Your Call Cannot Be Completed As Dialed: Troubleshooting & Solutions Guide

That frustrating message, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed,” is something many of us have encountered. It can leave you feeling stranded, especially when you need to make an important call. This error, while common, can stem from various issues, ranging from simple typos to more complex network problems. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the possible causes and provide step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot and resolve this problem, getting you back to connecting with the people you need to reach.

Understanding the “Your Call Cannot Be Completed As Dialed” Message

Before we dive into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to understand what this error message generally means. It essentially signals that the telecommunications network is unable to process your call based on the dialed digits. It doesn’t pinpoint the exact reason; rather, it’s a general indication that something went wrong in the routing of your call. This lack of specificity means a bit of detective work is usually needed to pinpoint the problem.

Common Causes of the Error

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons behind the “Your call cannot be completed as dialed” error:

1. Incorrect Dialing: This is the most frequent culprit. Even a single misplaced digit can lead to the call failing. Common mistakes include missing digits, adding extra digits, or mixing up area codes and prefixes.
2. Number Disconnected or Out of Service: The number you’re trying to call may have been disconnected, deactivated, or is temporarily out of service. This could be due to the user changing carriers, canceling their service, or a temporary network issue on their end.
3. Blocked Numbers: You may be on the recipient’s blocked list, or they might be on yours. If a number is blocked, calls will be automatically rejected, often resulting in this error message.
4. Area Code or Prefix Issues: Incorrectly dialing the area code or prefix, especially when making calls across different regions or countries, can lead to call failures. This can be exacerbated by recent area code changes.
5. Landline or VoIP Issues: Problems with your landline or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, such as outages or incorrect configuration, can prevent your calls from being routed correctly.
6. Network Issues: Problems within the telephone network infrastructure, either your carrier’s or the recipient’s, can also cause this error. This could be a temporary outage or a routing error within the network.
7. Call Restrictions: Some phone plans may have call restrictions in place, such as limitations on long-distance calls, international calls, or calls to specific types of numbers.
8. Voicemail System Issues: In some cases, a problem with the recipient’s voicemail system can be mistaken for a dialing error, particularly when the line seems to be ringing but then produces this message.
9. Temporary Network Glitches: Sometimes, the issue is simply a temporary glitch in the network that resolves itself within a few minutes. These can be unpredictable but are usually short-lived.
10. International Dialing Errors: Dialing internationally involves specific codes that can be easily forgotten. Missed or incorrect country codes or international access codes will cause this problem.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step troubleshooting process to help you figure out what’s causing the error and how to fix it:

Step 1: Verify the Dialed Number

This is the most crucial first step. Carefully check every digit of the number you dialed. Here’s how:

1. Double-Check Each Digit: Compare the number you dialed with the number you intended to dial, digit by digit. Don’t rely on your memory, if possible, refer to a source that you know is accurate.
2. Pay Attention to Area Code: Make sure you’re using the correct area code. If it’s a local call, double check you did not add it accidentally. For calls to other states or regions, confirm the correct area code by using an online area code lookup or a phone directory.
3. Check for Prefixes: Some areas have unique prefixes you may need to dial (like ‘9’ or ‘1’ before the number). Verify that these are included or excluded as required for the number you are calling.
4. Eliminate Extra Digits: Ensure you haven’t added any extra digits. Sometimes accidental presses can result in additional numbers being dialed.
5. Use a Contact or Phone Book: If the number is stored in your contact list, try calling that contact. If you are copying the number from elsewhere, try calling from an entry in your phone book. A fresh copy of the number may avoid potential problems introduced while manually dialing it.

If you still experience the issue after verifying the number, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Try Dialing Again

Sometimes, network glitches are temporary. A simple redial might do the trick:

1. Wait a Few Minutes: Before redialing, wait a few minutes to allow the network to potentially resolve any transient issues.
2. Redial: Try calling the number again. Pay careful attention as you dial to make sure you do not make any typos.
3. Try a Different Phone: If you have access to another phone (a landline or another mobile phone), try calling from that device. If this works then you can focus troubleshooting on the original device.

If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check Number Status

The number you are trying to call may have been disconnected or be out of service. Here’s how to confirm that:

1. Call a different number from the same phone: Call another number that you know to be operational, ideally using the same carrier. If this works correctly, then the problem is more likely on the recipient side or with the number you are trying to dial. If it fails, then the problem is probably with your phone or carrier.
2. Contact the Person Through Other Means: Reach out to the person you’re trying to call through a different method (text, email, social media) and ask if their phone number is active and in service, if possible.
3. Use an Online Number Checker: There are online services that claim to verify if a phone number is active, but be cautious when using these services and avoid inputting personal information. These services can often be unreliable.
4. Search Online: Search the number on search engines. Check the results to see if the number has been connected to a disconnected service.

If the number is confirmed as active, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Check Your Blocked List

Verify that you haven’t blocked the number you’re trying to call, and ask the recipient to do the same.

