The 626 area code covers the San Gabriel Valley, east of downtown Los Angeles in California. Pasadena, West Covina, El Monte and Alhambra are all in it. Unlike most Los Angeles codes, 626 has no overlay.
This guide lists the cities in 626 and explains the time zone, the history and what to do about unknown 626 calls.
626 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Location | San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County, including Pasadena and West Covina |
| Time zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | June 14, 1997 |
| Type | Geographic area code |
| Overlay | None |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 626 Area Code Located?
Area code 626 is located in the northeastern part of Los Angeles County. Main cities:
- Pasadena
- West Covina
- El Monte
- Alhambra
- Arcadia
- Monrovia
- Baldwin Park
- Rosemead
- San Gabriel
More than 40 other communities share the code.
What Time Zone Is the 626 Area Code In?
The San Gabriel Valley is on Pacific Time.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8, in winter
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7, from mid March to early November
That makes it three hours behind New York and two hours behind Chicago. A quick time check saves you from calling someone at dinner or before breakfast.
History of the 626 Area Code
- 1947: Southern California is covered by 213.
- 1984: the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys are split off as 818.
- June 14, 1997: the San Gabriel Valley is split from 818 and becomes 626.
- October 2021: ten-digit dialing becomes required. The change was needed because of the new 988 crisis line, not because of an overlay.
Read about the neighboring valley in our 818 area code guide.
“The 626”
People in Los Angeles use “the 626” as a nickname for the San Gabriel Valley. The area is known for its large Asian American communities and its restaurant scene, and a popular night market held in Arcadia is even named after the area code. For local businesses, a 626 number is a clear signal that they are part of that community.
How to Dial a 626 Number
Local calls in this area are dialed with the area code included.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 626 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 626 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 626 a Scam?
A 626 call is normally a local household, shop, clinic or school. Common scam calls pretend to come from a bank, a courier company or a government office.
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 626 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 626 Phone Number
You do not have to live in the San Gabriel Valley to use a 626 number.
- Carriers: any new line in the San Gabriel Valley gets a 626 number, since it is the only code for the area.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 626 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 626
| 818, 747 | San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale |
| 213, 323, 738 | Downtown and central Los Angeles |
| 909, 840 | Pomona, Ontario, San Bernardino |
| 562 | Whittier, Norwalk, Long Beach |
| 714, 657 | Northern Orange County |
Related guides: 818 area code for the San Fernando Valley, 909 area code for the Inland Empire, 213 area code for Los Angeles.
626 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 626?
Pasadena is the best known. West Covina, El Monte, Alhambra and Arcadia are also in 626.
Is 626 Los Angeles?
It is in Los Angeles County, east of the city of Los Angeles.
Does 626 have an overlay?
No. It is the only area code for the San Gabriel Valley.
What time zone is 626?
Pacific Time.
Is 626 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 626 area code covers the San Gabriel Valley on Pacific Time and has been in service since 1997. Let unknown callers leave a message and verify before you call back.
