Skip to content

How to Deactivate Call Barring?

how to deactivate call barring

Have‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ you ever been in a situation where you really wanted to make an important call, but then you saw a message saying “Call barred”? It is certainly a thing that can irritate you to the maximum, particularly when you are in a situation of making an urgent ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌call.

Call‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ barring is one of the security features that limits different kinds of outgoing or incoming calls. But it is sometimes the case that such a feature is activated unintentionally or even left on for longer than necessary. Luckily, turning off a call barring is a piece of cake when you’ve figured out the exact steps.

In this blog, we’ll explain what Call Barring is, why it happens, and how to deactivate call barring on your phone to restore full calling access.

🔑Key Highlights
  • Call barring restricts certain types of incoming or outgoing calls on your phone.
  • Outgoing and incoming call barring can be managed through device settings or carrier services.
  • General troubleshooting steps include restarting your device, checking your SIM card, and updating your software.
  • Device-specific methods and MMI codes help deactivate call barring effectively.
  • Always confirm changes with your carrier and test calls to ensure full calling functionality.

TL/DR: Deactivating Call Barring

arrowRestart Your DevicearrowCheck Your SIM Card arrowCheck for Pending Software Updates arrowVerify Account Status with Your CarrierarrowTest with Another Number

Understanding Call Barring

Understanding Call Barring

To get down to solving the problem, it would be helpful to know what call barring is and how it functions.

Call barring is a network service that lets you block certain types of calls from your phone. The service lets you control how your phone communicates.

You‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ have the option of putting these limitations in your phone’s settings or by your mobile network carrier directly. It is very important to know who has put the restriction so you can find out how to remove it. If your operator has activated it, your phone’s settings might not be enough to fix blocked calls.

Another‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ thing that should be kept in mind is that one must not confuse call barring with other phone features. It is different from blocking a particular contact, using “Do Not Disturb”, activating airplane mode, or setting up call forwarding. Each of these tools is made for a different function for managing your phone ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌calls.

Types of Call Barring

Call‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ barring is not a single block that works for everything and can be of various types. Each call barring deals with calls of multiple origins. By understanding what kind of call barring you actually have, you can decide whether to look for issues in your incoming and outgoing calls.

I. Outgoing call barring

One common form is outgoing call barring. This prevents you from making certain types of outgoing calls. It could be a broad block on all outgoing calls, or it might target more specific situations.

II. Ingoing call barring

Another key type is incoming call barring. It‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ has the capacity to block all incoming calls, or the option may only come into effect when you are roaming in a different country. This feature helps control who can interrupt you.

Beyond voice calls, some networks allow barring calls for specific services. This might include barring data calls or fax calls. These specialized restrictions are less common for most everyday users, but are available.

III. Conditional call barring

Conditional call barring is a feature that changes the way it works only under certain conditions. For example, it can block calls only if your phone is busy, unanswered, or out of reach. It is commonly used with call forwarding services to let the calls go to voicemail rather than blocking them completely.

IV. Unconditional call barring

Unconditional call barring is a method of blocking all incoming or outgoing calls of a certain type, regardless of any conditions. In case you have an unconditional barring on all incoming calls, your phone will not ring at all from any incoming calls.

General First Steps: Before Diving into Device-Specific Settings

Before‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ navigating through your phone’s several settings menus, try these basic troubleshooting steps. Often, these simple actions can resolve the most common phone problems, including unplanned call barring.

Begin with these easy checks before going further.

Step 1: Restart Your Device

Restarting a device is a typical solution for a number of tech problems, and it is often said that it does great things. A fresh start is capable of clearing out temporary software glitches.

Turn off your phone. Then, wait for about 30 seconds until the device is completely off and turn it on ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌again.

Just a restart can very often resolve those minor communication errors, which, by chance, are calling barring impersonators. Restarting is always the first step when you are troubleshooting a problem.

Step 2: Check Your SIM Card

Your SIM card is what connects your phone to your mobile network. If it’s loose, dirty, or not put correctly, it can cause various network communication issues. These problems might look like blocked calls.

This simple check ensures your phone has a solid connection to your carrier’s network. A good connection is essential for making and receiving all types of calls. It eliminates one potential source of trouble.

Step 3: Check for Pending Software Updates

Outdated software can lead to bugs and compatibility problems that affect how your phone’s main features work. These issues can sometimes disrupt your call services and impact call quality.

Being always updated is still a very good habit for your device. Open your phone settings and find “System” or “About Phone”. Then tap on “Software ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌Update”. Check for available updates for your operating system. Install any updates that are pending.

