Whitepages Opt-Out

What Does Whitepages Do?

Whitepages is one of those sites that feels simple on the surface and then keeps going. You search a name, and suddenly you are looking at addresses, phone numbers, possible relatives, past locations, and sometimes things you do not even recognize as yours.

At its core, Whitepages operates as a public records and people search service. Through whitepages.com, users can run basic people searches. Beyond that, the platform also offers more detailed products like background checks and tenant screening tools. The scope is wide, maybe wider than most people expect when they first land there.

What sets Whitepages apart from other people search websites is how much data it pulls together. The company collects personal information from public records, purchases access to third-party databases, and tracks user interactions across its own platform. Some of the data comes from legitimate public access sources. Other pieces are inferred, outdated, or stitched together from multiple places.

Because of that, Whitepages profiles are not always accurate. Addresses can be old. Phone numbers can be wrong. Associations can feel completely off. While Whitepages does allow consumers to correct certain details, the process can be time-consuming. For many people, opting out entirely ends up being the cleaner option, even if not every trace disappears right away.

How Do I Remove Information From Whitepages' Database?

There is no formal eligibility requirement to request removal from a Whitepages public listing. In practice, though, the process is not entirely friction-free. At least two of the opt-out options require access to a working email address, since Whitepages uses email verification to confirm requests.

Whitepages' privacy policy also suggests that data removal requests are primarily guaranteed for California residents, due to state privacy laws. That said, consumers outside California can still submit opt-out requests. Many do. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not.

If a request is rejected, the next step is usually a direct appeal. Whitepages provides a support channel for this purpose, and follow-up emails can be sent to support@whitepages.com. It may take persistence. To be honest, that part is fairly common with data broker sites.

Where to Start a Whitepages Opt-Out

There are four primary ways to limit or remove how Whitepages shares your personal information. The best option depends on where you live and how comfortable you are with email-based verification.

California residents have the most flexibility. In addition to using Whitepages' browser-based opt-out tool, they can also submit requests directly by email at ccparequest@whitepages.com. This route is typically more reliable because it is tied to California privacy regulations.

Consumers outside of California can still use the online opt-out tool, although results vary. Some requests are approved quickly. Others stall or are denied without much explanation. When that happens, escalating through customer support is usually the only way forward. Either way, it helps to expect a bit of back-and-forth. Whitepages rarely removes information instantly, and confirmation emails are easy to miss if you are not watching for them.

Opting Out of the Whitepages: A Guided Tutorial

Use Caution When Calling 1-(800)-952-9005

Consumers who want to speak directly with a live representative can call the Whitepages support line. In certain situations, calling is the only practical option. This usually applies when a consumer is attempting to suppress multiple records at once or when the request involves information connected to a minor. When a consumer calls the Whitepages support number, one of three responses typically occurs.

• Rolled phone lines: The caller is informed that no representatives are available and is advised to call back later or use email support instead. It sounds reasonable, but it often leads nowhere.

• A limited automated menu: The system provides a brief menu with one viable option that eventually routes the call to a live representative. This is the most productive outcome.

• An automated "congratulations" message: The caller is told they have qualified for a gift card and is prompted to press 1 to continue and speak with a representative.

If a caller receives the automated "congratulations" message, it is best to hang up and call again. Not because gift cards are inherently bad, but because accepting the reward typically results in enrollment in promotional or marketing mailers that are unrelated to opting out. It adds noise to a process that already requires patience.

Consumers who successfully reach a representative should clearly state their request. Ask to "remove myself from Whitepages" and specify that you want to opt out of the sharing and selling of any information associated with you.

Be careful with wording during the call. Whitepages representatives may use terms like "delete," "limit," "update," or "change" interchangeably. These terms are not equivalent. Opting out is a distinct request with specific legal and practical implications. Using precise language reduces the risk of partial action being taken while your public listing remains active.

Consumers can Email Privacy Representatives

Email is often the simplest opt-out route, especially for consumers who prefer not to use browser-based tools or phone support. Consumers outside California should send their request to support@whitepages.com. California residents should instead email ccparequest@whitepages.com, since requests tied to California privacy law are handled through that address. It is also possible to email both addresses at the same time, although doing so may result in duplicate responses.

