Are you having problems with calls on your Android phone? It's a more common situation than it seems: sometimes, we try to make or receive calls and our phone simply doesn't respond as it should. This problem can have many causes, from simple configuration errors, through SIM card related issues, to hardware failures or incidents with coverage and the operator. In this guide you will find all detailed solutions that you need to detect the cause and restore the correct functioning of calls on your mobile.
Why aren't my calls going through on my phone?
The error that calls do not come out on the mobile phone may be due to various factors, and there's no single cause or solution. Before going to a technical service center or assuming the problem is serious, it's a good idea to review the main factors that often cause this failure. These include:
- Errors in operating system configuration (airplane mode, do not disturb, forwarding, etc.)
- Physical problems with the SIM card or its tray
- Network or operator coverage failure
- Internal hardware failure, such as the antenna
- Errors in the phone app or blocking of certain contacts
- Restrictions by the operator (due to non-payment, blocked line, etc.)
Let's review all the possible checks and solutions step by step, integrating all the methods recommended by the best experts and portals.
Check that you do not have airplane mode or Do Not Disturb activated.
In most cases, Call failures are due to accidental configurationAirplane mode, when activated, cuts off all wireless signals on the device, including cellular lines, so you won't be able to make or receive calls or text messages. It's easy to accidentally activate it from the shortcut menu.
Steps to check it:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to view the quick access panel.
- Look for an airplane icon. If it's highlighted, tap to turn it off.
- You can also go to Settings > Connections > Airplane mode and make sure it is disabled.
On the other hand, turn on the sound if you have your phone on silent, as you could be missing calls without realizing it.
El Do not disturb mode Prevents calls and notifications from ringing or vibrating, even though your phone continues to receive them. Check in Settings > Sounds and vibrations > Do not disturb if it is activated and deactivate it to receive call alerts again.
Check the SIM card and tray
The SIM card is key to managing calls. If it is inserted incorrectly, damaged, or dirty, it can cause failures in both outgoing and incoming calls.
Recommended steps:
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Take out the SIM tray Using the tool included with your phone (or a paper clip if you don't have one), gently clean both the SIM card and the slot (you can use a dry cloth or soft chamois, and blow gently to remove any dust).
- Reinsert the SIM making sure it fits properly and is not bent or damaged.
- Turn on the mobile and check if you can now make or receive calls.
If you have access to another unlocked phone, you can test your SIM there to see if the problem is with the SIM itself or the phone itself. If the SIM doesn't work in another phone, contact your carrier to request a duplicate.
Problems with Dual SIM phones
On dual-SIM phones, it's important to check which one is active for calls and if there are any network conflicts. Temporarily deactivate one of the SIMs and see if the problem persists. You can also consult the page about call forwarding to another number to check for incorrect settings that may be affecting calls.
Do you have enough coverage?
Sometimes the mobile phone cannot establish a call by lack of coverageAreas with thick walls (basements, hospitals, garages, etc.), rural areas, or large conurbations may be excluded from the network.
- Look at the signal bars on your mobile.
- If they appear empty or with an X, try moving to another area.
- If it doesn't work elsewhere, the problem could be with the SIM, the phone, or the operator.
In homes where the signal is recurrently weak, there are coverage amplifiers to improve reception. They are useful for indoor areas where the failure frequently occurs. You can also consult help on How to connect your mobile to a projector to see if the connection helps to amplify the signal, although it is generally related to video, not calls.
Restart your phone and network settings
Many temporary network or call problems are resolved. restarting the phoneThis reestablishes connection to the mobile network and can resolve occasional issues affecting calls.
- Press the power button and turn off your phone completely. Wait a few minutes before turning it back on.
If the errors persist, try to reset network settings (You won't lose any personal data, but your saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, etc. will be deleted.) You can find more details about this process in our dedicated article. CQATest test issues on Android to detect and resolve system errors that may be affecting calls.
Are there any pending system or app updates?
In some cases, Call errors may be due to bugs in the operating system or the Phone app.Make sure your device is updated to the latest version, as well as all major system apps.
- Accede to Settings > System > System updates and check for any pending updates.
- Go to the Google Play Store and check for new versions of the Phone app and other essential apps.
- Also update your messaging and contacts apps if you use them to manage calls.
Disable WiFi or VoLTE calling if you have problems
Some cell phones allow you to make calls using a Wi-Fi network. While this is a useful feature in places with poor mobile coverage, it sometimes causes interference, blockages, or conflicts if the Wi-Fi network is unstable. You can find more details in this article about Messaging apps that integrate calls.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Calling and turn it off to avoid interference.
- Check if your calling problem disappears after disabling this option.
VoLTE calls, which use the 4G data network to improve quality, can also cause incompatibilities if your carrier or device doesn't handle them correctly. You can check your carrier's website to see if they support VoLTE and how to disable it from your system settings.
