Offering tips to save you money on your wireless service is just another great benefit you enjoy with Consumer Cellular. Here’s information that can help you avoid a fee you may not even know about: you can enjoy free directory assistance.
Directory assistance is offered nationwide by mobile carriers by dialing 4-1-1 on your cellphone. Through either a live operator or an automated system, directory assistance uses custom database software to locate listings, and connect you to the party you wish to reach.
Here’s How to Get Free 411
Many users probably don’t realize that dialing 4-1-1 for directory assistance on your cellphone accrues a service fee—and also uses valuable minutes on your monthly wireless plan.
But here’s the good news: you can actually reach directory assistance for free.
Just dial 1-800-FREE-411 (or 1-800-373-3411) from your phone instead. This version of directory assistance is advertiser sponsored, so you’ll have to listen to a 10-second ad before you reach an agent. But the service is easy to remember, simple to use, and best of all, free.
How to Use Free Directory Assistance
Save the number as a contact in your phone so it’s there whenever you need it! It’s an easy way to save money—and minutes—the next time you need to find a number but don’t have Internet access or a smartphone nearby. Using directory assistance is a real convenience—and using free 411 makes it even better.
Great consumer tip, I’ve added this to my Contacts. Thanks!
I looked this up on the internet. Thanks!
Im trying to find someone
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your post. If you’re looking for a number for someone, we would recommend calling our free 411 number at 1-800-373-3411.
Dont try the free 411. They get paid for giving you an ad but the system can almost never find a number for you. I always end up calling 411 and they have no trouble getting it for me.
I’ve tried everything and it still says fee what can I do for free service thank you in advance
Hi Barbara, thank you for posting. In order to take advantage of the free directory assistance, you would need to call 1-800-373-3411 instead of calling 411 directly. If you have any questions or are having some trouble with this, please call us at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.
Is this just for cell phones or does it work on landlines.
Thank you for posting, Dona. This service is available for both landlines and cellphones. Have a great day!
I used Xfinitys 411 information service twice last month and was charged 9.95 for those 2 calls.
Ridiculous! Even though this sounds too good to be true, I remain optimistic!
Thank you for this tip. I paid for two directory assistance calls last month. This will come in handy in the future!
It works!! Thank you!
So u have to pay I can’t pay yet but is it free like no payment?
Hi Princess, if you call 411 directly instead of using the free number listed in the article, then there is a $1.50 charge per 411 call applied to your next invoice. If you have any questions, you can call us at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.
Great tip! Thank you.
Thanks for the tip, I made note of it.
Thanks for the tip, very helpful
Thanks for the tip
This Blog and this tip is good to know. Thank You
Thanks for the tip. I did not know this. It will surely come in handy.
Thank you so much, this is a great service to have, I am adding number to my phonebook right away, and I will also give the number to my Mother, I assume it works with any cell phone. Thanks again Pat.
First day! Thank you for the tip.
Just added to my phone. Thanks..
Excellent information. Can it be used for a land line as well?
It can also be used for a land line! Thank you for the question!
The site cannot understand the last name when I speak it. Wouldn’t it be better if last name is spelled out?
You can certainly give that a try, Janet! Let us know if you this works better for you.
The service doesn’t “hear” and transpose the information correctly. There should be a way to enter the first and last name via key pad – otherwise this is a waste of time…welcome your suggestions.
Hi Jackie, thank you for your feedback on this. At this time, we actually use a third-party group for our directory assistance but I’m happy to pass along your feedback and suggestion on for the future. What I can suggest is making sure anything that is spoken on the phone to the automated system is done so slowly and clearly to make sure it’s understanding you correctly.
The service is all recording and is terrible.
This service sure is terrible!
If it’s an unusual last name automation doesn’t understand it.
Free Directory Assistance (800-373-3411) is awful terrible.
This is the MOST FRUSTRATING call you will ever make. There is no live operator, and the computer you speak to cannot understand what you tell them, which means you spend 5 minutes trying to make the stupid thing understand whose number you want.
I agree whole heartedly with your complaint. When they first started this service, there was a live person to help if the computer didn’t help. There is no one at this number to register a complaint.
We apologize for any frustration, Lou. Our team is happy to assist customers over the phone at 888-345-5509, but we’re very sorry for any wait that you experienced while trying to reach us. If you would like to send an email regarding your experience or if you have some feedback for us, you can reach out to us at [email protected]. This is also a good option if you have any questions about your phone or account if a phone call is inconvenient. Thank you again for your patience, and for taking the time to comment.
Pls give me a phone number
Hi Mikayla, if you would like to speak with an agent you can reach our customer service team at 888-345-5509. You can also chat with our team here.
you are right!
