How do I fix a landline call that says the call cannot be completed as dialed?
Answer
A landline that gets a call cannot be completed as dialed message often has a dialing-format problem or a problem with that one number. Try the call in a different format, from another phone, and at another time. If the same message keeps appearing, ask your landline carrier to check the line.
Follow these steps
Test which numbers fail
From the same landline, call a few different numbers, including one you know works, and note which calls fail and with what message. If the message appears only for one number, the problem may be with that number rather than your line. Keep a short written list of the numbers you tried.
You should see: You know whether the failure happens only with one number or with several numbers.
Try the other dialing formats
Brightspeed's home phone help page says phone numbers come in 7-digit (phone number only), 10-digit (area code plus number), and 11-digit (1, area code, number) formats, and that a format you have not used yet is often the simplest fix. Try the failing number in a format you have not tried, and confirm the format on your own carrier's official page if it is different.
You should see: The call either connects, or the message changes. If the same message appears in every format, move to the next step.
Call the same number from another phone and at another time
Call the same number from a different phone, such as a mobile phone, and try again later in the day. The same help page suggests this check when only one number fails.
You should see: If the number is reached from another phone, the problem is more likely on your landline. If it fails from every phone, the problem may be with that number.
Check for a block or account notice
The same help page says a block on the phone line can prevent calls from going out, and that the carrier must remove a block. It also says the message can indicate a suspended account. Look for any block or past-due or suspension notice in your carrier's official account page or app. Do not follow a link from an unexpected text or email to do this.
You should see: You either find no notice, or you find a notice that tells you to contact the carrier to resolve it.
Ask the carrier to check the line if it continues
Call the support number from your bill or the carrier's official website. Give the exact message, the number that fails, the times you tried, and what you found in the earlier steps. Ask the carrier to check for a block, an account status issue, and the line itself.
You should see: The carrier confirms what it found on your line and either removes a block, fixes the line, or opens a repair ticket.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The exact message, such as number cannot be completed or call cannot be completed as dialed, and whether it appears for one number or for many numbers.
Before you change anything: Write down the exact message and the full number you dialed, including the area code. Find your landline carrier's support number on its official website or on your bill. If you can, keep a working phone nearby to test calls with. Do not share one-time codes, PINs, or account passwords with anyone who contacts you.
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