Dial information is a feature that helps you make phone calls when you're in an area with weak or no signal
When your phone displays "Dial information," it means your device is using a backup method to complete your call instead of the standard cellular network. On iPhones, this feature automatically switches to Wi-Fi calling if your cellular signal is too weak to connect a regular call. On Android phones, the term and behavior vary by manufacturer and carrier, but the purpose is the same: get your call through when normal conditions won't allow it.
You'll typically see this message as a temporary notification during or after a call attempt. It doesn't mean something is broken — it means your phone is working around a problem. The call may sound slightly different or take a moment longer to connect, but from your end, the experience should be mostly normal.
Key Takeaways
- Dial information uses Wi-Fi or other backup networks to complete calls when cellular signal is too weak.
- The feature is automatic on most modern iPhones and some Android phones, so you don't need to turn it on.
- You'll see the message only when your phone actually uses the backup method, not all the time.
- Dial information calls may use your data plan or Wi-Fi minutes depending on your carrier's rules, so check your plan if you're concerned about overage charges.
How Dial information actually works on your phone
Your phone tries to make a call using cellular signal first. If the signal strength drops below a certain threshold — usually when you have one bar or no bars — your phone checks whether Wi-Fi is available. If it is, the phone hands the call over to Wi-Fi calling without asking you. This handoff happens in the background, and you may not notice it except for the brief notification.
On iPhones running iOS 16 and later, this is called Dial information and it's turned on by default. You can find the setting under Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. On Android, the feature exists but the name and location depend on your phone maker and carrier. Samsung phones call it "Wi-Fi Calling," while others may label it differently or bury it in carrier settings.
The feature requires that your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling on your account. Most major carriers in the United States — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers — offer this at no extra cost, but you should confirm with your carrier that it's active on your line.
When Dial information kicks in and when it doesn't
Dial information only activates when three conditions are met: your cellular signal is weak, Wi-Fi is available and connected, and your carrier allows Wi-Fi calling on your account. If any of these is missing, your phone will attempt a regular cellular call instead, even if it fails.
You're most likely to see this message in buildings with thick walls, basements, rural areas, or places where the cell tower is far away but Wi-Fi is strong — a coffee shop with poor outdoor signal, an office building's interior, or a basement apartment. If you're in an area with strong cellular signal, Dial information won't set up even if Wi-Fi is available, because your phone prefers the faster, more direct cellular path.
What happens to your data and minutes when you use Dial information
A call made through Dial information uses your Wi-Fi connection, not your cellular data plan. This means it doesn't count against your monthly data allowance. However, it does count as a regular call against your voice minutes if you have a limited plan. If you have unlimited calling, Dial information calls are treated the same as any other call.
The one exception is international calling. If you're traveling and using Dial information to call home, check with your carrier first — some carriers charge international rates for Wi-Fi calls, while others treat them as domestic calls. This varies significantly by carrier and plan, so it's worth a quick call to customer service before you rely on it abroad.
Why you might want to turn Dial information off
Most people should leave Dial information on, but there are a few reasons you might disable it. If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or slower than your cellular signal, Wi-Fi calls may drop or sound worse than cellular calls. If you're on a metered Wi-Fi network that charges per minute or gigabyte, you might prefer to use cellular instead. Or if you're in a location where Wi-Fi calling isn't supported by your carrier, the feature won't help you anyway.
To turn off Dial information on an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it off. On Android, the path depends on your phone, but it's usually under Settings > Advanced Calling or Settings > Calls. Turning it off won't hurt your phone — it just means your phone will only attempt calls over cellular signal, even if they fail.
What to do if Dial information calls aren't working
If you see the Dial information message but your call didn't go through, or if calls keep dropping when Dial information activates, the problem is usually one of three things: your Wi-Fi connection is too slow or unstable, your carrier hasn't fully activated Wi-Fi calling on your account, or your phone's software is outdated.
Start by checking your Wi-Fi speed. Open a web browser and load a straightforward website — if it takes more than a few seconds, your Wi-Fi is too slow for reliable calls. If the website loads fine, restart your phone and try the call again. If it still fails, contact your carrier's customer service and confirm that Wi-Fi calling is turned on for your account. They can also tell you whether there are any known issues in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dial information cost extra money?
No. Wi-Fi calling through Dial information is included at no extra charge by all major U.S. carriers. It uses your regular voice minutes if you have a limited plan, but not your data. Some carriers may charge differently for international calls made through Wi-Fi, so check your plan if you call overseas.
Can I use Dial information on a phone that doesn't have cellular service?
No. Dial information is a backup for weak cellular signal, not a replacement for it. You need an active cellular account with a carrier that supports Wi-Fi calling. If you have no cellular service at all, you can use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead, but not Dial information.
Will Dial information work if I'm connected to a public Wi-Fi network?
Yes, as long as the network is stable and fast enough. Public Wi-Fi can be unpredictable, so calls may sound worse or drop more often than on your home Wi-Fi. If you're having trouble, try moving closer to the router or switching to a different network if available.
Why does my phone show Dial information even when I have strong cellular signal?
This usually means your phone made the call over cellular, not Wi-Fi, and the message is just a notification that Dial information was available as a backup. The message doesn't always mean Dial information was actually used. If you're seeing it constantly, restart your phone or check your carrier's coverage map for your location.