Service codes
411 — Directory Assistance
411 is the classic directory-assistance number. It still works — but it usually carries a fee, and free alternatives have largely replaced it.
Last updated June 5, 2026
411 connects you to directory assistance to look up a phone number or address. Unlike 911, 988, and 211, calling 411 typically costs a per-use fee charged by your carrier. Online search and smartphone maps have made 411 mostly obsolete, but it remains useful when you have no data connection.
What 411 does
411 is directory assistance: dial it and an operator (or automated system) helps you find a listed phone number or business address. It dates to the era before the internet, when looking up a number meant a phone book or a call to the operator.
Why 411 costs money
Unlike the public-service codes 911, 988, and 211, which are free, 411 is a paid service. Carriers typically charge a fee each time you use it, sometimes more than a dollar per call, plus any airtime. That pricing is set by your phone company, not by a government program.
Free alternatives to 411
- Web search for a business name plus its city.
- Smartphone maps, which list business phone numbers and let you call with a tap.
- Free directory services that are ad-supported.
- For identifying where a number comes from, use our phone number finder or area code lookup.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Does 411 still work?
Yes, 411 directory assistance still works on most US phones, but it usually carries a per-use fee from your carrier.
How much does 411 cost?
It varies by carrier, but 411 commonly costs a dollar or more per call plus airtime. Check your plan, since it's a paid service rather than a free public line.
What can I use instead of 411?
Web search, smartphone maps, and free online directories have largely replaced 411. To find where a phone number originates, use our area code and phone number lookup tools.
Keep reading
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How US Area Codes Work · Overlay Area Codes Explained · Area Code Splits · 10-Digit Dialing · Toll-Free Numbers · Newest & Upcoming Area Codes · Retired & Changed Area Codes · Spam & Scam-Risk Area Codes