Check call forwarding and restrictions
El call forwarding It can cause all incoming calls to be automatically redirected to another number, so you won't be able to receive any calls. To check and disable this:
- Open the app Telephone and access Settings (usually from the three dots at the top right).
- Find the section Complementary Services or similar.
- Sign in Call forwarding and check the different options (always, when you are communicating, no answer or out of coverage).
- Deactivate any configured call forwarding if you do not want calls to be forwarded to another number.
Some carriers allow you to configure call forwarding and blocking from the customer area on the website or app, so check those options as well in case any restrictions are active on your line.
Blocked or filtered contacts
If you can't receive calls from certain numbers but can from others, you may have accidentally blocked those contacts. This often happens through the Phone app or other call-screening apps.
- Open the app Telephone.
- Access the contacts or settings menu.
- Look for the section Blocked contacts, Black list o Filter rules.
- Remove from the list those numbers from which you do want to receive calls.
On some phones, advanced filters such as "Call Screen" or "Spam Filter" can automatically block unknown or suspicious numbers. Review these settings and lower the filtering level if necessary. To manage blocks, you can also consult the help section on How to block all calls on Android.
Operator issues (coverage, outages, or billing)
The network problems or general incidents with the operator may prevent calls from being received or made from your line.
- Check for service outage notices by consulting portals such as DownDetector or your operator's social networks.
- Call your company from another number to rule out non-payments, administrative freezes, or billing errors.
- Check if your prepaid line has sufficient balance or if it has expired for months without recharging.
If your line has been blocked from the customer area for security reasons (theft, loss, parental restrictions), you'll need to unblock it from the operator's website or by contacting customer service directly. You can also consult the tutorial at How to troubleshoot incoming calls.
Try another phone app
The default calling app may crash. If you're still having problems after updating, restarting your phone, or clearing the cache, you can install an alternative app from Google Play.
- Try apps like best apps to record calls or similar.
- Make and receive calls to see if the issue persists with the new app.
- If it works correctly, consider leaving the alternative app on while the manufacturer fixes the bug in the original app.
Reset your phone to factory settings if all else fails.
If you have tried all the steps above and are still unable to make or receive calls, the last resort before going to a technician is to reset your phone to factory settings. This process clears any persistent software errors, although it requires you to back up your data beforehand to avoid losing it.
- Sign in Settings > System > Recovery Options o Reinstatement.
- Choose the option Factory data reset o Erase everything.
- Follow the instructions and wait for the process to complete.
- Reset your phone from scratch, insert your SIM, and test calls before restoring a previous backup.
Is the internal antenna of the mobile phone faulty?
If the mobile does not detect a signal, it displays messages from "No service", "Not connected to the network" or you have recurring coverage problems, and you have ruled out all of the above, It could be a fault in the phone's internal antenna, especially if the phone has been hit, damaged, or worn.
- In these cases, the best option is to go to an official technical service center or a specialized store.
- Repair may be free if the device is under warranty and the defect is not due to misuse.
- Some apps allow you to check the status of your hardware before going to a technician.
Change your network or operator if the problem persists in your area.
If your problem always occurs in a specific geographic area and other phones from the same company also fail, It may be useful to try a SIM from another operator. Look for coverage reviews on specialized sites before switching.
Temporary alternatives if you need to call urgently
While you're working through the issue of traditional calls, you can use alternatives to communicate:
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger calls or similar (requires Internet connection, fixed or mobile).
- Voice notes, SMS or email to contact.
- Borrow a phone to make an emergency call or contact your carrier's support.
For VoIP call issues, always check your data settings and usage to ensure you don't exceed your plan limit.
Frequently asked questions and additional tips
- Can IMEI blocking affect? Yes, if your phone is reported stolen or lost, carriers can block the IMEI and prevent calls or network connection. Check your status on your carrier's website.
- Should I check my balance or rate? If you use a prepaid card, make sure you have enough balance. For contract plans, check that there are no temporary call restrictions.
- Does updating the system delete my data? No, but a factory reset is fine. Make a backup first.
- Are call forwarding fees charged by the operator? Some carriers may charge for forwarding calls to other numbers; check your contract.
- Can I still use WhatsApp if I don't have a mobile phone line? Yes, if you have access to WiFi or data, but only for calls and messages via apps.
- What do I do if the SIM seems fine, but I still don't get any calls? Try another SIM card in your phone to see if it recognizes the network. If it doesn't recognize it, the problem may be with the SIM card reader or antenna.
Dealing with a call problem on your mobile phone can be frustrating, but following this list of checks and tips will help you identify the root cause. Review everything from basic settings to SIM and call forwarding, until you can determine whether it's a hardware failure or an administrative error with your carrier. This will prevent unnecessary visits to the service center and, in most cases, get your phone working like new again, allowing you to stay connected at all times.
