What Does an Outgoing Call Mean? A Complete Guide

Senior Writer: Akarsh Jain

Published : March 6, 2025

With smartphone users expected to reach approximately 6.1 billion by 2029, phone calls continue to play a crucial part in our daily communication. It has shaped the way how we connect with one another.

Whether for personal or professional purposes, picking up the phone is our go-to option for connecting with others.

There are two functionalities when making a phone call: incoming calls and outgoing calls. This blog provides a detailed explanation of what an outgoing call means and its different types. We’ll also explore call routing and some common examples of outgoing calls.

Pro-tip

Save on international outgoing call costs by using VoIP services or apps that support Wi-Fi calling, like ChallHippo. Many companies offer unlimited international plans, so compare options before making frequent global calls.

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Understanding Outgoing Calls

An outgoing call happens when you make a phone call to someone else’s number. In simpler terms, it’s when you dial a phone number and press the green call button to talk to the person on the other end.

Understanding this concept makes it easier to distinguish between outgoing and incoming calls, as well as missed and canceled calls. While outgoing calls are made by the caller, they will appear as incoming calls on the recipient’s phone at the other end.

For instance, imagine you want to make a reservation at a restaurant. To do this, you call the restaurant’s customer service hotline. As the phone rings, someone picks up. Once the call is connected, you can continue with your conversation.

If the recipient does not answer, it may appear on their call list as a missed call. If you cut the call before the recipient picks up, it will be shown as a canceled call on your phone.

Outgoing Calls vs Incoming Calls

After understanding what is the meaning of outgoing calls and incoming call, let’s see some of the differences between incoming and outgoing calls.

An outgoing call is made by the caller, meaning the person who makes the call dials a number and presses the call button. In contrast, when the phone rings at the other end, it is an incoming call for the person picking it up. It notifies them that someone is calling.

For some phone devices, outgoing calls may incur charges depending upon the plan, especially if it is an international call or when calls exceed a specified limit.

On the other hand, incoming calls are generally free until the receiver is on a roaming network, which charges an additional amount.

Types of Outgoing Calls: Which One Best Fits Your Business?

There are different types of outgoing calls, and each one serves a different purpose.

1. Manual Outgoing Calls

In these types of calls, the phone number is dialed physically on mobile devices or landline phones. Such calls can also be made through a technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. This is a traditional method where the caller selects and enters the receiver’s phone number and presses the call button.

A common example of manual calls in personal communications is calling a friend or a colleague. In business communications, people often make calls to schedule appointments with clients.

Many times, this type of method is used to make inquiries, like contacting customer service.

2. Automated Outgoing Calls

These types of calls are different from how manual calls are made. They use technology to make calls without involving any direct human intervention. Businesses often use these systems, like auto-dialers or predictive dialers, to expand their reach.

These systems can automatically call phone numbers from a set list and connect answered calls to agents who are available.

This approach is useful for several reasons. For instance, it helps with lead generation, as businesses can reach out to potential customers. Plus, it also helps to circulate important information quickly, such as service updates or urgent notifications.

3. International Outgoing Calls

International outgoing calls are made to recipients in different countries. These calls help users connect globally, which allows them to communicate across borders. To make an international call, you first need to dial the country code and then the receiver’s phone number.

For a business looking to expand its global reach, international calls play a major role there.
They facilitate coordination with international partners and allow for effective customer support to a worldwide audience.

While it is easier to make an international outgoing call now, it is important to be aware of the additional charges. Some services offer unlimited nationwide phone calls, but these phone calls may still come with added costs.

Difference Between Outgoing and Canceled Calls

Let’s understand the difference between outgoing and canceled calls by revisiting how it happens.

The key difference is that an outgoing call either connects to the recipient or goes unanswered. In contrast, a canceled call is terminated by the caller before it can be received. Understanding this helps to track call logs and manage communication effectively.

The table below simplifies the concept of Outgoing calls and Cancelled calls.

Conclusion

The concept of outgoing calls is fundamental to improving business communication and managing personal interactions. Whether it is just a simple phone call to a friend or connecting with customers, knowing how call routing works can improve efficiency.

For mobile phone users, staying informed about call types helps to manage costs and avoid confusion between receiving calls and making them. Hence, outgoing calls are important in both daily and business operations which makes them an integral part of modern communication.

You Must Also Read Outbound Call Meaning? A Complete Guide

FAQs

1. What does it mean when it says outbound call?

An outbound call means an outgoing call that is made for business or marketing purposes. Its use is generally in the department of sales, customer service, or appointment reminders.

2. What is the difference between an outgoing call and an outbound call?

All outbound calls are outgoing, but it is not necessary that all outgoing calls are outbound. Calls of outbound nature are mostly for business purposes. But outgoing calls include both personal and business calls.

3. Why can I make outgoing calls but not receive incoming calls?

This problem can be due to call restrictions, blocked numbers, or network issues. Go through your phone settings once, or contact your provider for troubleshooting.

4. How can I secure my outgoing calls from fraud?

You can keep your outgoing calls secure by not sharing any sensitive information over the phone. Use the feature of call blocking and enable two-factor authentication to protect against fraud.

5. How do I check if my network supports international calling?

You can check it by reviewing your mobile carrier’s plan. Instead, you may also inquire by calling the network provider’s customer support service. Some networks require you to activate international calling before use.

Updated : March 6, 2025

Akarsh Jain

Akarsh is a B2B & SaaS content writer having experience in the industry. His expertise lies in creating targeted content for Telephony, VoIP, and CRM domains. His proficiency also includes fine-tuning content, guaranteeing enhanced visibility and engagement. Akarsh is committed to remaining at the forefront of emerging SaaS trends to ensure the creation of relevant and relatable content that adds value.

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