Retro Pager Codes - 1990s Beeper Codes & Decoder

What Were Pagers (a.k.a. Beepers)?

In the 1990s, before cellphones ruled, pagers (or beepers, aka pages) were the go-to for quick communication. These pocket-sized devices buzzed or beeped, displaying only numbers—no letters, no emojis! Teens, doctors, and even characters in Dexter: Original Sin used them to send secret messages via numeric codes. From 143 (I love you) to 07734 (hello when flipped), pager codes were a creative workaround for the tech’s limits. Run to a payphone, decode the vibe, and connect—pure 90s nostalgia! Learn more about pager history.

Decode & Encode Pager Codes

Try our interactive tool! Enter a numeric code to decode it (e.g., 07734 → "hello") or type a word to encode it into a pager code. Uses the upside-down alphabet and our code list below.

Decode a Code:

Encode a Message:

How Numbers Represent Letters

Pagers only showed numbers, so users flipped them 180 degrees to make numbers look like letters (the "calculator method"). For example, 0 looks like O, and 7 looks like L. Below is the pager alphabet and example words.

Pager Alphabet

Number	Letter	Description
6	A	Resembles an upside-down A.
8	B	Looks like a B when flipped.
6	C	Can represent C in some systems.
0	D	Resembles a D when rotated.
3	E	Looks like an upside-down E.
4	F	Can represent F in some alphabets.
6	G	Resembles a G when flipped.
4	H	Looks like an H in some systems.
1	I	A single vertical line for I.
7	J	Can represent J in some alphabets.
15	K	A combination for K.
7	L	Resembles an upside-down L.
177	M	A multi-digit code for M.
17	N	Represents N in some systems.
0	O	A circular shape for O.
9	P	Looks like a P when flipped.
0	Q	Can represent Q in some alphabets.
12	R	Represents R in the pager alphabet.
5	S	Resembles an S when rotated.
7	T	Looks like a T in some systems.
11	U	Represents U when flipped.
11	V	Similar to U, used for V.
111	W	A multi-digit code for W.
25	X	Represents X in some alphabets.
4	Y	Can represent Y when flipped.
2	Z	Resembles a Z when rotated.

Example Words

Code	Meaning	Description
07734	Hello	Spells "hello" when rotated (0=O, 7=L, 3=E, 4=H).
6000*843	Good Bye	Spells "good" (6=G, 0=O, 0=O, 0=D) and "bye" (8=B, 4=Y, 3=E).
60*401773	Go Home	Spells "go" (6=G, 0=O) and "home" (4=H, 0=O, 177=M, 3=E).
41*705312	Hi Loser	Spells "hi" (4=H, 1=I) and "loser" (7=L, 0=O, 5=S, 3=E, 12=R).
123604	Ready	Spells "ready" (12=R, 3=E, 6=A, 0=D, 4=Y).
50538	Besos (Kisses)	Spells "besos" in Spanish when rotated, used for affection.

400+ Pager Codes (Including Dexter: Original Sin)

Below are 400 pager codes from the 1990s, plus 10 inspired by Dexter: Original Sin, set in the beeper-heavy Miami of that era. Codes range from romantic (143 = I love you) to practical (209 = On my way) to playful. Some use letter counts, others the upside-down alphabet. Click to reveal the full list!

