Having an iPhone that won’t make or receive calls but can still send text messages can be a perplexing issue. It can leave you feeling disconnected and frustrated. However, fear not! This comprehensive guide will help you understand the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with detailed troubleshooting solutions to get your iPhone back to making and receiving calls seamlessly.
If you find yourself in a situation where your iPhone is unable to make or receive calls, but everything else seems to be functioning correctly, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause. There can be various reasons for this problem, ranging from network issues to software glitches. Let’s explore each potential cause in detail and delve into the corresponding troubleshooting methods.
Check Cellular Settings
One of the first things you should check when your iPhone is having trouble making or receiving calls is the cellular settings. Incorrectly configured settings might be the culprit behind this issue. To do this, go to “Settings” on your iPhone, select “Cellular,” and ensure that the “Cellular Data” option is turned on. If it’s already enabled, try toggling it off and on again to refresh the network connection.
Relevant Settings
While you’re in the cellular settings, make sure that the “Voice & Data” option is set to the appropriate setting for your network. It should usually be set to “LTE” or “Data Only.” If you’re in an area with poor LTE coverage, switching to “3G” might improve your ability to make and receive calls.
Roaming Settings
If you’re experiencing this issue while traveling, ensure that the “Roaming” option is enabled. Sometimes, when roaming is disabled, it can restrict your ability to make or receive calls on networks other than your home network.
Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can often work wonders when it comes to resolving minor software glitches. By restarting your iPhone, you essentially give it a fresh start, which can help rectify any temporary issues that might be preventing it from making or receiving calls. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the power button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device, wait for a few seconds, and then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
Force Restart
If a regular restart doesn’t solve the problem, you can try a force restart. The method for force restarting varies depending on your iPhone model. For most recent models, including the iPhone 8 and newer, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, and finally, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, press and hold the side button and volume down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
Update iOS
Updating your iPhone’s operating system to the latest version can often fix various bugs and software-related issues, including problems with making or receiving calls. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues or contain known bugs that affect call functionality. To update your iOS, go to “Settings,” select “General,” and tap on “Software Update.” If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Wi-Fi Update
It’s worth noting that updating your iOS requires a stable internet connection. If you’re unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can also update your iPhone using cellular data. However, keep in mind that this may consume a significant amount of data, so ensure you have a sufficient data plan before proceeding.
Check Network Coverage
Another factor that can impact your iPhone’s ability to make or receive calls is the network coverage in your area. Even if your iPhone is in perfect working condition, a lack of network coverage or network outages can prevent you from establishing a call connection. To determine if this is the case, try making a call from a different location or with a different SIM card to see if the issue persists.
Network Outages
If other devices on the same network are also experiencing call-related problems, it’s likely that there’s a network outage. In such cases, the best course of action is to wait for the network issue to be resolved. If the issue persists for an extended period, contact your service provider for further assistance.
Signal Strength
Even if there are no network outages, poor signal strength can still affect your ability to make or receive calls. Ensure that you’re in an area with sufficient signal strength. If you’re indoors, try moving closer to a window or going outside to improve your reception. Additionally, objects like walls and metal structures can interfere with signals, so minimizing obstacles between your iPhone and the nearest cell tower can also help improve call quality.
Reset Network Settings
If your iPhone is still refusing to cooperate, resetting your network settings might be the answer. This process erases all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, as well as any cellular settings you’ve customized. However, it can help fix any misconfigured network settings that may be causing the problem.
Reset Process
To reset your network settings, go to “Settings,” select “General,” and tap on “Reset.” Then, choose “Reset Network Settings.” You’ll be prompted to enter your passcode, and your iPhone will restart. After the restart, you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure any customized cellular settings.
Wi-Fi Passwords
Before proceeding with the reset, make sure you have a record of all your Wi-Fi passwords, as they will be wiped during the process. If you can’t recall a specific password, you can find it on the back of your router or contact your internet service provider for assistance.
