What "The Number You Have Dialed Has Calling Restrictions" Means & How to Fix It

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Why you can't make calls to this person and what to do about it

Co-authored by Travis Boylls Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 24, 2024 Fact Checked

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What This Message Means

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Reasons the Number Has Calling Restrictions

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How to Fix Calling Restrictions

It can be frustrating when you are trying to make a call and hear "The number you have dialed has calling restrictions." There are several reasons this happens and a few things you can do to fix it. This wikiHow article teaches you why this error message occurs and what you can do to resolve it.

The Number You Have Dialed Has Calling Restrictions

The mobile provider of the person you are calling may have restricted their line because of billing issues, usage limits, roaming, or other reasons. If you hear this message for all phone numbers you call, the issue is related to your own mobile service provider.

Section 1 of 3:

What This Message Means

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These restrictions may be put in place by a cellular service provider or the person you are calling. It's also possible that your own cellular service provider is restricting your outbound calls, such as if you're trying to make an international call without an international calling plan.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 3:

Reasons the Number Has Calling Restrictions

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If you only hear "The number you have dialed has calling restrictions that have prevented the completion of your call" when you call a specific person, their mobile carrier may have limited their line due to billing issues, a limited number of talk minutes, or a block on calls when roaming. It's also possible the person you are trying to contact may have activated phone settings that restrict calls, such as Airplane Mode, or Do Not Disturb (DND).
It's also possible they have blocked your number, either intentionally or accidentally. Your number may have also been flagged as spam by their provider, and they are not receiving them.
It's possible the calling restrictions may actually be an issue with your own mobile provider account. Your provider may not allow calls to that number because it's flagged as spam, outside of your calling plan, or there's a problem with your account.
It's also possible that you or the person you are trying to contact is not getting good network coverage. You or they may be experiencing poor reception, or you or the person you are trying to contact may be roaming.

Section 3 of 3:

How to Fix Calling Restrictions

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Check the area code and make sure it is right, and make sure your contact information is correct.
Airplane mode prevents you from making calls, and you may hear a message about the number you're dialing having calling restrictions when you try to call out anyway. Swipe down from the top of the screen on Android or the upper-right corner on iPhone. Make sure the icon that resembles an airplane isn't turned on.
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Check your "Do Not Disturb" status. If you have "Do Not Disturb" turned on, you may not be able to make outbound calls.
- To turn off Do Not Disturb on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Do Not Disturb icon to toggle it on and off.
- To turn off Do Not Disturb on iPhone, swipe down from the upper-right corner to open the Control Center. Tap the Focus button. Turn off Do Not Disturb.
Check the bars at the top of your phone. Make sure you have at least 3 bars or more. If you don't have a good network connection, you may not be able to make a call. Also, check to see what network you are connected to. If you see a network other than your mobile service provider, you may be roaming, and your provider may restrict your ability to make calls while roaming.
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Check your app permissions. Make sure the app you are using to make calls has permission to do so. Use the following steps to check your app permissions:
- Android:
  - Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  - Tap the Gear icon to open the Settings menu.
  - Tap Apps.
  - Tap your phone app.
  - Tap Permissions.
  - Make sure it has permission to make calls.
- iPhone:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap your phone app.
  - Ensure it has permission to make calls and access your contacts.
There could be a restriction placed on calls set by your mobile service provider or an issue with your account. Your plan may be limiting certain features, or they may have suspended your account due to nonpayment. It's also possible there may be a network outage. You can contact customer service by dialing 611 to see if there's a problem with your account.
It's possible the person you are trying to contact may have blocked your number either by accident or on purpose. They may also have an issue with their mobile service provider account or phone settings that they are unaware of, or they've changed their number. Contact them through another means (email, text message, messenger app, etc.) and let them know you are trying to contact them and you are unable to. They will need to fix the issue on their end.