---
"@context": https://schema.org
"@type": TechArticle
"@id": https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/13201#article
headline: "13201: Dial: Cannot Dial out from a Dial Call Segment"
url: https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/13201
inLanguage: en
dateModified: 2026-06-08T11:38:30.000Z
author:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio Developer Education Team
publisher:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio
---

# 13201: Dial: Cannot Dial out from a Dial Call Segment

Log Level: ERROR

## Description

This error occurs when the TwiML returned from a `<Dial><Number>` `url` tries to execute another `<Dial>`. Twilio runs that `url` on the called party's side after answer and before the call is bridged, and that pre-bridge TwiML cannot contain `<Dial>`.

### Possible causes

* Your application returned a `<Dial>` verb from the webhook configured in the `<Number>` `url` attribute.
* You used the `<Number>` `url` webhook to route or transfer the call instead of screening or informing the called party before the bridge. That webhook is limited to TwiML such as `<Play>`, `<Say>`, `<Gather>`, and `<Hangup>`.
* You expected the called party's pre-bridge call segment to create a new outbound leg directly. `<Dial>` can only dial a new party from an active call context, and Twilio does not allow that nested `<Dial>` in this pre-bridge flow.

### Possible solutions

* Remove the nested `<Dial>` from the TwiML returned by the `<Number>` `url`. Use that TwiML only for called-party instructions or screening before the bridge.
* If you need the called party to hear a message or choose whether to accept the call, return supported pre-bridge TwiML such as `<Play>`, `<Say>`, `<Gather>`, and `<Hangup>`.
* If you need to continue the original call flow after the `<Dial>` attempt, move that logic to the parent call by using the `<Dial>` `action` URL or the next verb in the original TwiML document.
* If you need to redirect or change a live call asynchronously, update the in-progress call with the Calls API instead of trying to start a new `<Dial>` from the called party's pre-bridge TwiML.

#### Additional resources

* [TwiML Voice: `<Number>`](/docs/voice/twiml/number)
* [TwiML Voice: `<Dial>`](/docs/voice/twiml/dial)
* [Call resource](/docs/voice/api/call-resource)