Disable Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode is a useful feature that disables all wireless connections on your iPhone, including cellular and Wi-Fi. While it’s handy when flying, it can be a hindrance if unintentionally enabled, preventing you from making or receiving calls. To disable Airplane Mode, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the Control Center and tap on the airplane icon to toggle it off.
Control Center Customization
If you don’t see the airplane icon in your Control Center, you may need to customize it to include the Airplane Mode toggle. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Control Center,” and tap on “Customize Controls.” Locate the Airplane Mode option and tap the green plus icon next to it to add it to your Control Center.
Check Do Not Disturb Settings
Another setting that can inadvertently affect your ability to receive calls is the “Do Not Disturb” feature. When enabled, it mutes all incoming calls and notifications, making it seem as though your iPhone is unable to receive calls. To check if Do Not Disturb is causing the problem, open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and ensure that the moon icon is not highlighted.
Control Center vs. Settings
While you can toggle off Do Not Disturb directly from the Control Center, it’s worth noting that this only temporarily disables it. If you want to make sure it’s permanently turned off, go to “Settings,” select “Do Not Disturb,” and toggle off the “Manual” switch. Additionally, ensure that you haven’t scheduled Do Not Disturb to automatically turn on during specific times.
Update Carrier Settings
Carrier settings updates are small files that contain settings and configurations specific to your service provider. These updates can sometimes resolve network-related issues, including problems with making or receiving calls. To check for carrier updates, go to “Settings,” select “General,” and tap on “About.” If an update is available, you’ll receive a prompt to install it.
Wi-Fi or Cellular Data
Carrier settings updates can be downloaded using either Wi-Fi or cellular data. However, it’s recommended to use Wi-Fi to avoid using your cellular data allowance. If you choose to update over cellular data, ensure that you have a stable and reliable connection, as interruptions during the update process can cause issues.
Check for Call Forwarding
Call forwarding is a feature that redirects incoming calls from your iPhone to another number. If call forwarding is accidentally enabled, it can redirect all incoming calls, making it appear as though your iPhone can’t receive calls. To check if call forwarding is enabled, go to “Settings,” select “Phone,” and tap on “Call Forwarding.” If it’s enabled, disable it by toggling the switch off.
Carrier Options
Keep in mind that the availability and configuration of call forwarding options may vary depending on your service provider. If you’re unable to find the call forwarding settings on your iPhone, contact your service provider for assistance.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the troubleshooting steps mentioned above work, it’s advisable to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. Apple Support has the expertise to diagnose and resolve more complex issues that may be causing your iPhone to have trouble making or receiving calls. They can guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or arrange a repair if necessary.
Apple Support Options
Apple offers various support options, including phone support, live chat, and scheduling appointments at Apple Stores or authorized service providers. Visit the Apple Support website or use the Apple Support app to explore the available support options in your region and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Q: Why can’t I make or receive calls on my iPhone, but I can still send text messages?
A: If you’re experiencing this issue, where your iPhone won’t make or receive calls but can still send text messages, there can be various reasons behind it. It could be due to network problems, software glitches, incorrect settings, or even hardware issues. The troubleshooting steps mentioned above will help you identify and resolve the specific cause affecting your iPhone.
Q: What can I do if my iPhone is not connecting to the network?
A: If your iPhone is unable to connect to the network, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. First, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh the connections. If that doesn’t work, restart your iPhone or reset the network settings. You can also check for carrier updates and contact your service provider for further assistance. These steps should help resolve network connectivity issues.
Q: Can a software update fix the issue of not being able to make or receive calls on my iPhone?
A: Yes, a software update can potentially fix this issue. It’s always recommended to keep your iPhone’s software up to date, as new updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements. Outdated software can sometimes cause problems with making or receiving calls. Check for any available updates in the “Software Update” section of the “Settings” app and install them if they are available.
In conclusion, encountering an iPhone that won’t make or receive calls but can still send text messages can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the detailed troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the specific cause of the issue. Remember to check your cellular settings, restart your iPhone, update the iOS, check network coverage, reset network settings if necessary, disable Airplane Mode, and review Do Not Disturb and call forwarding settings. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon have your iPhone back to its full calling functionality.