Let’s face it, “unallocated number” messages are highly annoying. However, it’s a different ball game when you suddenly can’t get hold of a loved one, although there’s probably a simple explanation.
In this article we’ll examine the meaning of a phone’s message “the number you have dialed is unallocated”, describe several causes of this message and discuss what you can do about it.
What Does it Mean “the number you have dialed is unallocated”
The automated “number you have dialed is unallocated” message is generated when a phone number (either landline or cell phone) has not been allocated to a subscriber. Other reasons include miss-dialing, unpaid phone bills, and network outages. Software-produced spoofed numbers are also used by telemarketers, spammers, and hackers, so these numbers can show also as “unallocated”.
Finding out why you received an “unallocated number” message is relatively straightforward if you know a few handy tips and tricks to solve the mystery.
So, if you want to fix the issue or maybe learn how to block those unallocated number spam calls – read on!
Why Are Some Phone Numbers Unallocated?
Phone numbers are classified as unallocated for several reasons. For instance, the person you are trying to call may have changed their number or the phone service provider may have not allocated that number to a customer yet. However, the following reasons are the most common.
The Phone Number Was Not Allocated To A Subscriber
Phone service providers (cell phones or landline) in most countries have a large pool or a block of valid phone number ranges that are assigned to them in order to further “allocate” to their customers.
An “unallocated number” could mean that the service provider who received that block of numbers has not assigned that specific number yet to an end user or subscriber.
Thus, you cannot connect with a specific subscriber when you call that valid phone number, and the unallocated number message is automatically generated.
Incorrect Or Misdialed Phone Numbers
We all make mistakes sometimes. So, the number given to you might need to be corrected. Alternatively, you could have miss-dialed a single digit, swapped a number, or used an incorrect country code if you were trying to make an international call.
Regional Carrier Network Outages
From time to time, service providers experience network issues that cause weak signals and unallocated number messages.
So, if you dialed someone an hour ago and suddenly can’t get hold of them, it could be because of a technical network glitch. Therefore, you might have to wait a while and try phoning them at a later stage.
Canceled Phone Subscriptions Due To Unpaid Phone Bills
Another potential reason for hearing the unallocated number message is an unpaid phone bill. Network service providers terminate phone plan subscriptions if a phone bill has yet to be settled.
Therefore, should you or the person you are trying to phone not have paid your bill in full, the service will no longer be available.
Terminated Phone Numbers
The service provider will terminate the subscription when a number is no longer used. Only after a period has lapsed will that phone number be reallocated to another subscriber. Thus, unallocated messages are generated for expired numbers.
Who Typically Uses Unallocated Numbers?
You might wonder why you are receiving missed calls from unallocated numbers at this stage.
Chances are good; it’s probably from a caller using a software-produced fake or spoofed phone number predominantly used for advertising purposes to promote certain products.
Software-created calls are mainly used by telemarketers, scammers, (annoying) robocalls, and spammers.
Your caller ID will not show their actual number or categorize it as a “private” or unknown caller. So, you will be more inclined to answer their calls as it comes from a standard 10-digit number.
However, these spoofed phone numbers also hide a dark underbelly. Software-generated phone numbers can also be used by hackers for social-engineering attacks in order to steal your data or other sensitive information.
Therefore, ignore these calls where possible. And don’t try to phone them back, especially when you do not receive a voicemail message.
If you are being bombarded by spam calls from unallocated numbers, install a smartphone app that identifies them and enables you to block their constant calls and messages.
Possible Fixes When Receiving Unallocated Number Messages
Now that you know what could have caused the unallocated number message let’s look at potential quick fixes and troubleshooting solutions.
Contact Your Service Provider
If your phone bills have consistently been paid on time, you should be able to receive and make calls. However, there could be an issue with your account payments, or your carrier’s network is down when there is a regional cellular outage.
So, the quickest way of dealing with both issues is by contacting your service provider. You will also then know how long it will take for the network issue to be fixed. Alternatively, check online if your mobile service provider is down.
Delete The Saved Phone Number
If you have phoned a person before, the most efficient way to deal with an incorrect number is to delete their saved number from your phone, as the wrong number could have been saved.
Once the number is deleted, carefully read it and dial it on your phone’s keypad to see if an incorrect number caused the previous unallocated number message.
Review Your Google Voice App Settings
Suppose you use Google Voice, and your callers receive an unallocated number message. In that case, it’s time to check whether Google deactivated your phone number.
The quickest way to fix that issue is by doing the following:
- Navigate to your Google settings location.
- Ensure that your Google Voice mobile number is in the upper section of the settings page.
- Key in the correct phone number.
- Most importantly, check that your mobile service provider is right.
- Review your Google Voice phone number recovery web page. And see if there are any important messages regarding your account or any errors that need to be fixed.
You might get an unallocated number message if you try to make international calls. Especially if you are phoning someone who resides in a country where Google Voice is banned or unavailable.
Conclusion
Unallocated number messages occur when a service provider did not allocate the number to a subscriber or when a spoofed number is used for advertising purposes.
Alternatively, you could have miss-dialed, a phone bill is in arrears, your carrier’s network is down, or your Google Voice number was deactivated. These are some of the main reasons.
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