The term “Code 901” refers to one of two completely different systems: it is the official telephone area code for Memphis, Tennessee, and its surrounding suburbs, and it is also a common error code used across various technology platforms (including mobile carriers, payment systems, and software) to indicate a security or connection failure.
Because the user intent is split between location and troubleshooting, this article will cover both meanings of “Code 901,” helping you quickly determine which one applies to your situation and providing actionable steps for each.
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Area Code 901: Location and Time Zone
The most frequent meaning of “Code 901” in a telecommunications context is the Area Code for the city of Memphis, Tennessee, and the surrounding region known as the “901” by locals.
Location and Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee (US) |
| Region | Southwestern Tennessee, including inner-ring suburbs. |
| Major Cities | Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Millington. |
| Counties Covered | Shelby, Fayette, Hardeman, and Tipton Counties. |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) |
| Standard/Daylight | CST (UTC-6) / CDT (UTC-5) |
Historical Context: The 901 area code is one of the original North American area codes, established in 1947, and initially covered the entire state of Tennessee. Today, it covers the smallest geographic area in Tennessee, having been split off in 2001 to create the 731 area code for the rest of West Tennessee. Notably, 901 remains one of the few large urban area codes that has not yet required an overlay, meaning seven-digit local dialing is still possible within the region.
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Error Code 901: Troubleshooting Solutions
If you encounter the message “Error Code 901” while using an app, making a payment, or troubleshooting a device, it is a technical message indicating an internal failure, often related to security, authorization, or content loading.
Common Error 901 Meanings and Solutions
The meaning of Error Code 901 is dependent on the application or system that generates it. Here are the most common contexts:
- Mobile Phone/Calling Error
Some mobile carriers, particularly those operating on the Verizon network, use a 901 code to indicate a calling failure or restriction.
| Context | Error Message Meaning | Actionable Solution |
| Cellular Network | “Your call could not be completed as dialed, announcement 901.” (Often indicates a calling restriction, network provisioning issue, or an invalid number format.) | Reset Network Settings: Go to your phone’s settings and reset your network settings completely. If the problem persists, contact your mobile service provider to verify your line’s provisioning and ensure there are no account restrictions. |
- Payment Processing Error
Error 901 in payment gateways (like Adyen) is a security or configuration failure.
| Context | Error Message Meaning | Actionable Solution |
| Payment API | “901: Invalid Merchant Account” (The request is being sent with a Merchant Account name that is either incorrect or is not authorized to perform the requested action, such as capturing or refunding a payment.) | Verify Credentials: The user or developer must ensure the merchantAccount field in the API request exactly matches the merchant account used for the original transaction or the one authorized for that specific action. Do not use a company account for payment modifications. |
- Streaming/Media Error
Google’s Cast SDK uses 901 errors to indicate issues with media content itself.
| Context | Error Message Meaning | Actionable Solution |
| Google Cast SDK | “BREAK_CLIP_LOADING_ERROR (901)” (Returned when a break clip, such as an ad, fails to load during streaming.) | Examine Content: This is a developer-side issue. It means the media content URL or metadata (often for an advertisement) is incorrect, corrupt, or inaccessible. Check the content URL and file integrity. |
- General Application or Device Error
Various other applications use 901 to denote login or synchronization problems.
| Context | Error Message Meaning | Actionable Solution |
| Financial/Budgeting Apps | (Often indicates that the linked bank requires a password change or a security update.) | Update Credentials: Log in directly to your bank’s website via a desktop browser to address any security prompts or mandatory password changes. Then, relink or refresh your bank connection in the app. |
| HP Printer/ePrint | “Server Connection Error 901” (Indicates a failure to connect to the HP ePrint server, usually due to network configuration issues.) | Restore Network: On the printer control panel, go to Wireless Menu and select Restore Network. Re-run the Wireless Setup Wizard to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network again. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 901 area code a scam code like 809 or 473?
No. The 901 area code is a legitimate, major US area code for Memphis, Tennessee. It is not associated with the high-cost “one-ring” international scam that uses Caribbean area codes like 809 or 473, which appear domestic but result in massive fees.
My phone says “Call cannot be completed, announcement 901.” What is wrong?
This message, sometimes used by mobile carriers, usually means the system is unable to complete the call due to a temporary network issue, an invalid number, or a restriction on your line (such as an outstanding bill or a setting preventing certain types of calls). You should reset your phone’s network settings first, then contact your service provider if the error persists.
What is the nickname for the 901 area code?
The area code 901 is often used as a direct nickname for the city of Memphis, Tennessee. Locals often refer to the city and its culture as simply “The 901.”
