Phone rings once and goes to voicemail – Know its causes and solutions!

Imagine you’re eagerly awaiting a call, perhaps from a friend, a potential employer, or a loved one. Suddenly, your phone buzzes, but before you can even take a look at the screen, it stops. Just one ring, and then voicemail.

Sounds frustrating, right?

While being frustrated, you think could it be a network glitch, an activated Do Not Disturb mode, or an issue with your SIM card? Understanding these minor issues in your phone and knowing how to fix them can be beneficial for you.

In this article, we will discuss what it means when the phone rings once and goes to Voicemail.

So, let’s get into it.

What does it mean when the phone rings once and goes to Voicemail?

A single ring of a phone before it goes to voicemail usually indicates that the phone is either switched off, out of service or switching into the Do Not Disturb mode. Maybe the recipient chose not to answer it.

Most of the time, this means that that person has blocked you. Sometimes, since numerous failures exist, there may be network issues or the individual is busy with a call, which can also cause the call to go to Voicemail after the phone rings once.

However, it’s important to consider other potential explanations, as various factors can cause this occurrence. Understanding these nuances can provide a broader perspective on the situation to solve it effectively.

What are the common reasons for “Phone rings once and goes to voicemail”

There are several factors that can cause your phone to ring once and go to Voicemail. Here are some of the common reasons for your phone to ring once and go to Voicemail.

1. When DND mode is activated

This means that when a phone has DND mode turned on, it silences calls and notifications. Sometimes, DND mode allows that call to ring once before going to voicemail just to make sure you are not disturbed.

Unknown to you, this might mean any other call gets to ring just one time before it goes to voicemail, and it is always assured that you are disturbed once more unnecessarily. Therefore, while ensuring you are not disturbed, it may lead to an unexpected event where calls go to voicemail immediately.

2. Network issues or weak signal

Poor network connectivity or weak signal strength can cause calls not to connect. If the network isn’t able to create a stable link, then it may ring once before sending the call to voicemail.

However, the mobile network cannot create a reliable or stable link between the devices; the call most likely will ring once and then divert straight to voicemail.

This occurrence is very common in areas with very poor cellular reception like rural areas or within buildings where there are no signals. Usually happens when coverage is very low or when the network is severely congested.

3. If the recipient has blocked you

In the cases when a recipient puts it on blocking, the call rings either once or not at all; in any case, they get transferred to voicemail.

It is a feature used by some people to block unwanted calls, allowing them to control who can talk to them on the phone. Though call blocking is meant to limit unwanted calls, a blocked person can be left quite confused and unaware as to their status.

4. Issues with the SIM card or Device

A not-working or poorly-fit SIM may amide the ability of your phone to receive calls. Possibly misplaced or damaged, the SIM can lose its network connectivity; thus, the incoming calls fail to trade or go unwarrantedly again to voicemail.

That is why, to ensure that everything works fine, it will be very important to ensure that the SIM is inserted properly and that all the other software or hardware problems have been attended to and fixed.

5. Due to the Settings of the Device

Incorrect settings, such as a short ring duration or enabled call forwarding, can cause calls to go to voicemail too quickly.

If Call Forwarding has somehow been switched on without the user realizing this, or if certain calls have been directed to another number by mistake, some important calls could have been missed altogether. Usually, call settings are adaptable.

However, if set incorrectly, they can lead to missed calls.

6. If the recipient’s call forwarding is on

If the recipient turns on the call forwarding option, the calls may get diverted to their voicemail after ringing only once. This feature comes in handy in prioritizing calls but, at times, could cause some calls to go directly to voicemail, even if not meant.

This is particularly helpful for people who want to manage their calls, especially in situations when they cannot attend to them immediately, be it during meetings or while traveling. But this setting is also known to send some calls straight to voicemail when the recipient actually intended to answer.

7. Payment issues

Unpaid bills, including service suspensions because of whatever payment issue, can drastically affect your phone functions, probably even the reception of calls.

So, if a customer account has been flagged as non-paying by the network, it might be that the network has an underlying feature causing your calls to ring only once before they’re sent to your voicemail.

How to fix the issue of “Phone rings once and goes to voicemail”

There are a few ideas to fix the issue of the phone ringing once and going to voicemail. To resolve the issue of your phone ringing once and then going to voicemail, begin by disabling the Do Not Disturb and call forwarding settings. Ensure your network signal is strong and stable.

Here’s how you can fix the issue of “phone rings once and goes to voicemail”:

1. Update phone software if available

If you wish to keep your phone running well, keeping it up to date with software is most important. Manufacturers spend time releasing updates to fix any known bugs, to improve security, or to add extra features.

