How to Fix Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed Error

When you encounter “Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed,” it is crucial to understand its root causes and the specific nature of the message to address the issue effectively.

Reasons for the Error

• Incorrect Number Dialed: Ensure the number entered is correct, including the area code.
• Service Issues: Your service provider may be experiencing outages or other technical difficulties.
• Number Disconnected: The phone number you are calling may no longer be in service.
• Blocked Call: The receiving party may have blocked your number.
• International Restrictions: If calling abroad, check for any restrictions or added prefixes.
• Plan Limitations: Your phone plan might not cover the number you are trying to dial.

Interpreting Error Variations

Different carriers may present this message differently. Pay attention to any additional information or codes in the message as they can provide insights into why the call failed. For instance:

• Reorder Tone: A fast busy signal could indicate a network congestion.
• Message Blocks: Certain phrases or codes may imply specific issues, such as billing or service restrictions.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

When encountering the error message “Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed,” it is crucial to perform preliminary checks before proceeding to more complex solutions. Follow these steps methodically to identify and potentially resolve the issue.

Check the Number: Ensure you have dialed the correct number. Double-check the area code and number for any potential errors.

• Is it long distance? Add the appropriate long-distance prefix.
• Is it an international call? Check for the country code and international prefix.

Restart Your Phone: A simple yet effective step is to restart your device, which can resolve transient glitches in the system.

1. Long-press the power button.
2. Choose Restart from the options displayed.

Check for Service Outages: Sometimes the issue is with your service provider. Verify if there are any known network issues or maintenance activities that could be affecting your calls.

Examine Signal Strength: A weak signal can lead to call failures. Move to an area with better reception if you observe inadequate signal bars.

Reset Network Settings (for iPhone users):

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Select Reset Network Settings.
3. Input your passcode and confirm the reset.

Remember, resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN settings. It is advisable to note down such information before proceeding with this step.

Verifying the Dialed Number

Correctly entering the phone number is crucial to establishing a connection. Ensure the format is accurate and the number is not restricted or blocked.

Checking the Number Format

• Ensure you have included the area code or country code if necessary.
• Double-check the sequence of numbers.
• Confirm that you are not missing any digits or adding extra ones.

Identifying Restricted or Blocked Numbers

• Access your phone’s settings: Navigate to the call or phone settings section.
• Review the blocked numbers list: Look for the number you’re trying to reach and unblock it if needed.

Assessing Your Calling Plan

When confronting the error “Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed,” it is crucial to evaluate your calling plan. You need to ensure that the plan you have subscribed to with your carrier allows the type of call you are attempting to make. Begin this process by carefully checking the terms of your plan.

• Check for Restrictions: Review your plan details, either by logging into your account on the carrier’s website or by consulting your contract. Look for any limitations on international calls, time-of-day restrictions, or blocked numbers that might apply.
• Review Usage Limits: Ensure that you have not exceeded any allocated minutes or call quotas. If your plan has a limit, exceeding it may prevent calls from being completed.
• International Calling:
  • If calling internationally, verify that your plan includes international services.
  • Some plans require an add-on service for international dialing.

• Add-On Services: If necessary, consider purchasing an add-on service if your current plan does not support the type of calls you are trying to make, such as international calling or premium numbers.

Checking Network Issues

When facing “Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed” error messages, it’s essential to assess if there’s an underlying network issue. You’ll need to perform signal strength analysis and confirm any network outages.

Signal Strength Analysis

To evaluate signal strength, go to the settings on your mobile device and check for the signal indicator. Two primary metrics to look for are:

1. Number of bars: A full signal is indicated by maximum bars—typically four or five. Fewer bars suggest weaker signal.
2. Type of connection: Look for symbols like 4G or LTE. If you see indications of “E” or “G,” your signal strength for voice calls might impede successful connections.

If your signal is weak or unstable, try:

• Moving to an open space away from obstructions.
• Checking if your device is in “Airplane Mode” and, if so, disabling it.
• Rebooting your device to refresh the connection.

Network Outage Confirmation

To confirm a network outage, which could be disrupting your service, use the following steps:

1. Visit your carrier’s official website or social media channels; service outages are often reported here.
2. Use third-party websites that track real-time reports on carrier outages.

If there’s an outage:

• Wait for the carrier to resolve the issue, as such outages are usually fixed within hours.
• Contact your carrier’s customer service for updates if outages persist.

Examining Hardware Concerns

When addressing the issue of receiving the “Your Call Cannot Be Completed as Dialed” error, it is crucial to inspect various hardware elements of your phone that may be affecting its ability to place calls.

Phone Functionality Check

To ensure your phone’s hardware is not the source of the issue, begin by evaluating the device’s basic functions. Confirm that:

• Your phone’s speaker and microphone are working correctly.
• The screen responds without delay or glitches.
• Buttons and touchscreen inputs register properly.

Should any of these components be malfunctioning, it may indirectly cause call completion problems.

SIM Card Troubleshooting

The SIM card is vital for network-related functions, including calling.

To troubleshoot SIM card issues:

1. Turn off your phone and remove the SIM card.
2. Inspect it for any visible damage and clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth.
3. Reinsert the SIM card carefully. Ensure it’s properly seated in its tray.
4. Power your phone back on and attempt to make a call.

If problems persist after reinserting the SIM card, consider testing with a different SIM to determine if the original is defective.

If the second SIM works without issue, your previous SIM card may require replacement.