Code	Meaning	Description
143	I Love You	1 letter (I), 4 letters (love), 3 letters (you). Romantic classic.
831	I Love You	8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning in "I love you."
911	Emergency	Urgent callback needed.
411	Information/Question	Request for info, like 411 phone service.
100	Come Back/Available	Requests return or signals availability.
101	Be Home By	Instructs to be home by a time.
103	Call	Prompt to make a call.
104	Call Collect	Asks for a collect call.
105	Cancel	Cancels a plan or message.
106	Change	Indicates a change in plans.
107	Come Back	Another return request.
108	Drop Off/Deliver	Instructs to drop off something.
109	Forgot/Left Behind	Something was forgotten.
110	Go To	Directs to a location.
111	Help	Call for assistance.
112	Leaving	Sender is leaving.
113	Lost	Something or someone is lost.
114	Meet	Requests a meeting.
115	Need	Expresses a need.
116	No	Negative response.
117	Pick Up	Requests a pickup.
118	Regarding	Message about a topic.
119	Reschedule	Requests to reschedule.
120	Unavailable	Sender is unavailable.
121	Wait	Asks to wait.
122	Will Arrive	Confirms arrival.
123	Will Not Arrive	Cannot arrive.
124	Yes	Affirmative response.
125	I’m Bored	Expresses boredom.
133	Don’t Forget	Reminder not to forget.
135	You Wish	Playful or sarcastic.
141	I’m With You	Agrees or is with someone.
151	Want to Join Me?	Invites to join.
153	I Hate You	Playful or serious dislike.
155	I Wanna Go to Sleep	Sender is tired.
157	Keep In Touch	Encourages contact.
178	I’ll Call You Back Later	Promises later callback.
180	Yesterday	Refers to yesterday.
183	I’m Busy	Sender is occupied.
187	You’re Dead/I Hate You	Dramatic or playful threat.
193	Miss Me?	Playfully asks if missed.
195	See You Tonight	Plans to meet tonight.
197	I’m Pissed Off	Expresses anger.
200	Tonight	Plans for tonight.
201	Cancel Previous Page	Cancels last message.
202	Don’t Meet Me	Instructs not to meet.
203	Get Off the Phone	End the call.
204	I’m/Everything OK	Confirms all is well.
205	I’m on My Way Home	Heading home.
209	On My Way	En route.
210	Got Your Page, I Understand	Acknowledges message.
213	Miss Me?	Another miss me code.
214	Received Your Message	Confirms receipt.
215	Running Late	Sender is delayed.
220	Why Haven’t You Called?	Questions no callback.
221	Where Are You?	Asks for location.
222	Busted	Caught or in trouble.
224	Too Good For You	Playful or cocky.
230	Oh Yeah!	Enthusiastic yes.
234	Just for Today	Temporary plan.
235	Problem Has Been Handled	Issue resolved.
237	Are You Alone?	Checks if alone.
240	Tomorrow	Plans for tomorrow.
242	Hey Lover!	Flirty greeting.
243	We Love You	Group affection.
244	My Baby	Term of endearment.
245	I’m/Everything Is OK	Confirms all is well.
255	I’m at a Payphone, Hurry	At payphone, needs quick response.
260	It’s Late, Please Hurry	Urges to hurry.
265	Check Your Mail	Check voicemail or mail.
270	Cancel Previous Page	Another cancel code.
280	My Sexy Baby	Flirty affection.
285	Stay Away for Awhile	Keep distance temporarily.
288	When Will I See You Again?	Asks about next meeting.
290	I’m Without My Pager Today	No pager today.
300	Guess Who?	Guess sender’s identity.
333	Love	Simpler love code.
420	Want to Smoke Pot?	Cannabis culture reference.
424	Call Me Back	Another callback request.
637	Always and Forever	Enduring love.
666	I’m Really Pissed Off at You	Strong anger, cultural reference.
823	Thinking of You	Shows someone’s on your mind.
831*637	I Love You, Always and Forever	Heartfelt combo.
843*705312	Bye Loser	Playful dismissal.
86	You’re Cut	Cut off contact.
911	Call Me Back Right Away! Urgent	Urgent callback.
976	Sexual Reference	Playful or explicit.
981	Urgent Business	Pressing business matter.
1254	Come Here	Come to sender’s location.
9090	Go Go	Energetic action prompt.
486	I Love You	Less common love code.
6616617	Beeper	Spells "beeper."
112611	I Love You	Another love variation.
2525	I Hate You	Expresses dislike.
1200	A Lot of Work	Heavy workload.
365244	365 Days a Year, 24 Hours a Day, I Love You	Poetic constant love.
300	Airport	Airport-related message.
