Why Won’t My Phone Call Out? Common Causes and Fixes

We’ve all been there—grabbing our phones to make an important call, only to be met with silence, an error message, or a frustrating “call failed” notification.

Whether you’re trying to connect with a loved one, reach a client, or make an emergency call, being unable to dial out can leave you feeling helpless and disconnected.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons why won’t my phone call out and provide step-by-step fixes to help you get back to making calls without frustration.

Understanding the Importance of Reliable Phone Connectivity

Convenient phone connectivity is crucial in today’s fast-moving, networked society. Whether it’s personal communication, business, or in case of an emergency, having uninterrupted and dependable phone connectivity makes sure that individuals are always connected.

Phone disconnection can result in lost business, delayed reaction, and even more significant impacts, especially during crucial moments like medical emergencies or urgent business needs.

Here’s why reliable phone connectivity is so important:

A. Business Efficiency

Missed calls may lead to lost customers and reduced productivity. Stable phone service will ensure the continuity of businesses and assure customers.

B. Personal Communication

Phones enable individuals to stay connected with relatives, friends, and colleagues, which makes staying connected crucial for purposes of relationships and accessibility.

C. Emergency Situations

A stable connection through phones is necessary during emergency situations, including making emergency calls, contacting loved ones, or requesting immediate assistance.

D. Remote Work and Virtual Meetings

With more individuals working remotely, reliable phone connectivity makes video conferencing, team collaboration, and communication over distance easier.

Why Won’t My Phone Call Out?

Being unable to call is frustrating, especially when you are in a rush to call someone. There are several reasons why your phone might not make calls.

These range from network and device settings to SIM card problems, mobile plan limitations, and software or hardware failures.

Here, we outline each potential cause and how you can fix them to get your phone working again.

1. Network Signal Issues

Weak network signal strength is the most common reason for call failure. If you’re in a poor reception area, your phone cannot connect to a tower, preventing your ability to place calls.

Causes:

• Weak signal strength: If you’re in an indoor area, on a basement level, or surrounded by high buildings, the signal might be too weak to continue with a call.
• Network congestion: Cellular networks may become congested during peak hours, causing the call to fail.
• Geological barriers: Mountain, tunnel, and rural area signal blocks.
• Intermittent network outages: The service providers can have technical issues, causing disruptions.

Solutions:

• Ensure you monitor your signal bars. If you have few or no bars, move to a new location, preferably outdoors or near a window.
• Restart your phone to refresh the network connection.
• Turn airplane mode on and off to refresh your signal.
• If the problem continues, contact your mobile provider to see if there are any outages in your area.

2. Device Settings Problems

At times, phone settings could be blocking outgoing calls.

Causes:

• Airplane Mode is On: This mode disables all wireless communications, including calls.
• Do Not Disturb mode is Active: Some phones block all calls when Do Not Disturb mode is enabled.
• Call barring or call restrictions: In case of call barring being enabled, outgoing calls can be blocked for specific numbers or call types.

Solutions:

• Open the Settings on your phone and search for Airplane Mode. If it is activated, deactivate it.
• Disable Do Not Disturb mode from settings or quick menu.
• Proceed to Call Settings > Call Barring and disable any current restrictions.

3. SIM Card Issues

Your SIM card is required to make a call, and any fault in it will lead to call failure.

Causes:

A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card: If your phone is not able to read the SIM card, then it won’t be able to connect to the network.

A damaged SIM slot: If the slot is damaged, the SIM card won’t function properly.

Solutions:

• Remove the SIM card, check for physical damage, and insert it correctly.
• If your phone supports dual SIM, then insert the SIM into the second slot.
• Test the SIM card in another phone. If it is not working on the second phone, then it will have to be replaced.

4. Account or Mobile Plan Limitations

Your mobile plan and account status also play a significant role in making calls.

Causes:

• Insufficient balance: If you have a prepaid plan and your balance is low, calls are blocked.
• Expired plan: Some mobile plans must be renewed, and if your plan has expired, calls will not be made.
• Roaming issues: When you are outside of your home country, international roaming or calling may be inactive on your plan.