Outdated software may also result in errors that affect the phone reception of calls. Check for updates: go to the settings on your phone, choose Software Update, and follow the instructions to install accordingly.

2. Restart your phone

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple restart of your phone so that call functions will work again.

Generally speaking, restarting a phone wakes up an unresponsive system, clears temporary files, and fixes some simple errors. Restarting, in simple terms, means pressing and holding the power button until you see the option to “Restart” or “Reboot.”

Then, you will need to confirm it. This is a simple step that, quite often, clears almost all problems and restores normal call behavior.

3. Check if DND is on

The Do Not Disturb mode silences incoming calls and notifications. If activated, it can send calls directly to voicemail without ringing.

To check and disable DND

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and toggle it off

• Android: Navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb and ensure it’s turned off. Disabling DND ensures that calls ring through as expected.

4. Inspect SIM and battery health

A damaged SIM card or a deteriorating battery can disrupt call connectivity.

To inspect,

• SIM Card: Remove the SIM card, gently clean it with a dry cloth, and reinsert it securely. If issues persist, contact your carrier for a replacement

• Battery Health: Check your battery’s health in the settings. If the battery is degraded, consider replacing it to ensure reliable call performance.

5. Contact your network carrier

Issues with your network provider or carrier restrictions can send those calls to voicemail just like that. Talk to your mobile service provider about potential service outages, account issues, or network problems within your vicinity.

They can offer some insights and assistance in solving those issues you may have regarding your call connectivity.

6. Leave a Voicemail

Another way to let callers know about your availability and a way to contact you is by leaving a voicemail without calling. Try recording a brief note that clearly states your name, the reason you are unavailable, and the time to be called back. This way, it would inform the caller even if you missed his or her call.

7. Send a text message

If you cannot answer their calls, a text message could be a good alternative. A text message response says that you are aware a call was made and suggests a good time to talk. Being proactive in this way will help you stay in touch with the caller about your communications.

8. Try to call an alternative phone number

Trying a different number can help narrow down whether the issue is with your main line. If calls to the second number ring normally, the problem may be with the settings or carrier services of your first number. This step is for helping you narrow down the cause of the said problem.

9. Call from another device or other phone number

Call testing with various handsets and numbers can point to whether the problem lies with your phone, the network, or the caller’s gadget.

If calls from different devices and numbers land directly in the voicemail, the issue most probably lies within your own phone setting issues or network services.

10. Wait for a while and call later

If a call doesn’t connect and goes straight to voicemail, it’s often a problem of network congestion or temporary service issues; just wait for a few minutes and then try again, and it should work. Service providers often experience peak times during which call quality may be affected.

Retry at a different time when congestion may not be so intense for successful connections.

Conclusion

Experiencing just a ring and then a call that goes to voicemail can be frustrating and irritating at the same time. One of the common reasons is the activation of Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, which silences incoming calls and notifications, causing calls to go directly to voicemail.

It’s also important to consider that the recipient may have blocked your number, intentionally sending your calls to voicemail. So, it can be a good option sometimes just to leave undisturbed.

To fix these issues, you can start by ensuring that DND and call forwarding settings are turned off. Also, checking network stability is advised.

FAQs

Why does my phone ring once and then go straight to voicemail?

This behavior can result from various factors, including the activation of Do Not Disturb mode, call forwarding settings, network issues, or the recipient’s phone being turned off or out of service.

Could my number be blocked if calls ring once and go to voicemail?

Yes, if your number is blocked by the recipient, your calls may ring once or not at all before being directed to voicemail.

How can I check if Do Not Disturb (DND) is causing calls to go to voicemail?

On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and ensure it’s turned off. On Android, go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb and make sure it’s disabled.

Can network issues cause my phone to ring once and go to voicemail?

Yes, poor network connectivity or weak signal strength can prevent calls from connecting properly, causing them to go to voicemail after a single ring.

What role does call forwarding play in this issue?

If call forwarding is enabled, incoming calls may be redirected to another number or voicemail after ringing once. Disabling call forwarding can resolve this.

How do I disable call forwarding on my phone?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn it off. On Android, open the Phone app, tap Menu > Settings > Calls > Call Forwarding, and disable any active forwarding.

Can a damaged SIM card cause calls to go directly to voicemail?

Yes, a damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can disrupt call connectivity, leading to calls going straight to voicemail.

What should I do if my phone’s software is outdated?

Outdated software can cause glitches affecting call reception. Updating your phone’s operating system can resolve these issues.