Thank you for taking the time to post, Kathy. We’re sorry to hear that the Free 411 service didn’t work well with you. We do offer a paid version of 411 that you can use as well. We appreciate you sharing your experience!
Dennis,
You must be frustrated (I know I would be). It must have something to do with the time of the day that u reach out, however, it has been quite the
Opposite for me. Someone always comes on the line. I wonder what’s happening? Hmm….
Almost 5 years later and it’s still crappy to say the least. It didn’t understand anything I said. I spoke as slow as I could. Should be a way to use the keypad to type in what you’re looking for.
Hi Cindy, that’s definitely frustrating and we appreciate you reaching out to let us know. I have passed on your feedback regarding this service to the appropriate department to be reviewed further. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week.
This service stinks, the recorded operator kept mispronouncing the last name of the person for whom I wanted a phone number. After a dozen attempts i gave up. I’d rather pay $1.25 to look up the number than go through this frustration again.
That happens to me when I pay as well – lol!
No kidding!! Same here. There was no way to pronounce it any clearer. I pronounced it, spelled it 35 times and it couldn’t understand anything i was saying!
It would not listen to a spelling and I just lost 10 years off my life because of the same problem
I used the 1800 Free411 service since they came aboard and do find that for SOME cities that have unusual pronounciation it can be frustrating. What I have found lately is that it gives you the option (supposedly) to have the number texted to your phone…It used to work and was so convenient, but lately even tho’ I press the key to indicate I want a text, I DON’T GET ONE. Tried to find a customer service # for them and can’t locate one…ANYONE?
Does anyone know who to contact to correct the information? it keeps giving our a cell phone number for a business, not the business number.
Thank you for asking, Kerrie. It looks like their support number is 1-800-840-1012. I would try giving them a call so they can correct your company’s information. Thank you!
I’ve been able to get a local number from my library by phone. I only call when I really need the help.
That’s a great option, Richard. Thank you for sharing!
Good luck with that at our library. They don’t even have a reference department anymore. And with all our attainable dropping their landlines. Well
You would want to use this in your car. It sounds weird trying to “enunciate” your words so carefully so the computer can understand you. That’s why I dislike AT&T’s “voice recognition” menu.
Worthless! I tried 10 different names, and it always said “Sorry…I didn’t get that” or offered names that weren’t even in the ballpark.
Unless you’re looking for Smith, Jones or Johnson, just pay the real directory assistance.
It’s strictly an automated system fraught with AI personality disorder. I spent 5 or so minutes repeating, repeating, repeating my query. Until at last I was told they were having too much trouble understanding me and that I should call back later. Not likely. Seems like a system rigged to draw in an audience for the ads.
Thank you for the feedback, Linda. We appreciate getting your first-hand take on the service, so thank you for posting!
Agree with the frustration. We do have voice recognition technology much better then is offered here. I have the address and name but lost a customers number. You would think this might be an easier problem to solve without subscribing to a special service, but how it is now. I get it.
We understand the frustration, Dennis. As more options become available in the marketplace, we’ll be sure to share them with you. As always, if you find a good app or other option, please share it with us here on the blog. Thank you for posting!
Who owns this service? Hey Pat , have you tried it ? If not, why are you endorsing it? If you have, why are you endorsing it?
Thank you for asking, Lou. We don’t own the service, but many of our customers have found it to be a useful alternative to using 411, especially for those who don’t have a smartphone. 411 charges can be costly, and this allows our customers to find a number free of charge. We appreciate you taking the time to post!
On my cell phone, three digit numbers respond only to my wireless company. Is there any other number I can dial for information that does not contain the numbers 411; and in that order?
Thank you for asking, Mary. At this time, this is the only free option that we would recommend. As for the dialing issue you are experiencing, it should be resolved by dialing the full number: 1-800-373-3411. If not, we’re happy to troubleshoot that for you over the phone at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to comment today!
Needed this 10 years ago
It is pretty handy, Michael. It’s a great option for our feature phone users and smartphone lovers alike!
What a piece of crap. All automated and the voice system on their side must be very old technology. It can’t seem to recognize names and it becomes a loop that just takes you back to their same results of not understanding 3 simple English names. I miss the old pick up phone and dial operator for directory assistance. Now all the internet sites are trying to sign you up for monthly contracts to sell you address, phone, police records, court cases and other private information that I don’t care to know. All I want is a freaking phone number of a lost relative. Why can’t it be a simple task to find a phone number?
