in 602?
Scottsdale was traditionally 480. Since 2023 all three Phoenix-area codes can be assigned anywhere in the metro area.
Does area code 602 use daylight saving time?
No. Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time all year.
What time zone is 602?
Mountain Standard Time, with no daylight saving time.
Is 602 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 602 area code has served Phoenix since 1947 and has been part of an overlay with 480 and 623 since 2023. It is on Mountain Standard Time all year. Verify unknown callers before you call back.
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