Step 4: Verify Account Status with Your Carrier

Sometimes what looks like call barring is actually an issue with your account. Your carrier might have paused your services because of an unpaid bill or an expired plan. This will definitely affect your phone calls.

Access your carrier’s online portal or mobile application. Review your account status, bill payment dates, and plan status. In case you are not able to access the internet, you can call your carrier’s customer service line using another telephone.

Step 5: Test with Another Number/Device

Testing‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ your phone’s call functions is a good way to understand the problem. It can be a device issue, a SIM card fault, or something else. In any case, it limits the extent of the problem.

Initially, you should try making an outgoing call to a number that you haven’t called before. If this does not work, your next step would be to insert your SIM card into a different handset (if you have one) and then make a call from that second device.

Deactivating Call Barring: Device-Specific Guides

After‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ you have checked the basic troubleshooting, it is time to use the device-specific methods. The appearance of the call barring settings may vary significantly between Android phones and iPhones.

Here you will find a detailed description of the steps for each type of ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌phone.

Deactivating Call Barring: Device-Specific Guides

A. Android Devices

Android phones offer extensive customization, which means call barring settings can sometimes be buried deep in the menus. Yet, the general path is quite similar across most Android versions. This guide will help you navigate your phone app.

Steps to follow:

  1. Open the Phone App.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu and navigate to Settings.
  3. Select “Calls” and then “Call Barring”.
  4. Tap on the specific barring option that you want to deactivate.
  5. Enter your Call Barring PIN.
  6. Confirm deactivation.

B. iOS Devices

iPhones simplify many settings, and call barring is often handled this way, too. While Android gives you lots of in-device control, iOS typically relies more on the network for services like this. This means your troubleshooting path might be different here.

Steps to follow:

  1. Go to “Settings”.
  2. Scroll to “Phone,” then tap it.
  3. Tap “Call Barring,” then select “Activate.”
  4. Toggle to Disable.

Since actual in-device call barring settings are less common on iPhones, it’s also good to check other settings that could affect your incoming calls. Sometimes, people confuse other features with call barring.

  • Call Forwarding: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Check Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb
  • Blocked Numbers: Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts

If you can’t find specific call barring settings on your iPhone, or if turning them off doesn’t work, your next steps should be to use MMI codes or contact your network carrier. These methods are often more effective for iPhone users.

C. Using Network Codes (MMI Codes)

MMI codes (Man-Machine Interface) offer a direct way to interact with your mobile network’s services. These codes let you bypass your phone’s regular menus and can be especially useful for handling call barring when your device settings aren’t responding or are hidden.

  • Deactivate Outgoing Call Barring: #33*PIN#

Use this code specifically to turn off all outgoing call barring. It restores your ability to make phone calls.

  • Deactivate Incoming Call Barring: #35*PIN#

This code focuses on incoming calls. It removes any restrictions on who can call you.

Pro Tips

Successfully removing call barring is a good outcome. Here are some simple ways of keeping your call settings.

1. Always Confirm with Carrier

In‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ case you are under the impression that you have fixed the situation of call blocking, it is still a good idea to contact the support team of your mobile carrier. A brief phone call or live chat with them can be reassuring. They can confirm that no hidden network-level restrictions are still impacting your types of calls.

2. Screenshot Settings

Before you make any changes to your phone’s call settings or type in MMI codes, take screenshots. These can be really useful. They act as a reference if you need to undo changes or explain the problem to tech support about blocked calls.

3. Test After Each Step

After you complete each significant troubleshooting step (like restarting, turning off a barring option, or using an MMI code), make a test call. Try both an outgoing call and ask someone to call you for an incoming call. This immediate check confirms if your action was successful.

4. Note Down Your Barring Password

Once you know or successfully reset your call barring password, write it down somewhere safe but easy to access. This prevents future frustration and delays, making it simple to control calls from your phone.

What are the Benefits of Call Barring?

While you’re probably focused right now on turning off call barring, it’s worth noting that this feature still has some real advantages. It serves several purposes for both individuals and network providers. Understanding these benefits gives you a more complete picture of how to control types of calls.

Here are some key benefits of call barring.

1. Cost Control and Prevention of Unexpected Charges

Call barring can be a great tool for keeping your mobile phone expenses in check. By enabling outgoing call barring for specific call types, you can prevent accidental charges. This is especially helpful for international calls.

For example, you could bar all international calls to avoid high roaming fees or unexpected costs from unfamiliar numbers. It’s a proactive way to keep your phone bill predictable. This feature gives you financial control over calls from your phone.