We’re sorry to hear that Free 411 wasn’t the right fit for you, Joel. You can also try using the 411 feature, but please note that there is a charge. This may also only work if that person’s phone number is listed, and is not a private phone number. If we can assist you in any way, just give us a call at 888-345-5509 and we will be happy to help you. Thank you for posting today!
Didn’t work for me
We’re sorry to hear that, Susan. While this service works well for many listings, some maybe unavailable. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Hi Ashley,
Is there a way to look up a number on-line free of charge as opposed to dialing 1-800–373-3411?
Thank You!
Absolutely, Paula! You can search for a business or organization on Google, and the phone number, hours and address will appear at the top of the search results. You can also use the Yellow Pages online, and other similar sites. Thank you for asking!
How to fined some ones cell phone number
Thank you for posting, Harold! Many people choose to keep their cellphone number unlisted. Otherwise, we recommend trying your local listings or a directory assistance website to find someone. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!
Free devices apps?
Thanks for posting, Ken! There are a variety of free apps available for both iPhone and Android smartphones. You’ll find these in the App Store or Play Store, respectively. If you have any questions about using apps with your device, we’re happy to assist you at 888-345-5509. Thank you for taking the time to post, and we hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you for sharing the information about this free telephone number directory. I used it tonight, and it worked perfectly!
Terrible programe. I’ looking for a very simple name. It seems like the system is designed to not understand your voice. I do not have problems with any other voice recognition programs. what a waste of my time.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sam! We really appreciate you taking the time to post.
I called Consumer Cellular yesterday and the agent told me that dialing 411 from my CC cell phone is a free call. You just have to use your minutes as you would any phone call.
We apologize for any incorrect information that has been provided, Nick. Calls made to 411 for directory assistance are not free of charge, there is an additional charge that will be added to your invoice. We’re happy to speak with you about this at 888-345-5509. Thank you for posting, and we hope you have a lovely day!
This was a complete waste of my time. The auto operator couldn’t recognize the name I stated very clearly MANY times. Won’t be wasting my time using this anymore!
This was useless. Voice recon did not work.
Isn’t there a real human being out there that I can talk to and spell out the name? The auto service just doesn’t work.
Thanks for posting, Bruce. We do offer 411 services for a small fee if you like. Otherwise, we recommend trying Google Assistant if you have a smartphone. If you’d like more information on 411, we can assist you at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you reaching out today!
This service DOES NOT WORK! If you are not allowed to spell out the name your are requesting, they are NO HELP!
How do I get International directory assistance?
Thanks for asking, Judith. We don’t currently offer this feature, so we recommend using Google to search for people and places in international locations. We appreciate you posting today!
Absolute garbage service. Does not understand anything
Terrible service. It doesn’t understand the easiest name pronunciation. I think it’s intentional so you’ll just buy the service. What a scam. I’d rather just have a phone book again.
Unless you are looking for someone with a VERY simple name, it’s WORTHLESS!
The automated system is the worst ever. It cannot understand when you say last name. Never have gotten past that point.
Hello,
I need sell phone number in Canada.
Hi Gogmr, if you need help locating a number then you can call the free Directory Assistance line at (800) 373-3411.
Is there a free website to search in instead of the frustration of not being able to get them to figure out how I’m pronouncing things!
Hi Gina, a great search engine available is Google.
Automated service can not understand the name of the person I was looking for! I tried numerous times with the same result, USELESS!
Need automative service
You’re in luck, James! We actually offer our roadside assistance to our customers for $3 a month that is added to your monthly invoice. For more information on the feature, or to have it added to your account, give us a call at 888-548-6490 or chat with one of our agents here.
this is nothing but a redirect to actual 411 – they are reselling ad service
Hi B, the Free 411 number provides ads before connecting you with the 411 service so that you can use that service for free instead of paying $1.50 per call to 411 normally.
Impossible! Electronic “person” couldn’t understand me
Hi Renee, if you’re having trouble with the Free 411 service, you can use 411 instead. Please keep in mind that calling 411 directly is $1.25 per call.
it is asking city and state, i’m in canada, this 411 info is NO GOOD for canadian search
Hi Andrzej, thank you for reaching out on this. We appreciate your feedback on this and I have passed it along to the appropriate department to look into for the future. Thank you.
Complete garbage. Spent 20 minutes repeating the name and spelling the first three letters, every time it was way off base. Useless service. Just pay the 411 fee, it’s worth it compared to this mess.
Worthless number to call. Only takes last name and finds nothing.
Absolutely useless
Wasted my time. It simply asked to say was I looking for business, government, or residential. After replying residential, it said it couldn’t find any number for that person in the system. It never asked me for a name. So I tried by responding with the name I wanted instead of “residential” and got the same result.