301	Amusement Park	Amusement park location.
302	Bank	Bank location.
303	Child Care	Childcare facility.
304	Church/Temple	Religious location.
305	Cleaners	Dry cleaners.
306	Club/Organization	Club meeting.
307	Dance Club/Bar	Nightlife location.
308	Doctor/Dentist Office	Medical appointment.
309	Friend’s House	Friend’s home.
310	Grocery Store	Grocery store location.
311	Gym/Health Club	Gym or fitness center.
312	Home	Sender’s or recipient’s home.
313	Hospital	Hospital visit.
314	Job Site	Workplace location.
315	Library	Library location.
316	Meeting/Appointment	Scheduled meeting.
317	Movies	Going to the movies.
318	My Place	Sender’s location.
319	Office/Work	Workplace.
320	Park	Park meeting place.
321	Party/Social Activity	Party or event.
322	Place/Activity Discussed	Previously discussed location.
323	Relative’s House	Relative’s home.
324	Repair Shop	Repair shop location.
325	Restaurant	Restaurant location.
326	School	School location.
327	Shopping Mall	Mall or shopping center.
328	Sport Activity	Sports event.
329	Video/Audio Store	Video or music store.
330	Warehouse	Warehouse location.
331	Your Place	Recipient’s location.
400	Alcohol/Beer	Refers to alcohol.
401	Answer Machine/Voice Mail	Voicemail message.
402	Bike/Motorcycle	Bike or motorcycle.
403	Books/Magazines	Books or magazines.
404	Car/Truck	Vehicle.
405	CDs/Tapes	Music media.
406	Cigarettes	Cigarettes or smoking.
407	Clothes/Shoes	Clothing or footwear.
408	Credit Cards	Credit cards.
409	Daytimer/Organizer	Planner or organizer.
410	Drugs/Medicine	Medication or drugs.
412	Equipment/Supplies	General supplies.
413	Fax/Copies	Faxed documents or copies.
414	Food	Food request.
415	Gas	Gasoline or fuel.
416	Glasses/Contacts	Eyewear or contacts.
417	Inventory/Product	Business inventory.
418	Item Discussed	Previously discussed item.
419	Keys	Lost or needed keys.
420	Mail/Package	Mail or package.
421	Money/Check	Money or check.
422	Pager	The pager itself.
423	Paperwork	Documents or paperwork.
424	Pet	Pet-related.
425	Radio/Stereo	Audio equipment.
426	Soft Drinks	Non-alcoholic beverages.
427	Telephone	Phone-related issue.
428	Tickets	Event or travel tickets.
429	Video	Video or movie.
430	Wallet/Purse	Lost or needed wallet/purse.
500	After	Time after a point.
501	Anytime	Any time is fine.
502	Approximately	Approximate time.
503	Before	Time before a point.
504	Fairly Urgent/A.S.A.P.	Urgent, like ASAP.
505	Hours	Time duration in hours.
506	Hurry/Quickly	Urges quick action.
507	Minutes	Time duration in minutes.
508	This Afternoon	Afternoon timeframe.
509	This Evening	Evening timeframe.
510	This Morning	Morning timeframe.
511	Time	Asks for time or general time.
512	Tomorrow	Another tomorrow code.
513	Until	Duration until a time.
514	Yesterday	Another yesterday code.
0001000	I’m Alone	Single "1" emphasizes solitude.
0099	We’re Going Out, Wanna Come?	Invites to social outing.
040404	Merry Christmas	Reads "ho ho ho" when flipped.
05*05	Going Out for Margaritas	Cinco de Mayo reference.
1*800	No Plans Tonight	Plays on "1-800" for "I’m free."
10000	Let’s Go Swimming	References "10,000 Leagues."
11111111	Congratulations	Looks like exclamation points.
1423	I Want to Die	Letter counts: I (1), want (4), to (2), die (3).
811	Not Quite an Emergency	Less urgent than 911.
017812	Oh You Ate One Too	Playful numeric spelling.
071	I Need a Favor	Numeric spelling for favor.
70*70	I’m Sad/Depressed	Humorous or emotional.
14106	Aishiteru (I Love You in Japanese)	Used by Japanese schoolgirls.
3341	Samishii (I’m Lonely in Japanese)	Japanese loneliness code.
010	I’m Tired	Expresses fatigue, common in teen slang.
011	Monday	Refers to the day of the week.
022	Tuesday	Refers to the day of the week.
033	Wednesday	Refers to the day of the week.
044	Thursday	Refers to the day of the week.
055	Friday	Refers to the day of the week.
066	Saturday	Refers to the day of the week.
077	Sunday	Refers to the day of the week.
10	Plans Changed	Indicates a change in plans.
11	Maybe	Expresses uncertainty.
14	Hi	Simple greeting.
15	Whatever	Playful or dismissive tone.
19	Hug	Affectionate gesture.
