When your Android phone stops making or receiving calls, it can disrupt your daily life and communication. This problem can stem from various causes, ranging from simple software glitches to more complex network issues. Let’s explore some effective solutions to get your Android phone’s calling functionality back on track.
Check Your Network Connection
The first step in troubleshooting call issues is to verify your network connection. A weak or unstable cellular signal is often the culprit behind calling problems.
Step 1: Check the signal strength indicator in the status bar of your Android phone.
Step 2: If the signal is weak, try moving to a different location or stepping outside to see if the signal improves.
Step 3: Toggle Airplane mode on and off to force your phone to reconnect to the cellular network.
Settings > Connections > Airplane mode
If you’re in an area with poor cellular coverage, consider enabling Wi-Fi calling if your carrier supports it.
Restart Your Android Device
A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be preventing your phone from making or receiving calls.
Step 1: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
Step 2: Tap on “Restart” or “Reboot.”
Step 3: Wait for your phone to completely shut down and restart before attempting to make a call.
Update Your Android OS and Carrier Settings
Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with your carrier’s network, leading to call problems.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “System” or “Software update.”
Step 3: Tap “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
Step 4: After updating, check for any carrier setting updates:
Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Carrier settings
Clear Phone App Cache and Data
Corrupted data in your phone app can cause calling issues. Clearing the app’s cache and data can often resolve these problems.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
Step 2: Find and tap on the Phone app.
Step 3: Tap on “Storage & cache.”
Step 4: Tap “Clear cache” and then “Clear storage.”
Step 5: Restart your phone and test if calls are working.
Check for SIM Card Issues
A faulty or improperly seated SIM card can prevent your phone from connecting to the cellular network.
Step 1: Power off your Android device.
Step 2: Carefully remove the SIM card from its tray.
Step 3: Clean the SIM card gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Step 4: Reinsert the SIM card, ensuring it’s properly aligned in the tray.
Step 5: Power on your device and test if calls are working.
If problems persist, contact your carrier to check if your SIM card needs replacement.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can resolve more stubborn connectivity issues, but note that this will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings.
Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
Step 2: Tap “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”
Step 3: Tap “Reset settings” to confirm.
Step 4: Restart your phone and reconfigure your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
Check for Third-Party App Interference
Sometimes, third-party apps can interfere with your phone’s calling functionality, especially if they have permission to manage calls or modify system settings.
Step 1: Boot your phone into Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the power button
- Touch and hold “Power off” until you see “Reboot to safe mode”
- Tap “OK”
Step 2: Test if calls work in Safe Mode. If they do, a third-party app is likely causing the issue.
Step 3: Exit Safe Mode and uninstall recently installed apps one by one, testing calls after each uninstallation.
If none of these solutions resolve your Android phone’s calling issues, it’s time to contact your carrier’s customer support or visit an authorized service center. They can perform more in-depth diagnostics and determine if there are any network-specific problems or hardware issues with your device.