I tried that new number a hundred times for 411 and after it ask you is it for residential business it completely stops
I’m sorry to hear that the free number isn’t working for you, Wilma. You can still use 411, but it will be $1.50 per call to use their service.
Stinks!
Hi Dennis, thank you for your post. I’m sorry to hear about your negative experience with our service, and we’d be happy to discuss this with you further. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or you can also chat with one of our agents here to follow up with us further.
Well, all of this information is just great but only if you actually have internet service. Except I don’t. Right now I’m using a friend’s phone but when I’m alone I can’t do that. So what am I supposed to do ??? I just can’t understand why they stopped making phone books that people can actually hold in their hands. Not happy!!!
Hi Laura, thanks for your post. In order to access the internet, you will need a smartphone with access to WiFi and data. If you need help with ordering a smartphone, or need help with your data connection, we’d be happy to help you with that. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here.
l lot my friend on my phone today find my friend for me thanks
Hi Neil, if you were speaking with your friend on the phone, you can find their number in your phone’s call log or call history. If you have any trouble with that, you can give us a call at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.
can you get live opperators for your directory-assistance
Hi Kevin, thanks for your post. We appreciate your suggestion on this! The directory assistance is actually done through a third party so we’re not able to hire anyone for that but I’d be happy to pass along your suggestion and feedback for you. Thanks!
I tried this for a residential number just now and it does not work.
Hi Chuck, thank you for your post. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you had with this and have passed along your feedback about that. I have passed this along to be looked into for going forward. Thank you!
I called the 800 number and could not get through!!! 2 times!!!!I am looking for the number of a Marilyn Coldwell in Vancouver,WA
Hi Carole, thanks for your message. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with reaching them. They are a separate company from us but I’m happy to pass along this feedback along though for going forward.
Thanks, Just added the 1-800 #. Great to have if your out and about and need info quickly. Thanks Again Bob
I have paid AARP, but not until 5/29/2021
Hi Ruthie, thanks for your post. At this point, the AARP membership does still show on your account. If it lapses at all, just give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with an agent here and we’d be happy to get it added back for you.
I tried calling 1 800 free 411 and it can never understand what you’re saying and after two or three attempts it just takes you back to the main menu. It isn’t able to understand a single thing that you say and there is absolutely no way to use your dial pad to enter and what you want or get a real life person or file a complaint
That’s definitely frustrating, Lurch. Unfortunately, since Free 411 isn’t a service owned by us, we aren’t able to pass along feedback. This is just a third-party service that we recommend to avoid 411 charges.
I’m with T mobile and i can’t get past the business, residental, part of the call it say the number cant be found and i have not given a name yet.
Hi Devin, thanks for your post. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with this. If you’re with T-Mobile’s service, I would recommend reaching out to them to see if they’re able to assist you with that further. If you’re using our service, the directory assistance that’s used is a separate group. With the automated system, make sure you’re giving information before it registers and thinks it’s missed part of something and thinks it’s something that isn’t found.
” …. directory assistance is advertiser sponsored, so you’ll have to listen to a 10-second ad before you reach an agent. …. ” This is incorrect. There is an automated answering system on this line. There in NO agent. The system could not understand the name, although I said a dozen times, which is BONILLA – It’s Spanish, so maybe that’s the trouble. Pleas correct your text to reflect this reality. There in NO AGENT there.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
The Robo operator cannot understand anything you say no matter how clearly or slowly you say it. A complete waste of time and frustrating. But typical of today’s robot operators.
Hi Geoff, thanks for your post. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble that this has caused and we appreciate you taking the time to let us know about this. We have passed the experience along for you for going forward though. Thank you!
Not so good. When it asked me the city and state, it repeated the information correctly. So far so good, but when I requested the number of a plumbing business, it came back with a completely different business in a different city!
Hi Kevin, thanks for your post. We appreciate your feedback on this, the service we use is a third-party group but we are happy to follow up with this. Thank you.
Tried it twice. It is a scam
Hi Tony, thanks for your feedback on this. Because the company is a third-party company, we don’t control the information or agents, but I am happy to pass this along internally for you for going forward. Thanks!
The 800-Free411 automated service did not understand the unusual name for which I was seeking a phone number. I spoke very clearly and slowly. I even tried spelling the name. I gave up and called 411 and spoke with an agent.
To whom it may concern I’ve tried to ring operator so I can obtain a phone number urgently all I get is a message saying number is unavailable can I get the correct number for us to contact thank you…
Hi Ronny, you can call directory assistance for free at 800-373-3411. If they aren’t able to get you the number you need, you can try Google.