Did you get a “the number you have dialed is unallocated” message when you try to call a number? What does it mean the number you have dialed is unallocated?
You might also have the common variant “the dialed number is not assigned”. This is an annoying problem, especially when the number you are trying to call is one you’ve dialed before.
There are a lot of reasons you might get this message. You might be trying to reach a spoofed number or having poor network problems.
In this article, we will discuss what an unallocated number is, why you get the message, and how to fix it.
First, let’s discuss what an unallocated number is.
What Does It Mean When You Call a Number and It Says Unallocated?
When you receive an error message stating “phone number you have called is unallocated”, that means the phone number has not yet been assigned to a user or the operator has not assigned the number to the carrier network provider.
Unallocated numbers are usually given to businesses to save costs because they would not have to pay for subscriptions.
Telemarketers and scammers can also use these numbers to reach people without having to show a caller ID. Numbers obtained from the internet also fall under the category of unallocated numbers.
Why Is the Number You Are Dialling Unallocated?
Unallocated numbers are quite common and could happen for a lot of reasons. Below are some of the reasons you might get the unallocated number message.
- You Dialed the Wrong Number
- Spoofed Number
- Poor Network Coverage
- Unpaid Bills
- Expired Numbers
- The Number Does Not Exist
1. You Dialed the Wrong Number
You might be getting the “the number you have dialed is unallocated” message because you are calling the wrong number.
If the number you are trying to call is correct, it is possible that the person has changed their phone number.
2. Spoofed Number
Spoofed numbers are usually internet or software-generated numbers. These numbers falsify information so their caller ID looks like they are real people or companies.
Scammers, spammers, and telemarketers mostly use spoofed numbers to increase their chances of being answered by people.
3. Poor Network Coverage
If you’re in an area with poor network coverage or there’s a network outage, your phone might wrongly label a number as an unallocated number.
In some cases, the “the phone number you have dialed is unallocated” message can be caused by network issues such as a mobile network that is not available or a mobile network that is disconnected.
4. Unpaid Bills
If you do not pay your subscription bills on time or recharge your SIM for a long while, your network operator might cancel your subscription plan and your phone number will become unallocated.
5. Expired Numbers
This mostly happens to old abandoned numbers. The network operator will cut off the subscription and it will become unallocated. After some time, the number gets reassigned to a new user.
6. The Number Does Not Exist
Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with the number. It just does not exist. There are numbers not allocated to any network provider. Calling these numbers will only give you an unallocated message.
Now that we know why we could be facing the error at hand, we can start looking for ways to solve the same.
You will not get the “the number you have dialed is unallocated” message. If the number you are trying to call is a saved contact, you can delete it and then dial the number.
2. Wait Until they Fix the Network Issue
If you’re in an area with poor network coverage, move to a different location with better coverage. If you have network issues, wait until your provider fixes them.
After some time, your network conditions should return to normal and you will be able to call the number. If it is urgent, you can try restarting your phone and then trying to call the number.
4. Contact Your Network Provider
If people keep getting the unallocated message when they dial your number, you should reach out to network provider support to get it looked into.
You might have been wrongly put on the unallocated list. You should also ensure that all your bills have been paid.
5. Check Google Voice Settings
If Google Voice disabled your number, people who try to call you will get the “the number you have dialed is unallocated” message when they dial your number.
To fix this, follow these steps:
- Go to Google Voice settings.
- Make sure your number is at the top of the settings page.
- Search for your mobile operator.
- Type in your phone number.
- Wait for the Google activation message.
You can also try to retrieve your phone number on the Google Voice Account Recovery page.
Final Thoughts on Fixing “The Number You Have Dialled Is Unallocated”
The “the number you have dialed is unallocated” message can be caused by a wrong number or unpaid bills. It can be easily fixed using one of our solutions down below. Soon, you will be able to call your number without problems.
- Correct the Number
- Wait until they fix the Network Issue
- Block the Number
- Contact Your Network Provider
- Check Google Voice Settings
If you try the above steps and the problem still persists, we recommend that you contact your mobile service provider.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, don’t hesitate to suggest them in the comment section below.
What is an unallocated number?
An unallocated number is a phone number that has not been assigned to a specific customer.
Who uses unallocated numbers?
Many businesses use this type of number for marketing and promotional purposes because it allows them to contact customers without disclosing their personal information.
How did I get a call from an unallocated number?
You’ll get a call from an unallocated number when the caller doesn’t want you to call back or to be traced. They called you from a Voice over Internet Protocol phone, and they could put any number they wanted. In other words, they have forged the number that appears on your caller ID.