It can be frustrating when your Android phone suddenly stops making or receiving calls. Whether you’re trying to place an outgoing call or are unable to receive incoming ones, there are several possible causes for this issue. Don’t worry—most problems are easy to fix with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting the common reasons why your phone is not allowing you to make calls.
Steps to Fix an Android Phone That Won’t Make or Receive Calls
1. Check Your Signal Strength
- Ensure that your phone has a strong network connection. Look at the network bars at the top of your screen. If they are low or nonexistent, you may be in an area with poor coverage.
- Try moving to a location with better signal reception, or connect to a Wi-Fi network if your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling.
2. Disable Airplane Mode
- Airplane mode disables all wireless communications on your phone, including the ability to make or receive calls.
- To check if Airplane mode is on, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane Mode. If it’s enabled, switch it off.
3. Restart Your Phone
- Sometimes a simple restart can fix connectivity issues. Press and hold the power button, then tap “Restart” to reboot your Android device. This can clear minor glitches that are causing trouble.
4. Verify Mobile Data and Network Settings
- Ensure your mobile data is turned on. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network and verify that it is enabled.
- If you can’t make calls but can still send text messages, try turning mobile data off and on again to refresh the connection.
5. Check for SIM Card Issues
- Your SIM card plays a crucial role in connecting your phone to your service provider. If it’s improperly seated or damaged, it could lead to problems with outgoing and incoming calls.
- Power off your phone, remove the SIM card, and inspect it for any physical damage. Reinsert it securely and restart your phone.
6. Update Your Phone’s Software
- Ensure your Android phone is running the latest version of its operating system. Software updates can fix bugs and improve network performance.
- Go to Settings > System > System update and install any available updates.
7. Reset Network Settings
- If you’re still experiencing issues, consider resetting your phone’s network. This will reset all Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth connections, which can help resolve any network-related issues.
- Navigate to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
8. Check for Carrier or Account Problems
- Sometimes, the issue might be with your cell provider. Contact your service provider to verify there are no outages in your area or issues with your account.
- Also, ensure your phone’s service plan is active and your account is in good standing.
9. Inspect for Physical Damage
- Physical damage to your phone, such as a broken antenna, can affect its ability to connect to mobile networks. If your device has been dropped or exposed to water, you might need to get it inspected by a professional.
10. Perform a Hard Reset (Factory Reset)
- If all else fails and the issue persists, you might need to perform a factory reset on your phone. This should only be used as a last resort, as it will erase all data on your phone and restore it to factory settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my phone not allowing me to make calls?
There are several reasons why your Android phone might not be allowing you to make or receive calls. The issue could be due to poor network signal, Airplane mode being enabled, problems with your SIM card, or even a software glitch. Follow the steps outlined above to troubleshoot the issue.
2. What do I do if I can’t make outgoing calls but can send text messages?
If your phone can send text messages but not make calls, try restarting your phone, verifying your network settings, or checking your SIM card for any problems. You can also try resetting network settings.
3. Why does my phone keep showing an error message when I try to make calls?
An error message when trying to make calls may indicate a network issue, a problem with your carrier, or a software bug. Ensure your phone is connected to a mobile network and that you have a good signal. If the issue persists, contact your service provider for further assistance.
4. Can a software update fix this issue?
Yes, a software update can often resolve problems with making or receiving calls, especially if the issue is caused by a bug in the current software version. Check for updates in the Settings to ensure your phone is up to date.
5. Will a factory reset fix my phone if the issue persists?
A factory reset can fix many issues, including problems with making and receiving calls, but it should only be used as a last resort. A reset will erase all data from your phone, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
6. What should I do if my phone is physically damaged and won’t make calls?
If your phone has physical damage, such as a broken antenna, it may not be able to connect to mobile networks. In this case, it’s best to take the device to a professional technician for repair.
7. Can network bars affect my ability to make calls?
Yes, if your phone has poor or no network bars, it can affect your ability to make and receive calls. In areas with weak signal strength, try moving to a different location or connecting to a Wi-Fi network if your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling.