22 Other Ways to Say “You Have the Wrong Number”

Letting someone know they’ve called the wrong number can prevent confusion and help the caller redirect their efforts. Here are 20 polite and clear ways to communicate this message, each with an example sentence and an explanation.

Courteous Corrections

1. “I believe you’ve dialed incorrectly.”

• Example: “I believe you’ve dialed incorrectly; there’s no one here by that name.”
• Explanation: A polite way to indicate a mistake has been made without placing blame on the caller.

2. “It seems there’s been a misdial.”

• Example: “It seems there’s been a misdial. This is a private residence, not the clinic you’re trying to reach.”
• Explanation: A gentle indication that the caller has not reached the intended number.

3. “You might want to double-check the number.”

• Example: “You might want to double-check the number; this line doesn’t belong to the person you’re attempting to contact.”
• Explanation: Suggests that the caller verify the number they intended to reach.

Clarifying Statements

4. “I’m afraid this is not the person/number you’re looking for.”

• Example: “I’m afraid this is not the person you’re looking for. Perhaps there’s been a mix-up?”
• Explanation: Expresses regret for the mistake and hints at a possible error from the caller’s side.

5. “I think you may have the wrong contact.”

• Example: “I think you may have the wrong contact; I’m not associated with the company you mentioned.”
• Explanation: Politely points out that the caller seems to have reached an unintended recipient.

6. “No one by that name is at this number, sorry.”

• Example: “I’m sorry, but no one by that name is at this number. I hope you find who you’re looking for.”
• Explanation: A clear and apologetic response that the intended person is not reachable at this number.

Redirecting the Caller

7. “This call has not reached its intended recipient.”

• Example: “It appears this call has not reached its intended recipient. Best of luck with your search!”
• Explanation: Formal and empathetic; hints that the caller needs to try reaching their target through a different number.

8. “It looks like there’s been an error in connection.”

• Example: “It looks like there’s been an error in connection – this isn’t the shop you’re trying to call.”
• Explanation: Suggests that the call was misrouted, and another attempt should be made.

9. “Perhaps you should try calling again.”

• Example: “You’re aiming to speak with the dentist’s office? Perhaps you should try calling again with the correct number.”
• Explanation: Gives a friendly suggestion that the caller may need to re-attempt their call with the proper digits.

Gentle Assistance

10. “I’m not the person you meant to call.”

• Example: “It sounds like you have a pressing issue, but I’m not the person you meant to call.”
• Explanation: Tactfully clarifies that the caller has not reached the party they intended.

11. “The number you are trying to reach isn’t this one.”

• Example: “I believe there’s a mistake; the number you are trying to reach isn’t this one.”
• Explanation: A pleasant way of indicating the discrepancy between the number dialed and the intended one.

12. “You may have been misdirected to this number.”

• Example: “Ah, you’re looking to speak with Dr. Smith. You may have been misdirected to this number, unfortunately.”
• Explanation: Implies that the fault lies not with the caller but with the routing or dialing scheme.

Quick Clarifications

13. “This is not the correct number for your intended party.”

• Example: “It seems you’re looking for tech support. This is not the correct number for your intended party.”
• Explanation: Clearly states that the caller has not reached the right destination.

14. “You seem to have reached the wrong end.”

• Example: “I’m sorry for the confusion – you seem to have reached the wrong end.”
• Explanation: A light-hearted way to bring attention to the mistake.

15. “I’m sorry, there must be some confusion.”

• Example: “I’m sorry, there must be some confusion; this number belongs to a private household.”
• Explanation: Politely signifies a misunderstanding, retaining an apologetic tone.

Offering Guidance

16. “I recommend checking the number and dialing again.”

• Example: “I recommend checking the number and dialing again; this is a private cell phone.”
• Explanation: Offers advice on rechecking the digits before making another call.

17. “Unfortunately, you’ve got the wrong lineup.”

• Example: “Unfortunately, you’ve got the wrong lineup – this isn’t the hotline you’re looking for.”
• Explanation: Clarifies the error with empathy, likening the phone numbers to a “lineup.”

18. “Sounds like a dialing mistake on this occasion.”

• Example: “I regret to inform you that it sounds like a dialing mistake on this occasion.”
• Explanation: Softens the correction by calling it “an occasion,” which implies it’s a rare mistake.

Mistake Acknowledgement

19. “It appears you’ve reached an unrelated party.”

• Example: “You’re seeking legal advice? It appears you’ve reached an unrelated party then.”
• Explanation: Indicates to the caller that the connection made is not related to their needs.

20. “Someone must have given you the wrong number.”

• Example: “Someone must have given you the wrong number; this is a bakery, not a brokerage firm.”
• Explanation: Suggests that the person has been misinformed by someone else, not blaming the caller for the error.

21. “I’m sorry, that’s not me.”

• Example: “You’re trying to reach John from accounting? I’m sorry, that’s not me.”
• Explanation: A personal and casual way to inform the caller that they have reached the wrong person.

22. “I think you’re looking for a different line.”

• Example: “I think you’re looking for a different line. I’m not affiliated with the company you mentioned.”
• Explanation: Slightly informal, it suggests that the caller has connected to the wrong person and needs to find the correct line.

These expressions offer a polite and considerate way to notify someone that they have dialed the wrong number, potentially avoiding any embarrassment or frustration. By choosing your words carefully, you can help ensure the conversation remains friendly and constructive.