“This Number is no Longer in Service” – What Does it Mean?

You pick up your phone, dial a number, and hear the dreaded message: “This number is no longer in service.” Uh-oh… did they change their number, or has your call been swallowed by the digital void?

Don’t worry, this happens more often than you think—and it’s not as dramatic as it seems.

Let’s figure it out together and make it easy!

What Does “This Number Is No Longer In Service” Mean?

If you hear the message, “This number is no longer in service,” it means that the number is no longer active. The reasons for this can vary. There may be technical issues if the numbers are unlisted, disconnected, or changed.

In some cases, the number may be flagged as spam, temporarily out of service, or blocked/restricted by the carrier. There are many reasons why you might receive this message, and we have outlined them below clearly and concisely. Let’s see them!

How Can I Check If The Number Is Actually Out Of Service?

Before you give up, try these ways to check if the number is really disconnected or just not available for a short time.

A. Call the Number From Different Phone

The most straightforward step is to try calling using a different phone. Network problems or blocked numbers sometimes make this message appear by mistake. If you still get the same reply, then the number is likely to be deactivated.

B. Contact the Phone Provider

If it’s a business or important contact, you can easily contact their carrier, such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. They can check if the number is disconnected or reassigned (though privacy policies might limit information).

C. Try Other Communication Methods

Text the number, If it’s an SMS-capable line, try to see if the message is sent or not. You can use a reverse phone lookup (Truecaller, Whitepages) to check if the number is still active under another name.

D. Check Social Media or Messaging Apps

Most people link their phone numbers with social media like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram If the account appears, the number might still be active. You may also enter the number in the site’s search field to see if it’s linked to an account or not.

⭐ Did you know?

Source – docs.fcc.gov

What Could Be the Possible Reasons for the Message “This Number Is No Longer In Service”?

The message “This number is no longer in service” can occur for several reasons. The number might be disconnected due to unpaid bills, service cancellations, or technical issues.

It could also be temporarily suspended or reassigned to a new user after being inactive for a while. In some cases, network errors may cause the message to appear.

Several reasons can trigger this intercept message. Let’s dive into each possible reason so you can identify what’s happening and what steps to take next.

1. The number has been Disconnected

It means that the phone number has been permanently deactivated by either the user voluntarily canceling their service or the carrier may disconnect it due to long-term inactivity or no payment.

The messages can vary depending on which telephone carrier you are using. For example, “The number you have dialed has been disconnected” or simply “Disconnected number.”

How to check:

2. The Number Might Have Been Unlisted or Changed

Users may choose to unlist or change their phone numbers for privacy reasons, a carrier upgrade, or fraud concerns, rendering them unavailable in public directories and for personal use.

In such cases, you might encounter a message saying, “The number you dialed is no longer available” or “This number has been changed or disconnected.”

How to check:

3. Technical Issues Could Be Causing the Message

Network disruptions, server failure, or carrier glitches may temporarily deny access to a number. These temporary connectivity issues can cause the phone system to play this message.

In such cases, you might hear a message such as, “We’re unable to complete your call due to a network issue” or “This number is temporarily out of service.”

How to Check:

4. The Service Provider Might Have Suspended the Number

While calling someone, you may encounter these messages because the number that you are calling can be suspended by a service provider for non-payment, term violations, or other account holder-related problems.

For example, some might display a message like “This number is no longer in service,” while others may say, “This number has been temporarily suspended.”

How to Check:

Could a Temporary Service Suspension Trigger This Message?

Yes, a temporary service suspension can trigger this message, typically saying, “This number is temporarily unavailable” until the issue is resolved.

5. The Number Could Be Flagged as a Robocaller or Spam

If the number has been labeled as a robocaller or suspicious spam, your call will be blocked. Carriers and third-party apps track suspicious numbers.

If a number has been flagged as unwanted, you’ll receive a message stating, “This number is identified as spam” or “The number is unavailable due to suspicious activity.” It is typically done to protect you from unwanted incoming calls or scams.

How to Check:

6. The Number is Temporarily Out of Service

The number you are calling may sometimes be temporarily out of service due to technical issues like network downtime, carrier maintenance, or temporary disconnections.

In such cases, you may hear the message “This number is temporarily unavailable” or “The number you have dialed is out of service.” Once the carrier resolves the issue, it is typically resolved.

How to Check:

7. The Number might be blocked or restricted

The Number May Be Blocked or Restricted due to either the recipient or the service provider. Some phone services, including Google Voice, allow users to block calls. You will not be able to access the number if it is blocked due to either of them.

You may receive a message like “This number is blocked” or “The call can’t be completed.” This is likely to happen if the recipient explicitly blocks your number or if your carrier blocks it.

How to Check:

8. Wrong Dialing of Number’s digits

A single-digit error while dialing can result in no connection on the call. If you’ve dialed the digits incorrectly, you’ll get a message saying, “Invalid number, check and try again” or “The number you have dialed is not correct.”

To ensure accuracy, it’s essential to verify the area code and country code, along with any other relevant information, to prevent any issues.

How to Check:

What Should You Do if You See “The Number You Have Dialed Is Not In Service”?

If you notice “The Number You Have Dialed Is Not In Service,” there are various steps you can take to meet the person, you can reach out to them directly and others.

Let’s see some way you should do if you see such messages:

I. Reach Out to Them Directly

If you receive the message “This number is not in service,” your first step is to try and reach the individual in some other way. They may have changed their number, switched carriers, or are temporarily out of service.

You could email them or contact them through social media or messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger. If it is a business number, check their website for updated contact information.

II. Double-check the number

Oops! Did you hit the wrong digit again? Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! It’s important to be careful when entering a phone number, as a common mistake can lead to a message saying, “This Number Is No Longer In Service.”

