Understanding the ‘All Circuits Are Busy’ Phone Message

Meaning

Generally, this means that too many people are placing calls for the available phone lines. This is a temporary message and you'll be able to place your call whenever a line frees up.

For Verizon specifically, there are two different causes: When do you hear the message? Calling a specific number: the other person's service provider has an issue. Calling all numbers: your service provider has an issue. An issue can range from a service outage, cut or damaged equipments, or equipment damaged by weather. This message does not mean that you are blocked. If you're using a landline, follow the steps in this wikiHow article to diagnose your issue.

Solutions

If you're on Verizon, call *611. Calling this number will help you figure out if there's an outage in your area and should give you an estimated time until it's fixed. If you only hear the "all circuits are busy" message when you call a specific number, the issue is on their side, not yours.

Wait and try your call again later. If you're not on Verizon, a line will free up shortly so you can place your call.