If an unknown number texts you, “Hi, who is this?” is completely acceptable. If you want to sound a little softer, explain why you are asking: “Sorry, I don’t have this number saved—who is this?” is clear, polite, and does not pretend you remember the sender.
Phrases for Unknown Texts
- Hi, who is this?
- Sorry, who am I speaking with?
- May I ask who this is?
- Sorry, I don’t have this number saved—who is this?
- Could you remind me who this is?
- Who’s this, please?
- Hi—can I ask who’s texting?
- I don’t recognize this number. Who is this?
- Sorry, have we spoken before?
- What’s your name, please?
Best Options for “Who Is This?” by Situation
- Unknown number: “Sorry, I don’t have this number saved—who is this?”
- Professional: “Sorry, who am I speaking with?”
- You may have forgotten them: “Could you remind me who this is?”
- Very casual: “Hi, who is this?”
Hi, who is this?
Simple, neutral, and direct. There is nothing rude about it when you genuinely do not recognize the number.
Example: “Hi, who is this? I don’t seem to have the number saved.”
Sorry, who am I speaking with?
Polite and slightly more formal, suitable for professional or unfamiliar contacts.
Example: “Sorry, who am I speaking with?”
May I ask who this is?
Courteous and concise without sounding overly formal.
Example: “May I ask who this is, please?”
Sorry, I don’t have this number saved—who is this?
Probably the most natural option because it explains the situation immediately.
Example: “Sorry, I don’t have this number saved—who is this?”
Could you remind me who this is?
Best when you think you may know the person but cannot place the number.
Example: “Could you remind me who this is? I changed phones recently.”
Who’s this, please?
Short and polite, especially in British English.
Example: “Who’s this, please?”
Hi—can I ask who’s texting?
Friendly and conversational.
Example: “Hi—can I ask who’s texting?”
I don’t recognize this number. Who is this?
Clear and appropriate when the number is entirely unfamiliar.
Example: “I don’t recognize this number. Who is this?”
Sorry, have we spoken before?
Useful when the message suggests prior contact but you are not sure.
Example: “Sorry, have we spoken before? I don’t recognize the number.”
What’s your name, please?
Direct but polite when the sender has not identified themselves.
Example: “Hi, what’s your name, please?”
Be Careful With Unexpected Texts
If the message is suspicious, you do not need to reply at all. Avoid sharing personal information, clicking unexpected links, or confirming details about yourself until you know who the sender is.
You Do Not Need to Pretend You Remember
A direct explanation is usually less awkward than guessing. “I don’t have this number saved” gives the sender an obvious reason to identify themselves and avoids implying that they should already be in your contacts.