Always double-check that you have entered the correct numbers before pressing the dial icon. A simple typo could be the only thing preventing your call from going through.

III. Don’t call back unknown numbers

If you receive a “Number not in service” message when you dial an unfamiliar number, don’t dial back. Scammers often use made-up or out-of-service numbers to encourage people to dial back, which can lead to potential fraud or extra fees.

If you don’t know the number, look it up online or use a reverse phone lookup app to see if it’s spam or a scam before calling back.

IV. Reach Out to The Person Through Other Means

If the number is out of service, the person may have changed it or lost access. Try reaching them via WhatsApp, email, or social media. If it’s a business, check their website for updated contact details.

Send them a message on WhatsApp or another social platform you use to connect with them or to a platform where they are active (Facebook, Instagram). If it’s a business, check their website for updated contact details.

V. Try Calling Again Later

The number can be temporarily unavailable due to a network issue or maintenance. Wait for a while and try calling again to see if the issue is resolved. You can also try calling from another phone.

Wait a while and try calling again. If the issue is temporary, the number might open up later on. You might also call using another phone to rule out issues with your phone or carrier.

VI. Contact Your Phone Carrier

If you keep receiving the “number not in service” message for various numbers, the problem may be with you. Your carrier can check if there is an outage, a restriction on your account on your side, or a technical issue with the number you wish to call.

Call your network service provider’s customer support and inform them of the issue. They can see if the number is live or if there are any technical issues.

VII. Remove and Reinsert The SIM Card

An incompetent SIM card or connection fault can be causing this issue and resulting in it looking like the number is unavailable when it isn’t.

Power off your phone, take out the SIM card, clean it ever so softly, and reinsert it. Power on again, then test again by trying a call. Should the trouble linger, see if your SIM card works using some other cell by inserting the same into the same.

VIII. Look for Updated Contact Information Through Safe Channels

If a phone number is no longer in service, it’s possible that the individual has acquired a new one. To find the most accurate and updated information, consider visiting their official website.

Checking their social media profiles or exploring business directories. It’s important to rely on trustworthy sources to ensure your privacy and security remain protected.

How Long Does a Number Stay Out of Service Before Being Reassigned?

The duration a phone number stays out of service before reassignment depends on the carrier and region. Typically, mobile carriers hold deactivated numbers for 30 to 90 days as a grace period, allowing the previous owner to reactivate it.

Let’s see how long a number stays out of service before being reassigned:

A. Grace Period (30–90 Days)

Once a phone number has been deactivated, whether due to a non-payment, cancellation, or switching carriers, it enters a grace period. During this time:

• The previous owner may have the option to reactivate the number by contacting their carrier.

• Calls to the number might lead to a “no longer in service” message.

• The number remains in the carrier’s system but is not available for reassignment.

Many mobile carriers designate a grace period of 30–90 days, and this period depends on the carrier and contract.

B. Quarantine Period (Up to 12 Months)

If the phone number owner does nothing to activate the number during the grace period, it enters a quarantine phase, which serves as a buffer before reassignment.

The duration depends on the carrier and region:

• Mobile numbers are often in quarantine for 90 days, but it can also be a period of 6 months.

• Landline and VoIP numbers may stay inactive for a longer period, up to 12 months.

• Certain numbers may have a longer retention period, such as vanity or business numbers.

During this period, the number is still not available for re-use by new people, but it is on record with the carrier.

C. Reassignment to a New User

After the quarantine period, the number returns to the carrier’s pool and becomes eligible for reassignment. This could occur in one of the following ways:

• Issued to a new customer who requests a random number.

• Recycled and reassigned to the same carrier or a different provider.

• Reserved for business or marketing purposes, especially if it was a frequently dialed number.

Carriers all have different policies regarding these kinds of activities, but typically, the number will be reassigned to a new user 6 to 12 months after disconnection. This can happen even sooner in areas with high demand.

Can I Get My Old Number Back?

In some cases, reactivating your old number could be possible, depending on factors like:

• You contact the original carrier before it is reassigned.

• The number is still in the grace or quarantine period.

• The number is linked to a business or high-priority account, and the carrier allows retention.

Once reassigned, it is extremely difficult to get the same number back unless the new subscriber chooses to discard it.

Conclusion

Hearing “This number is no longer in service” simply means the phone number has been deactivated, suspended, or reassigned. This could happen due to non-payment, service provider actions, or the user voluntarily disconnecting it.

If you’re trying to reach someone and get this message, consider checking for an updated contact or reaching out through alternative means.

FAQs

Do Different Carriers Use Different Messages for Disconnected Numbers?

Yes, carriers use varied messages, such as “This number is no longer in service” or “The number you dialed is not a working number.” The wording depends on the carrier’s system.

Could a Temporary Service Suspension Trigger This Message?

Yes, during temporary suspensions, callers may hear “out of service” messages until the service is resumed.

Why am I getting a “This number is no longer in service” message?

This message typically means the number has been disconnected due to unpaid bills, voluntary cancellation, or inactivity.

Does “No longer in service” mean the number is permanently disconnected?

Not always. While it often indicates permanent disconnection, it could also result from temporary suspension or technical issues.

Can I get my old phone number back if it’s no longer in service?

You may be able to reclaim your old number if it hasn’t been reassigned. Contact your carrier promptly for assistance.

Can I still contact someone if their number is no longer in service?

No, you cannot reach them through that number. You’ll need alternative contact methods like email or social media.

Can scammers use “No longer in service” messages to trick people?

Yes, scammers can spoof such messages to deceive users into thinking a number is disconnected. Always verify through trusted channels.