# Make an Outbound Call... does nothing

**URL:** <https://community.retellai.com/t/make-an-outbound-call-does-nothing/804>\
**Category:** Support Help\
**Tags:** bug\
**Created:** [February 9, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://community.retellai.com/t/make-an-outbound-call-does-nothing/804 "2026-02-09T09:38:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 4

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![support2](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex008/user_avatar/community.retellai.com/support2/32/15_2.png) [@support2](https://community.retellai.com/u/support2)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.retellai.com/t/make-an-outbound-call-does-nothing/804/4 "2026-02-09T21:01:44Z")

</div>

To ensure your phone number is in the correct E.164 format for Retell AI, it should include the country code prefixed with a plus sign (+), followed by the number with no spaces or special characters[(1)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-number)[(2)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-call).

For example, a valid E.164 format would be `"+14157774444"`[(1)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-number)[(2)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-call).

**Common E.164 formatting issues:**

- Ensure the number includes the `+` prefix followed by the country code[(1)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-number)[(2)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-call)
- Remove any spaces, dashes, or special characters from the number[(1)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-number)[(2)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-call)
- For a US number, it should look like `"+12137771234"` rather than `"(213) 777-1234"` or `"2137771234"`[(2)](https://docs.retellai.com/api-references/create-phone-call)

If you’re experiencing issues with number format, double-check that there are absolutely no dashes, spaces, or other characters in your phone number[(3)](https://community.retellai.com/t/outbound-batch-call-error-for-us-numbers-despite-valid-e-164-formatting/332).

If you’re using a local VOIP provider that doesn’t automatically provide numbers in E.164 format, you may need to handle normalization on your side with a PBX dialplan or SBC rule[(4)](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1444865486499221588). Some users have resolved issues by changing the destination number format to +E.164 in their telephony provider settings[(5)](https://discord.com/channels/1186424376300679209/1395110793262928013).

If the issue persists after verifying the format, please share your org ID and a video showing the steps you’re taking so the support team can investigate further.

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_[View the full topic](https://community.retellai.com/t/make-an-outbound-call-does-nothing/804)._