Solutions

• Monitor your account balance or data quota from your mobile carrier’s application.
• If your plan has expired, recharge or renew it.
• Enable roaming when you’re abroad but use sparingly for avoidance of further expenses.

5. Software and Hardware Problems

Software and hardware problems may also prevent calls from getting through.

Causes:

• Outdated operating system or firmware: An outdated phone operating system can lead to call failure.
• Software bugs or malware: Malware or corrupted system files from rogue applications may interfere with phone function.
• Hardware damage: A faulty microphone, speaker, or internal antenna may cut off calls.

Solutions:

• Update your phone operating system in Settings > Software Update.
• Restart your phone or perform a soft reset to fix temporary glitches.
• Perform a malware scan if you suspect a virus.
• If none of these steps work, take your phone to a technician for further diagnosis.

By identifying the cause of your outgoing call issues, you can do whatever it takes to solve them and stay connected. If the problem persists, contacting your mobile service provider or a phone repair expert may be your best option.

Actionable Fixes for Phone Call Issues

Having problems with your phone calls can be frustrating, whether it’s poor call quality, lost calls, or being unable to make or receive calls at all.

The best part is that there are a few easy fixes you can use to repair these types of problems.

Here are do-it-yourself fixes that can assist in repairing frequent phone call problems:

1. Check Network Signal Strength

A weak network signal is one of the primary reasons for failed calls. To get better signal strength, do the following:

Go to a Site with Good Reception: 

• Mark your location’s poor reception (e.g., basement, thick-walled building).
• Go to an open area, preferably a higher floor or close to a window, where reception can be better.
• Wait and see for a few seconds to see if the signal becomes more vigorous.

Toggle Airplane Mode:

• Open the quick settings panel by swiping from the top of your screen (or go to the settings panel).
• Tap on the airplane mode icon to turn it on. Wait for a few seconds.
• Tap on the airplane mode icon again to turn it off.
• Your phone will attempt to reconnect to the network, which will resolve temporary connectivity issues.

2. Verify Device Settings

Sometimes, the settings of the phone might be the reason why the calls are not working. Following is how to check and fix that:

Disable “Do Not Disturb” Mode:

• Open your phone’s Settings app.
• Scroll down and find “Do Not Disturb” (in iOS, in “Focus” settings).
• Make sure it’s not enabled. If it’s enabled, toggle it to the off position to allow incoming calls.

Check Call Barring or Restrictions:

• Open your phone’s settings.
• Go to “Phone” or “Call” settings, depending on your device.
• Look for any “Call Restrictions” or “Call Barring” settings.
• If they’re turned on, turn them off to allow calls.

3. Inspect Your SIM Card

If the SIM card is faulty, it could be disrupting your calls. Here’s how to check and fix that:

Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card:

• Switch off your phone.
• Pull out the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector tool or paperclip.
• Take out the SIM card and inspect it for any apparent damage.
• Gently clean the SIM card with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Reinsert the SIM card into the tray and back into your phone.
• Power on your phone and determine if the issue disappears.

Try the SIM Card in Another Device:

• Remove the SIM card from your phone and insert it into another phone.
• Attempt to receive and make a call on this phone.
• If the issue happens on the second phone, then you should have your carrier exchange the SIM card.

4. Update Software and Network Settings

Outdated software or improper network settings could be the cause. Here’s how to update them:

Install the Latest Operating System Updates:

• Open the Settings application on your phone.
• Scroll down and choose “Software Update” or “System Update.”
• Tap “Download and Install” if there is an update.
• Wait for the phone to download and install the update. Restart your phone if prompted.

Update Network Settings:

• Go to the “Settings” application.
• Select. “Network & Internet” or “Mobile Network” options.
• Locate the name “Reset Network Settings”.
• Tap to reset or update your network settings.
• This will restore Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings, which might fix network-related issues happening on calls.

5. Reboot Your Device

Just rebooting the phone can solve minor software issues. To reboot your phone:

Restart Your Phone:

• Press and hold down on the power button of your phone.
• Select the “Restart” or “Reboot” option from the screen menu.
• Let the phone turn off and come back on again.
• After rebooting, check if the issue is resolved.

6. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above fixes work, performing a factory reset can restore your phone to its default settings and resolve deeper software issues before proceeding, back up your data to avoid losing important files.

Backup Your Data:

• Use cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud) or connect your phone to a computer to backup photos, contacts, and apps.
• Ensure that all critical data is backed up before proceeding.

Factory Reset Your Phone:

• Go to your phone’s “Settings” application.
• Scroll down and choose “System” or “General Management.”
• Tap “Reset” or “Reset Options.”
• Select “Factory Data Reset.”
• Proceed with the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset.
• The phone will clear all data and reset itself to the original factory settings.
• You will have to set up your phone again after the reset and restore your backed-up data.

Preventive Measures for Future Call Failures

To avoid interruptions to your cellular communications, preventive actions must be carried out to protect your phone and monitor your account.

Let’s look at the preventive measures for future call failures you must take to ensure uninterrupted calls:

1. Regular Maintenance

Make sure that your phone’s software is updated to prevent compatibility issues. Software updates not only introduce new features but also fix bugs and security vulnerabilities that could affect calling features.

Always search for updates within your phone’s settings and install them as soon as they come out. Also, inspect your SIM card occasionally for any evident damage or wear.

A worn-out SIM card can cause connectivity issues, which can result in calls not going through. If your SIM is old or damaged, have it replaced by your carrier.

2. Monitor Account Status

One key thing in avoiding call failure is making sure that your mobile plan is active and contains a balance or credit of an adequate amount. In case your account balance is not enough, or your plan has expired, your calls may fail to connect.

You should verify your account status through your carrier’s application or website prior to making an important call.

Activate balance threshold notifications so that you’ll be able to refill before your account gets depleted. Consistently check your plan’s renewal dates to avoid service disruption.

3. Optimize Device Settings

At times, random settings may lead to failed calls. Ensure that features such as “Do Not Disturb” or airplane mode are turned off when calling. The “Do Not Disturb” feature blocks incoming calls and notifications, and airplane mode shuts down all wireless functions.

Check the settings of your phone before dialing, significantly if you have changed the features of your phone recently. Optimizing the settings prevents unintentional interruptions and ensures you remain connected.

By adopting these preventive measures, you can minimize the possibility of call failures and ensure your communication is smooth and reliable.

Conclusion

A phone that won’t call can be frustrating, but most issues can be fixed easily with a bit of troubleshooting. If it’s a weak signal, incorrect settings, SIM card problem, or software glitches, understanding the cause of the issue is the solution.

By checking your network signal your phone settings, updating your software, and ensuring your mobile plan is on, you can get back online in no time. In case of problems, your best option is to call your service provider or technical support.

To ensure future calls don’t fail, regularly update your phone, monitor network strength, and keep your SIM card and account status under close watch. Proactive action will ensure unbroken communication at the time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a faulty SIM card prevent outgoing calls?

Yes, a damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can lead to call failures. Try these steps to fix it:

• Remove and inspect the SIM card for physical damage
• Clean the SIM card gently with a dry cloth.
• Insert the SIM card correctly into its slot.
• Test the SIM card in another device to check if the issue persists.
• Contact your carrier for a replacement if needed.

How do I check if my phone is blocked from making calls?

Does Wi-Fi calling affect my ability to make regular calls?

Yes, when Wi-Fi calling is enabled, your phone may prioritize internet calls over regular mobile calls, and it may cause issues with regular mobile calls sometimes. If you are facing problems, switch off Wi-Fi calling in your phone settings and use cellular mode.

Why does my phone show ‘Call Failed’ even though I have a strong signal?

Network overload, incorrect call settings, or a temporary service provider issue can cause this issue. Toggling airplane mode, rebooting your phone, and checking call settings can resolve the problem.

Can outdated carrier settings prevent me from making calls?

Yes, outdated carrier settings can interfere with your phone from accessing the network correctly. You can update them by:

• Go to Settings on your phone.
• Navigate to General > About (on iPhone) or System Updates (on Android).
• Searching for carrier updates and applying them if they exist.