This Whitepages opt out guide walks you through removing your personal information, explains how your data got there in the first place, and answers common questions about keeping your personal information off the internet.
Want to make this easier? The DuckDuckGo Subscription includes a Personal Information Removal service that handles the work for you. We scan dozens of data brokers similar to Whitepages, submit opt-out requests for you, and check every 10 days to ensure your personal data stays removed.
Whitepages Opt Out Fast Facts
- Personal information available: Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, relatives, associates, and more
- Visibility: Fully visible
- Opt-out time estimate: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium to high
- Email confirmation required: No
- Phone confirmation required: Yes
- Processing time: Typically, within 1 hour of opt out
- Captcha requirement: No captcha required
Whitepages Opt Out Process (Step-by-step)
The process to remove your personal information from Whitepages is simple and can be completed in just a few steps. To begin the opt-out process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate your listing on Whitepages
- Navigate to Whitepages, where you can search by name, phone or address.
- Try searching by name first; the data Whitepages gathers can be inaccurate, so your listing may not have your current phone or address data.
- Add your first and last name, city, state, and/or zip code. Then click Search.
- Scroll past the “Whitepages Premium” result(s). If your personal information is publicly available, click on the card to navigate to the listing page.
- Copy the URL of your listing. You will know it’s the correct URL if it contains your name, city, state abbreviation, and a unique identifier at the end of the URL.
Step 2: Navigate to the Whitepages opt out page
- Navigate to https://www.whitepages.com/suppression-requests.
- Paste your listing URL from Step 1, then click Next.
Step 3: Follow opt out steps
- You will be asked to confirm the associated information. Click Remove Me.
- Select a removal reason from the dropdown. Click Next.
Step 4: Complete a phone verification
- Enter your phone number, then check the confirmation box. Click Call now to verify.
- You will receive an automated phone call from Whitepages. Input the four-digit code shown on your screen when prompted by the call.
- When you receive the “thank you” message, the opt-out screen should change to confirm the Whitepages opt out request has gone through.
- Within a few hours, your listing should be removed.
Want to make this easier? The DuckDuckGo Subscription includes a Personal Information Removal service that handles the work for you. We scan dozens of data brokers similar to Whitepages, submit opt-out requests for you, and check every 10 days to ensure your personal data stays removed.
My personal info is still in search engines. Why?
Even after you remove your data from Whitepages, your name may still show up in search engine results because sites like Google and Bing store cached versions of pages.
To remove outdated Whitepages content from Google, use their personally identifiable information removal tool linked here. For Bing, you can submit removal requests using this link. DuckDuckGo results can also be addressed through Bing’s process; more on that here.
Most search engines refresh and re-index their results regularly, from every few days to every few weeks. If your personal data still shows up in a Whitepages listing, check again later or submit a new removal request.
What is Whitepages?
Whitepages is a well-known data broker that collects personal information from public records and displays it online. Whitepages compiles data from public records, government sources, and data brokers to create detailed online listings. These profiles are likely to include the following personal information:
- Full name (and previous names)
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Age and birthdate
- Relatives, neighbors, and associates
- Property ownership, arrest records, and more
While Whitepages promotes itself as a directory for finding people, it also exposes private details that anyone can misuse.
How does Whitepages get my information?
Whitepages collects data from various public sources, such as:
- Public Records and Government Databases: This includes property records, court filings, voter registrations, and business licenses.
- Third-Party Data Brokers: These companies use online trackers to gather and sell consumer information from online purchases, surveys, and account signups.
- Social Media and Internet Activity: Public posts and profiles on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter can also feed into Whitepages listings.
- Utility Records and Phone Directories: Any publicly listed phone number or address could easily end up on Whitepages.
Because Whitepages regularly updates its data, your information may return after you opt out. Regular checks are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitepages Opt Out
Can I remove my information permanently from Whitepages?
Yes, but your data may reappear over time as Whitepages refreshes its database. It’s a good idea to check back regularly and submit opt-out requests again if needed.
Does Whitepages sell my information?
No, but Whitepages compiles its data from a range of third-party data brokers. If you purchase a report through Whitepages, the data often comes from those external sources.
Will removing my information from Whitepages remove it from other sites?
No. Submitting a Whitepages opt out can make it harder for other data brokers to collect and redistribute your personal information sourced from Whitepages, but removing your personal information from Whitepages does not automatically remove it from other sites. It’s important to opt out of multiple data brokers individually.
Are there services that can remove my data automatically?
There are online services that specialize in removing your personal information from data brokers like Whitepages.
The DuckDuckGo Subscription offers Personal Information Removal for US users, automatically handling opt-out requests and checking every 10 days to make sure your data stays removed.
How can I prevent my information from appearing on sites like Whitepages?
While fully erasing your personal data from the internet is challenging, there are practical steps you can take to reduce how often it shows up:
- Reduce the amount of personal information you share on social media, and make sure your profiles are private or only visible to approved connections.
- Submit opt-out requests to data brokers like FastPeopleSearch, Spokeo, Intelius, and similar sites that publish personal data.
- Use privacy-protecting tools like DuckDuckGo for browsing and Email Protection for masking your address and blocking trackers in emails you receive.
Our Final Thoughts
Whitepages displays personal information that can be misused, but their free opt-out process makes removal possible. However, it’s important that you monitor regularly to ensure removed data stays removed.
For long-term privacy, be sure to opt out from other data brokers or use the DuckDuckGo Subscription to automate the process.
For more ways to protect your privacy, visit the DuckDuckGo blog and subscribe to our newsletter.