That is not harmful, just mildly annoying. One complication is verification. Whitepages' privacy policy does not clearly define what it considers acceptable "verifying" information. This lack of clarity increases the chance of a request being delayed or rejected. If Whitepages cannot confirm your identity, the system or the reviewing agent is required to deny the request.

The Whitepages CCPA page does offer some indirect guidance. It outlines the categories of personal data Whitepages collects and provides, such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and related identifiers. Using that list, consumers can make reasonable assumptions about what information Whitepages may use to verify identity. Including consistent details that already appear in your public listing generally improves success.

To submit a request, copy the template text below into your email application. Paste it into a new message and replace the highlighted sections with your real information before sending. Taking a few extra moments to complete the fields accurately can save a lot of back and forth later.

Physically Mail Your Suppression Request

Some consumers prefer a paper trail. Not because it is fast, but because it is concrete. Mailing a suppression request creates a physical record that feels more official and, if necessary, referenceable later. Paper correspondence can be cited in formal or judicial settings, which gives this method a certain weight, even if the process itself is slower and a bit more involved.

Consumers choosing this option should mail their request to the Whitepages privacy office in Seattle:

If you do not want to draft a letter from scratch, the email template discussed earlier can be reused as a written letter. Copy the template text into a word processor or text editing application and replace the highlighted sections with your real information.

For proper business letter formatting, a few small adjustments help. Add the date at the top left of the page. Above the date, also aligned to the left, include the company's mailing address exactly as listed. Leave additional space between the closing salutation and your typed name so there is room for a handwritten signature. This approach takes more time than online or email requests, but for consumers who value documentation and formality, it is often worth the extra effort.

Opt-Out Using the Online Suppression Form

The final opt-out option is the online suppression form. It is often presented as the fastest route, but it works best if you do a little prep first. The form requires a specific Whitepages profile URL to begin, which means you cannot skip straight to it without locating your record. To get started, open whitepages.com in a new tab.

Step One

When the Whitepages homepage loads, confirm that the search option in the center of the page is set to People Search. Enter your name along with your city, state, or ZIP code, then click Search.

Step Two

Review the results page and locate the record you want to suppress. In many cases, more than one listing may appear for the same person. This usually happens because of overlapping data or close associations. If you click View Full Report, you will be redirected to a paid search page, which is not what you want here.

Step Three

Scroll past the sponsored or promoted results and look for the listing with a white View Details button. Select the record that clearly belongs to you and click View Details.

Step Four

Clicking the button opens a new page with your full profile. This page is tied to a unique URL. If you are unsure whether you are on a profile page, check the address bar. It should include your name and a string of reference numbers. Right-click the address bar, make sure the full URL is highlighted, and copy it.

Step Five

Next, navigate to the in-browser Whitepages opt-out tool. In the blank field provided, right-click and paste the copied profile URL, then click Next.

Step Six

The form should automatically populate with the record connected to that URL. Confirm that the listing shown is yours. If it is, click the Remove Me button.

Step Seven

You will be asked why you want your information removed. Whitepages' privacy policy suggests that the response here does not affect the outcome of the request. Choose an option and click Next when ready.

Step Eight

The next screen is for identity verification. Enter your phone number, check the confirmation box, and click Call Now to verify. Your phone should ring almost immediately.

Step Nine

When you answer, an automated system will ask for the four-digit passcode displayed on your screen. Enter the code using your phone keypad. Once accepted, your opt-out request is submitted.

After confirmation, the web page will update to show that the request was received. Removal through the online suppression form typically takes up to 24 hours, though some records may take a bit longer to disappear.

Check Back Later to Confirm the Process

Whitepages processes opt-out requests on different timelines depending on a person's state of residence. California residents typically receive the fastest responses, with Nevada and Virginia close behind. For users living outside of California, response times may take up to 30 days.

Once your opt-out request has been submitted, it is important to follow up and confirm that the removal has been implemented. Return to the Whitepages main search page and search for your name to see whether your information is still visible.

If your profile continues to appear after the expected processing period, Whitepages recommends contacting their customer support team directly at support@whitepages.com for further assistance. This guide reflects the opt-out procedures outlined in Whitepages' privacy policy as of 2025.