20	Pick Me Up	Requests a ride.
21	Lets Have a Drink	Invites for a drink.
22	Be Good	Playful advice to behave.
23	Te Amo	Spanish for "I love you."
24	I’m Home	Indicates arrival home.
25	Sorry	Expresses apology.
27	Need You	Expresses need for someone.
29	You Suck	Playful insult.
32	Eat Me	Crude or playful retort.
41	Call Me	Requests a call.
42	F--- Me	Explicit or playful.
43	F--- You	Harsh or playful insult.
45	Good Night	Evening farewell.
47	Good Morning	Morning greeting.
52	Hurry Up	Urges speed.
53	Thank You	Expresses gratitude.
56	Sweet Dreams	Nighttime wish.
58	Happy Birthday	Birthday greeting.
66	I’m Mad	Expresses anger.
70	I’m Sad	Expresses sadness.
82	Freak Me	Playful or explicit invitation.
90	Beautiful	Compliment.
93	Grow Up	Playful jab at immaturity.
99	Nighty Night	Another nighttime farewell.
126	Let’s Chill	Invites to relax together.
127	Got Food?	Asks if food is available.
128	Party Tonight?	Queries about a party.
129	I’m Hungry	Expresses hunger.
130	Meet at School	Proposes meeting at school.
131	Bring Snacks	Requests snacks.
132	Call Later	Requests a later call.
134	Just Kidding	Indicates a joke.
136	What’s Good?	Asks what’s happening.
137	I’m Cool	Confirms sender is fine.
138	Stay Cool	Encourages staying calm.
139	Let’s Talk	Proposes a conversation.
140	Need a Ride	Requests transportation.
142	I’m Here	Indicates arrival.
144	Love Ya	Casual expression of affection.
145	Be Safe	Wishes safety.
146	Call Home	Requests a call to home.
147	Where’s Food?	Asks for food location.
148	I’m Lost	Indicates being lost.
149	Find Me	Requests to be found.
150	Party’s On	Confirms a party is happening.
152	Too Late	Indicates missed opportunity.
154	I’m Sorry	Another apology code.
156	Good Luck	Wishes good fortune.
158	Happy Day	General positive greeting.
159	Need Help	Another help request.
160	Let’s Go	Urges to leave or start.
161	Stay There	Requests to stay in place.
162	Come Soon	Urges quick arrival.
163	I’m Ready	Confirms readiness.
164	Not Ready	Indicates unpreparedness.
165	Call Now	Urgent call request.
166	Bad Day	Expresses a rough day.
167	Great Day	Shares a positive day.
168	I’m Okay	Confirms well-being.
169	Let’s Meet	Another meeting request.
170	Be Quick	Urges speed.
171	Wait Up	Requests to wait.
172	Good Vibes	Shares positive energy.
173	Bad Vibes	Expresses negative feelings.
174	Call Soon	Requests a quick call.
175	I’m Waiting	Indicates waiting.
176	Hurry Home	Urges to return home quickly.
177	Friends Forever	Expresses lasting friendship.
179	Stay Safe	Another safety wish.
181	Need Money	Requests financial help.
182	I’m Broke	Indicates lack of money.
184	Call Back	Another callback request.
185	Meet Later	Proposes a later meeting.
186	Don’t Call	Requests no calls.
188	Party’s Over	Indicates an event ended.
189	I’m Out	Signals leaving.
190	Come Over	Invites to visit.
191	Stay Over	Invites to stay overnight.
192	Need Food	Requests food.
194	Call Tomorrow	Requests a call tomorrow.
196	Good Job	Compliments work or effort.
198	I’m Done	Indicates completion.
199	Almost There	Nearing destination.
223	Be Quiet	Requests silence.
225	Too Cool	Compliment or playful boast.
226	Let’s Eat	Proposes eating together.
227	Need Sleep	Expresses need for rest.
228	Call Again	Requests another call attempt.
229	I’m Sick	Indicates illness.
231	Meet Soon	Urges a quick meeting.
232	Stay Home	Advises staying home.
233	What’s Up?	Casual greeting or query.
236	Chill Out	Advises to relax.
238	I’m Fine	Confirms well-being.
239	Good Time	Shares a fun moment.
241	Call Tonight	Requests an evening call.
246	I’m Stuck	Indicates being unable to move.
247	Free Tonight	Indicates availability tonight.
248	Need You Now	Urgent need for someone.
249	Let’s Dance	Invites to dance.
250	Be There	Requests presence.
251	I’m Early	Indicates early arrival.
252	You’re Late	Points out tardiness.
253	Call Me Soon	Urgent call request.
254	Where’s Party?	Asks for party location.
256	Good Night	Another evening farewell.
257	Stay Up	Encourages staying awake.
258	Happy Hour	Refers to happy hour event.
259	I’m Happy	Expresses joy.