1. Check Your Phone’s Blocked List: Locate your phone’s blocked list and check if the number is present. The steps to find your blocked list differ based on phone type.
• For iPhone (iOS): Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
• For Android: Go to Phone > three-dot menu > Settings > Blocked numbers (This may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer and Android version).
2. Remove Number if Blocked: If the number is on the list, remove it.
3. Ask Recipient to Check: If you are able to contact them, ask the recipient to check if they have blocked your number.

If blocking is not the issue, proceed to step 5.

Step 5: Check Area Code and Dialing Format

Ensure you’re using the correct dialing format, especially for long-distance or international calls:

1. Use the Correct Area Code: When calling long distance or to another area, double-check the accuracy of the area code.
2. International Calls: If calling internationally, ensure that you’re dialing the correct international access code (e.g., ‘011’ in the US) followed by the country code and the rest of the phone number. The international codes can be found online.
3. National Prefixes: Certain countries require national prefixes. Check if the country you’re calling to requires one and ensure you include it, if required.
4. Dialing Format: The format of dialing can change depending on your carrier or the phone system used. Check that you have the correct local prefix, area code and number.

If dialing format isn’t the culprit, move on to the next step.

Step 6: Restart Your Phone

A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be affecting your call:

1. Turn Off Your Phone: Completely power down your device.
2. Wait 15 Seconds: Wait for at least 15 seconds.
3. Power On Your Phone: Turn your device back on.
4. Try Calling Again: Attempt the call again.

If a restart doesn’t help, proceed to step 7.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Landline or VoIP Issues

If you are using a landline or VoIP service, follow these steps:

1. Check Landline Connections: Ensure all cables are connected properly to the wall outlet and your phone. Unplug and plug them back in.
2. Check VoIP Router: If using VoIP, ensure your router is correctly connected to the internet and turned on.
3. Restart Router: Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds then plugging it back in.
4. Check VoIP Service: Log into your VoIP service account to check for any active outages or system errors.
5. Contact Service Provider: If all the above steps fail, contact your landline or VoIP service provider to inquire about outages or account issues.

If landline or VoIP issues aren’t the reason for the problem, go to step 8.

Step 8: Check Call Restrictions

Your phone plan may have restrictions in place that are preventing the call from completing:

1. Review Your Phone Plan: Log into your account on your mobile phone provider’s website or app to see if you have any restrictions on the type of number you are calling (long-distance, international, etc).
2. Contact Your Provider: Call your mobile phone provider to inquire about any call restrictions or limitations on your plan.
3. Change Your Plan (If necessary): If required, you might need to upgrade to a phone plan that includes the type of calls you’re trying to make.

If your phone plan allows the call, move to the next step.

Step 9: Check for Network Issues

Sometimes, network-wide issues can cause this error. Check if there is a wider issue.

1. Check Carrier Outages: You can use online resources and websites to see if other users on your provider have reported widespread outages.
2. Try Wi-Fi Calling: If your phone supports it, try Wi-Fi calling. This can help bypass a mobile network issue.
3. Check Phone Signal: Ensure your phone has a decent signal. Poor signal strength can cause call issues.
4. Contact Your Carrier: If network outages are detected or your signal strength is problematic, contact your carrier and ask for assistance.

If your provider’s network is not experiencing outages, go to step 10.

Step 10: Contact Technical Support

If all the above steps have failed, it’s time to reach out for technical support:

1. Contact Your Mobile Phone Carrier: Call or visit your carrier’s website for technical support. Be prepared to explain the troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
2. Contact Your VoIP Provider: If you are having issues on your VoIP system, contact the vendor.
3. Be Clear and Specific: Provide as much detail as possible, including the error message, the phone numbers involved, and the troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.

Additional Tips

• Try different times: Sometimes high call volumes or network maintenance can temporarily cause call completion errors. Try dialing at different times of day.
• Update Phone Software: Ensure your phone’s operating system (iOS or Android) is updated. Sometimes, software glitches can cause connection problems.
• Check for Phone App Updates: Keep your phone app updated. Outdated versions may contain bugs causing call issues.
• Temporarily disable third-party call management applications: If you use any third-party apps to manage or block calls, try disabling them temporarily and then reattempt the call.

Preventing “Your Call Cannot Be Completed As Dialed”

• Double-check Numbers Before Dialing: Always verify that you are dialing the correct number before you initiate a call.
• Use Your Phone Contacts: Store frequently called numbers in your contacts list to avoid dialing mistakes.
• Keep Numbers Updated: If contact information changes, update it in your phone to ensure your call is going to the correct person.
• Be Mindful of International Codes: If making international calls, double-check the country code and access codes.
• Keep Your Phone Software Updated: Regularly update your phone’s software and apps to prevent issues and avoid security problems.

Conclusion

The message “Your call cannot be completed as dialed” can be a headache, but it’s generally a resolvable issue with systematic troubleshooting. By carefully verifying the dialed number, checking for blocked contacts, making sure that you have correct prefixes and area codes and performing other steps, you can find the root cause. Sometimes the problem is on the recipient side or due to a network problem that will resolve itself, but by going through these steps you will resolve the vast majority of cases. Always reach out for technical assistance when all else fails, and remember that there are measures you can take to reduce the chance of encountering this error again.