My iPhone keeps showing ‘Call Failed’ whenever I try to make a call, even though my signal is strong. I restarted my phone, but it still doesn’t work. Does anyone know how to fix this?
This is a common issue for many iPhone users. If your calls go silent or people can’t hear you, see our iPhone Microphone Not Working guide. Here is what you can do to solve call failures.
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What Does a Call Failed Error Mean on iPhone?
When you try to make a call, your iPhone may show “Call Failed.” That means the call was not completed. It can happen even mid-call. Common causes include weak reception, software glitches, SIM or carrier issues.
Ways To Fix the iPhone Call Failed Error
1. Toggle Airplane Mode
Turning Airplane Mode on and off can refresh your connection.
- Swipe down from the top-right of your screen (on newer iPhones). Or access Control Center.
- Tap the Airplane icon to enable, wait about 10 seconds, then tap again to disable.
2. Check Do Not Disturb / Focus / Silence Unknown Callers
Sometimes calls are blocked by settings like Do Not Disturb, Focus modes, or the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature.
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it is off. Also check any other active Focus modes.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and disable it if calls are failing to numbers not in your contacts.
3. Change Date & Time
Make sure date and time are correct especially if you traveled recently. Incorrect settings can interfere with network authentication.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Turn on Set Automatically.
4. Dial *#31#
The code *#31# disables outgoing caller ID blocking. If your number is hidden, some carriers or networks may block the call from going through.
- Open the Phone app and dial
*#31#. - Or check manually: Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and ensure it is on.
5. Check Your Blocked Contacts
The number you are trying to call may be blocked.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
- If the contact is on the blocked list, unblock it.
6. Restart Your iPhone
A restart can clear up many temporary software issues.
- On newer iPhones: press and hold Side + Volume Down (or Volume Up + Side depending on model) until the power off slider appears.
- Slide to power off. Wait 15-30 seconds.
- Press and hold the Side (or Power) button again to turn the device back on.
7. Ensure Cellular Data and Roaming Are On
If cellular data is off, or if roaming is disabled when you are traveling, the phone may struggle to establish voice service properly.
- Go to Settings > Cellular and turn on Cellular Data.
- If you are abroad or in a border area, turn on Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options.
8. Carrier Settings Update
Occasionally your carrier has new settings that improve network reliability or fix bugs.
- Make sure the iPhone is connected to the internet (WiFi or mobile data).
- Go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is available, you will get a prompt there. Apple documents this recommendation. Apple Support: If your call fails or you can’t receive calls on your iPhone.
9. Temporarily Use Lower Network Mode (Disable LTE / Use 3G or 4G)
Some users report that voice calls fail when using LTE or 5G in certain conditions (network congestion, weak signal). Switching to a more stable mode might help test whether that is the cause.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
- Choose a lower option (for example, 3G or 4G) instead of LTE or 5G and try making a call.
10. Reinsert Your SIM Card or Check eSIM Configuration
Physical SIM cards can be damaged or misaligned. eSIMs also have settings which can misbehave.
- If your iPhone uses a physical SIM: use the eject tool or paperclip to remove it. Clean gently. Reinsert. If possible, test the SIM in another phone.
- If your iPhone uses eSIM: check in Settings > Cellular that the correct eSIM line is active and has good signal. Sometimes toggling off and on the eSIM line helps.
11. Disable Call Forwarding
Call forwarding can sometimes interfere with outgoing or incoming calls especially if misconfigured.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and ensure forwarding is off.
12. Update Your iOS
Software bugs in iOS versions can contribute to call failures. Many users report “Call Failed” errors after recent updates. Updating to the latest version often fixes such issues.
- Make sure you are on a stable WiFi connection and battery is sufficiently charged.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Install Now if an update is available.
13. Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings clears old/incorrect settings for WiFi, cellular, VPN, and can often fix persistent problems. Note this does not delete your apps or data but you will lose saved WiFi passwords and VPN configurations.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
14. Erase iPhone (Factory Reset)
If nothing else works, you may need to erase all content and settings. Back up your data first. This resets everything, including system software if needed.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm and let the phone erase itself.
15. Contact Your Carrier
If your iPhone still cannot make or receive calls, contact your mobile carrier. They can check for network outages, account restrictions, SIM/eSIM provisioning problems, or IMEI registration issues. Apple’s support suggests this as part of their official fix list.
16. Visit Apple or Authorized Repair Service
If you suspect a hardware issue (antenna, SIM connector, modem), or the iPhone is still under warranty or AppleCare, visit an Apple Genius Bar or authorized service provider.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone keep saying “Call Failed”?
Because of weak signal, network congestion, software bugs, misconfigured settings like Do Not Disturb or Silence Unknown Callers, or issues with SIM/eSIM or carrier account.
Could this problem be caused by a recent iOS update?
Yes. Many users report call failures after iOS updates. Apple often patches these in subsequent updates. Updating to the latest iOS is one of the suggested solutions. Reports of issues after iOS 18 upgrades are found in Apple Support forums. See user reports about iOS 18 “call failed” problem.
Do I need to replace my SIM card?
Only if it is damaged, or it's not properly provisioned. Testing the SIM in another phone helps isolate the cause. Also check eSIM settings if using eSIM.
Can poor date and time settings cause this error?
Yes. If your date/time are wrong, or “Set Automatically” is turned off, network validation can fail, leading to “call failed” errors.
Will erasing my iPhone delete everything?
Yes. All data, settings, apps, and personal content are removed. Back up your data before doing a factory reset.