261	Need a Break	Requests a pause or rest.
262	Let’s Hang	Proposes hanging out.
263	Call First	Requests a call before action.
264	Bring Drinks	Requests beverages.
266	Bad News	Indicates negative update.
267	Good News	Shares positive update.
268	I’m Back	Announces return.
269	Let’s Party	Invites to a party.
271	Stay Low	Advises keeping a low profile.
272	Come Back Soon	Urges quick return.
273	I’m Nervous	Expresses anxiety.
274	Call Morning	Requests a morning call.
275	I’m Excited	Shares excitement.
276	Need a Favor	Requests help.
277	Best Friend	Refers to a close friend.
278	Don’t Tell	Requests secrecy.
279	I’m Scared	Expresses fear.
281	Meet at Park	Proposes park meeting.
282	Bring Money	Requests cash.
283	I’m Angry	Expresses anger.
284	Call Evening	Requests an evening call.
286	Stay Close	Requests proximity.
287	Need a Hug	Requests comfort.
289	I’m Cold	Indicates feeling cold.
291	Bring Jacket	Requests a jacket.
292	I’m Hot	Indicates feeling hot or attractive.
293	You’re Hot	Compliments attractiveness.
294	Call Anytime	Allows calling anytime.
295	I’m Free	Indicates availability.
296	Meet at Mall	Proposes mall meeting.
297	Bring Food	Requests food delivery.
298	I’m Late	Admits tardiness.
299	Where’s Home?	Asks for home location.
332	Beach Party	Invites to a beach event.
334	Hee Hee	Playful laughter.
335	You’re Crazy	Playful tease.
341	I Like You	Expresses affection.
343	Call Back Now	Urgent callback request.
346	Call Back Please	Polite callback request.
350	Meet at Beach	Proposes beach meeting.
351	Bring Towel	Requests a towel for beach.
352	Sun’s Out	Notes sunny weather.
353	It’s Raining	Indicates rain.
354	Need Umbrella	Requests an umbrella.
355	You’re Sweet	Compliments kindness.
356	Let’s Swim	Proposes swimming.
357	Bring Sunscreen	Requests sunscreen.
358	Hot Day	Notes warm weather.
359	Cold Day	Notes cold weather.
360	Meet at Club	Proposes club meeting.
361	Bring ID	Requests identification.
362	Dance Tonight	Invites to dance tonight.
363	Need Shoes	Requests footwear.
364	I’m Dancing	Shares dancing activity.
365	Every Day	Refers to daily occurrence.
366	Bad Mood	Expresses negative mood.
367	Good Mood	Shares positive mood.
368	Call Afternoon	Requests afternoon call.
369	Let’s Shop	Proposes shopping.
370	Need Clothes	Requests clothing.
371	At the Mall	Indicates mall location.
372	Bring Cash	Requests cash for shopping.
373	I’m Shopping	Shares shopping activity.
374	Sale Today	Notes a sale event.
375	Meet at Store	Proposes store meeting.
376	Need a Bag	Requests a shopping bag.
377	Good Deal	Shares a bargain find.
378	Call Store	Requests a call to a store.
379	I’m Tired	Another fatigue code.
380	Meet at Bar	Proposes bar meeting.
381	Bring Drinks	Requests beverages for bar.
382	Party at Bar	Invites to bar party.
383	I’m Drunk	Admits intoxication.
384	Need a Drink	Requests a drink.
385	Sober Up	Advises sobriety.
386	Call a Cab	Requests taxi service.
387	At the Bar	Indicates bar location.
388	Fun Night	Shares a fun evening.
389	Stay Sober	Advises against drinking.
390	Meet at Gym	Proposes gym meeting.
391	Bring Water	Requests water for gym.
392	Working Out	Shares workout activity.
393	Need Towel	Requests a towel for gym.
394	Call Gym	Requests a call to gym.
395	I’m Fit	Boasts fitness.
396	Let’s Run	Proposes running.
397	Bring Shoes	Requests running shoes.
398	At the Park	Indicates park location.
399	Meet at Work	Proposes workplace meeting.
187*305	Murder in Miami	Inspired by Dexter’s Miami forensics setting.
666*313	Evil at Hospital	References Dexter’s dark themes and hospital scenes.
911*307	Emergency at Club	Ties to urgent police work in Miami clubs.
123*314	Don’t Go to Work	Reflects Dexter avoiding his job for secrets.
278*318	Don’t Tell My Place	Emphasizes Dexter’s secretive nature.
221*305	Where Are You Miami?	Asks for location in Dexter’s Miami setting.
666*0	Evil Code	Playful nod to Dexter’s dark passenger.
187*319	Murder at Office	References Dexter’s workplace crimes.
411*313	Info on Hospital	Ties to Dexter’s forensic investigations.
143*305	Love You Miami	Romantic code with a Miami twist.