411 is a telephone directory-assistance code in North America that lets you get phone numbers and addresses by dialing 4-1-1. It works on landlines and mobile phones, though some carriers have discontinued it for certain digital home phone services.
What is 411?
411 is the standard dialing code for directory assistance across the United States and Canada. When you call 411, you can request the phone number or address of a person, business, government office, or other listing. Some carriers also support 10-digit directory assistance by dialing an area code followed by 555-1212.
How to use 411 directory assistance
- Pick up your phone and dial 4-1-1.
- Alternatively, dial the area code you are searching in, followed by 555-1212.
- Follow the automated prompts or speak with an operator to request the listing you need.
411 is a phone-line code, not a smartphone app feature. It is accessed by dialing the numbers from a landline or mobile phone, not through an iPhone or Android app setting.
Carrier support for 411
AT&T home phone
AT&T offers directory assistance 24/7 for its home phone customers. You can dial 411 or enter an area code followed by 555-1212. The service covers business, government, and residential listings within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Calls are billed at pay-per-use rates.
Bell
Bell provides local, national, and U.S. directory assistance by dialing 4-1-1. For overseas or international assistance, dial 0 and select operator assistance option 0. TTY users can dial 7-1-1 to access directory assistance for local, national, U.S., overseas, and toll-free listings.
AT&T 411 discontinuation in 2023
As of January 1, 2023, AT&T Phone (the company's digital home phone service) no longer supports operator or directory assistance. Customers on that service who dial 411, 0, 00, area code plus 555-1212, or 555-1212 may hear a message that operator and directory assistance cannot be accessed. Traditional AT&T home phone service still provides directory assistance at pay-per-use rates.
Alternatives when 411 is unavailable
When 411 is not available on your phone service, you can use online search tools to find contact information. The hub page on looking up phone numbers provides modern alternatives for finding business and residential listings. If you need to find out a name from a phone number, the How To Find Out A Name From A Phone Number guide explains how reverse lookups work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 411 free to call?
No, 411 calls are typically billed at a pay-per-use rate set by your carrier. The exact cost depends on your phone plan and provider.
Can I call 411 from a cell phone?
Yes, you can dial 411 from most mobile phones. The call will be charged according to your wireless plan, and some carriers may offer flat-rate or included directory assistance options.
Does 411 work for international numbers?
Standard 411 directory assistance covers listings in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For overseas or international numbers, Bell customers can dial 0 and select operator assistance option 0.
What is the difference between 411 and 555-1212?
411 is the three-digit shortcut for directory assistance. Dialing an area code followed by 555-1212 is a 10-digit alternative that reaches the same directory assistance service for that specific area code.
Why did AT&T stop 411 for some customers?
AT&T discontinued operator and directory assistance for its AT&T Phone digital home phone service on January 1, 2023, as part of a service change. Traditional home phone customers can still use 411.
