Table of Contents
Introduction
The 940 area code serves a large portion of North Texas and is central to businesses and residents in that region. If you live, work, or do business in the area, understanding the 940 area code helps with dialing, local marketing, and avoiding phone scams.
The history of the 940 area code, the cities and counties it covers, dialing guidelines, issues with spam and spoofing. Continue reading for a well-structured, empirically supported summary that will be helpful whether you’re relocating to the area or trying to improve your local search visibility.
Quick facts (at a glance)
- Type: North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code
- Region: North Texas — includes Denton, Wichita Falls area, and other communities
- Introduced: Mid/late 1990s (split from an earlier area code)
- Typical uses: Landlines, mobile phones, business lines, VoIP
- Dialing: Local 10-digit dialing in many places; check carrier for exact rules
Cities and Regions Covered by the 940 Area Code
The 940 area code covers a wide area north and west of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Major cities and towns include:
- Denton – Known for the University of North Texas and a thriving local culture.
- Wichita Falls – A regional hub with strong business and military presence.
- Gainesville – A charming city close to the Oklahoma border.
- Decatur, Bowie, Nocona, and Sanger – Smaller towns that contribute to the rural and suburban mix of the region.
This area code spans across counties such as Denton County, Wichita County, Cooke County, Wise County, and Montague County. With this wide coverage, 940 serves both bustling city centers and peaceful small towns, making it an essential part of daily communication in North Texas.
What area does the 940 area code cover?
The 940 area code covers a swath of north-central Texas. Major population centers and counties served often include:
- Denton County and the city of Denton (parts)
- Wichita Falls and surrounding communities
- Smaller towns and rural areas north and west of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
Coverage boundaries can change slightly over time. If you need a precise city or county lookup, use an official NANPA lookup or your carrier’s number lookup tool.
History & background
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) assigns area codes. In order to handle the expansion of phone numbers, an area-code split led to the creation of the 940 area code. When number demand rises (additional mobile lines, IoT devices, company expansions), splits and overlays occur.
It is easier to understand local dialing changes and why 10-digit dialing could be necessary if you know when and why an area code was created.
Dialing rules & calling tips
- Local calls: In many places with 940, 10-digit dialing (area code + number) is common. Some legacy systems may still accept 7-digit local calls — but don’t rely on it.
- From outside the U.S./Canada: Dial your country’s international exit code, then 1 (country code for NANP), then the 940 number. Example: 011-1-940-XXX-XXXX (U.S. exit code 011).
- VoIP & apps: Some VOIP services may need explicit dialing settings. Check your provider for rules about area-code dialing and E.164 formatting (e.g., +1 940 XXX XXXX).
- Number portability: If you move within the service area, your carrier may allow you to keep your number depending on local rules and porting availability.
Spam, spoofing & how to protect yourself
Scammers often spoof local area codes (including 940) to increase answer rates. Practical tips:
- Use call screening apps that show risk level.
- Don’t answer unknown calls that ask for personal or financial data.
- Register on your country’s Do Not Call list if eligible.
- Report suspicious numbers to your phone carrier and government authorities.
- Enable carrier spam protection or labeled call features.
Why 940 Matters for Local Identity
A 940 phone number frequently denotes community, ties, and local origins for North Texans. Customers are more trusting of businesses that utilize local numbers, particularly in places like Decatur, Wichita Falls, and Denton. Customers believe that a business genuinely works in their region when they are familiar with the area code, which enhances customer relations and call response rates.
For instance, Google might give preference to listings with an area code of 940 when someone searches for “plumber near Denton,” as this indicates locality. One of the subtle but significant advantages of keeping a constant local number is the link between communication and search visibility.
Portability and Technology
Residents and companies may maintain their 940 number even if they relocate within the same area or transfer providers thanks to phone number portability. Local number portability (LNP) is supported by the majority of major U.S. carriers, allowing consumers to simply keep their number without losing their North Texas identification.
Reliability has also been enhanced via technology. In order to combine calls, messaging, and video conferencing into a single hub while maintaining their identifiable local number, many users now register 940 numbers with VoIP systems or unified communication platforms.
940 Area Code in the Digital Age
The area code system continues to be the foundation of local identification even as communication moves toward mobile applications and internet chat. Specifically, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex’s dense 214, 469, and 972 areas may be distinguished from places in north-central Texas using the 940 area code.
940 numbers are frequently linked to local companies, educational institutions, and government agencies. This implies that having a 940 contact line may help marketers and business owners gain the trust of local clients who want to support local suppliers.
Conclusion
For towns across north-central Texas, the 940 area code represents more than just a series of numbers. It still acts as a link between tradition and modernity, from the bustling streets of Denton to the neighborhood stores of Wichita Falls.
Both locals and companies may make better communication judgments by being aware of its history, dialing guidelines, and local importance. Understanding the history of 940 helps you better understand how this area remains linked, whether you’re relocating there, establishing a new business line, or just wondering where your calls are coming from.