Cellular connectivity and telecom providers in general have come a long way since the landline days. However, there are still common call drop issues and other bugs and glitches that keep coming up from time to time.
In this article, we’re taking a look at the “your call cannot be completed as dialled” error, its causes and what you can do to fix the problem.
What causes this error?
The error can be triggered by a number of things, including:
- Wrong number or format.
- The number is no longer active.
- The recipient number cannot be reached or doesn’t have connectivity at the moment.
- The recipient number doesn’t have a voicemail to forward the call when you can’t reach the number itself.
Also read: What does a blue dot next to text and contacts mean?
How to fix this?
Here are 10 solutions you can try out.
Restart the device
The first thing you should try out in such situations is to restart your phone. Restarting can resolve many seemingly random issues, primarily network or SIM issues. You can also try toggling airplane mode on and off.
Try again after some time
This error is most common because the recipient’s number is in an out-of-coverage area or isn’t powered on. Try calling again after some time, and the call should go through.
Check for roaming issues
When you wander out of your carrier’s local zone, you might experience roaming settings that can bar your phone from picking up network signals. Be sure to either disable these settings in your phone or have another SIM card altogether for when you’re venturing out.

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Check the phone number
Another common cause for the error is that you’re simply dialling the wrong number. Check to ensure that the number is correct and that you have the right area code. You should also ensure that you’re entering the correct ISD code in case you’re making an international call.
Try another SIM card
If you happen to have one around, try calling from another SIM card to check whether the issue is in your phone or with the number you were previously using to call. Some telecom providers tend to disable incoming and outgoing calls on numbers that don’t have enough balance or an active plan at the time of calling.

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Check if you’ve been blocked
If the recipient has blocked your numbers, your calls are likely to terminate in this error code. Check with the recipient to see if your number has been accidentally blocked, Once unblocked, your calls should go through just fine.
Send an SMS
SMSs usually go through even when the receiving number is in an area with spotty connectivity. If your SMS can get through, there’s a chance that calling will also work once they get to an area with better coverage.

Use another app
This isn’t a solution as much as a workaround, but if you both have an app that lets you communicate over the internet (either WiFi or cellular), you can just call them on that particular app, Messenger, Whatsapp, Snapchat and other messaging apps being prominent examples.
Reset your phone’s network settings
Incorrect network settings can cause all sorts of problems, including SIM cards not being detected or malfunctioning. This resets your WiFi networks, Bluetooth connections, cellular and even VPN settings.
Check out our detailed guide on how to reset network settings what doing so can do here
Contact service provider
If nothing else works, it’s time to call your carrier and describe the problem to them. After all, they’re in charge of the network and, in turn, your SIM. It’s pretty likely that your carrier will have some solution ready and will be able to diagnose your issue correctly as well.
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