How to Fix an Android Phone Not Making or Receiving Calls

When your Android phone stops making or receiving calls, it can be incredibly frustrating. This common issue has several potential causes, from simple settings problems to more complex network issues. The good news is that most call problems can be fixed with straightforward troubleshooting steps.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, try these basic fixes first:

Check Airplane Mode: Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off. You can toggle it on and off to reset the connection
Restart your phone: A simple restart often resolves temporary software glitches
Verify mobile data and WiFi: Toggle both mobile data and WiFi connections
Check signal strength: Look at your network bars - poor reception can prevent calls
Confirm account status: Ensure your mobile plan is active and bills are paid

Common Causes and Solutions

Network and Carrier Issues

Sometimes the problem isn't your phone but your carrier's network. If you're experiencing call issues, contact your carrier to check for:

Network outages in your area
Account problems or billing issues
Service disruptions or maintenance

You can reach your carrier through their website, app, or by calling from another phone.

Do Not Disturb Settings

Do Not Disturb mode can block incoming calls without you realizing it. To disable this feature:

1.Go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb
2.Toggle the switch to turn it off
3.Alternatively, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the Do Not Disturb icon in Quick Settings

Call Blocking and Smart Features

Some Android phones have smart call features that automatically block unknown numbers. Check these settings:

1.Open the Phone app
2.Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings
3.Look for "Caller ID and spam protection" or similar options
4.Review your blocked numbers list and remove any you want to receive calls from

Call Forwarding and Restrictions

Call forwarding can redirect your calls to another number without your knowledge. To check and disable call forwarding:

1.Open the Phone app
2.Tap the three-dot menu > Settings
3.Find "Supplementary Services" or "Call Settings"
4.Select "Call Forwarding" and disable any active forwarding

Also check "Call Barring" settings to ensure incoming calls aren't being blocked.

SIM Card Problems

Your SIM card might be the culprit. Try these steps:

Remove and reinsert your SIM card
Test the SIM card in another phone if possible
Check if the SIM is properly seated in the tray
Look for "No Service" or "Not Registered on Network" errors

Network Settings Reset

If you're still having issues, resetting network settings can help:

1.Go to Settings > General Management
2.Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
3.Confirm the reset

Note: This will erase saved WiFi passwords and Bluetooth connections.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Clear Phone App Data

Over time, cached data in your Phone app can cause issues:

1.Go to Settings > Apps > Phone
2.Tap Storage > Clear Data and Clear Cache
3.Restart your phone

Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can cause call problems:

1.Go to Settings > Software Update
2.Tap Download and Install if updates are available
3.Keep your phone updated with the latest security patches

Disable Third-Party Apps

Some apps can interfere with call functionality. Try disabling recently installed apps temporarily to see if the issue resolves.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a factory reset might be necessary:

1.Back up your data first - this will erase everything
2.Go to Settings > General Management > Reset
3.Select Factory Data Reset
4.Follow the on-screen instructions

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've tried all these solutions and your phone still won't make or receive calls, it might be a hardware issue. Contact your phone manufacturer or carrier's customer support for further assistance. They can help diagnose whether you need professional repair services.

Remember to start with the simplest solutions first and work your way through the troubleshooting steps methodically. Most call issues can be resolved without needing professional help or a factory reset.