2. Enhanced Privacy and Reduced Interruptions

There could be a situation when you need to reject all phone calls coming to you for some time. Although there is a “Do Not Disturb” option, using call barring is a more reliable way to get ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌silence. It ensures complete silence from phone calls.

You can set up incoming call barring if you need absolute concentration or wish to temporarily avoid all disturbances. This improves your privacy and lets you have undisturbed personal time. It creates a strong boundary for any call types.

3. Security and Fraud Prevention

In bad scenarios, like when the phone is lost or stolen, call barring can be part of your security measures. Thieves will not be able to make unauthorized calls from your phone if you quickly turn off outgoing calls. This is how your privacy gets protected.

The feature adds another layer of defense against fraudulent use of your device. It reduces the risk of someone running up a huge bill or pretending to be you. It is an essential tool for keeping your account safe.

4. Managing Business/Corporate Usage

Call barring is commonly used by businesses to control employee use of company-provided phones. In this way, they not only save money but also ensure that the phones are used at the workplace. It defines what types of calls are allowed.

For example, a company might bar employees from making personal international calls or calls to premium rate numbers. This helps maintain productivity and lowers business expenses. It’s a responsible management practice.

Also Read

How to Manage Multiple Calls Professionally

How to Manage Multiple Calls Professionally

Aug 18, 2025

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

The instructions are very clear, but users may still have issues when disabling call barring. Knowing‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ common problems will definitely keep you from wasting time and being frustrated.

Here are the pitfalls to watch for and how to avoid them.

1. Entering the Wrong Password

The most frequent mistake is entering an incorrect call barring password repeatedly. Many networks will lock the call barring feature after too many failed tries. This can make it even harder to access your incoming and outgoing calls.

To‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Avoid: Do not keep guessing your password endlessly. If the common defaults (0000, 1234) are not working, stop. Take a support call from your network carrier without delay. After confirming your identity, they can either give you the correct password or change it for ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌you. It prevents you from being locked out of making calls from your phone.

2. Confusing Call Barring with Other Issues

Sometimes, people waste a lot of time trying to fix call barring when the real problem is something else entirely. Issues like an expired service plan, no network signal, or a specific number being blocked can all look similar. This leads to misinterpretation of problems with call types.

To Avoid: Always go through the initial general troubleshooting steps first (like restarting, checking your SIM, and verifying your account status). Confirming these basics early on helps pinpoint the actual problem. Ensure you can tell the difference between a blocked contact and system-wide barred calls.

3. Making Changes While Roaming

Trying to turn off call barring when you’re roaming in another country can be tricky. Network behavior might be different, and you could face unexpected roaming charges for MMI code attempts or support calls. This impacts your control over international calls.

To Avoid: Ideally, manage your call barring settings before you travel or upon your return. If you absolutely must do it while roaming, be extremely careful. Be aware of any potential roaming charges that might apply for network communication.

4. Ignoring Carrier-Specific Information

While this guide offers general steps, specific mobile network carriers might have their own unique menus, codes, or procedures. Relying only on general advice without checking your carrier’s specific instructions can lead to confusion. This can affect all types of calls.

To Avoid: Always prioritize information directly from your own mobile network provider. Check their official website, use their customer service chat, or call their helpline. Their advice will be tailored to their system and services, providing the most accurate guidance for barred calls.

5. Not Testing After Deactivation

Assuming call barring is fixed right after you turn off a setting or enter a code is a common oversight. Without verifying, you might only discover later that your incoming and outgoing calls are still restricted. This prolongs your frustration.

To Avoid: Always make a test outgoing call and ask someone to make an incoming call to you immediately after every deactivation attempt. This simple step confirms whether the changes were successful. It ensures your phone calls are truly back to normal.

Conclusion

Running into call barring can be very frustrating. However, as this blog has shown, there are many effective ways to solve the problem. Whether you use your device’s settings, direct MMI codes, or contact your network carrier, you can find out and turn off call barring.

By systematically following these steps and understanding the details of call barring, you can regain complete control over your phone. You will then be able to manage both incoming and outgoing calls.

Don’t let blocked calls get in the way of your communication any longer. Take action today and ensure your types of calls go through without a hitch.

FAQs

What happens when your phone is on call barring?

When call barring is active, you cannot make or receive certain types of calls, depending on the specific barring you have. You might hear a quick busy tone, a recorded message, or simply see an “Emergency Calls Only” or “Call Barring Active” error message on your screen.

Is call barring the same as blocking a number?

No, call barring is different from blocking a specific number. Call barring is a network service that restricts all outgoing calls or incoming calls of a certain type (for example, all international calls). Blocking a number, on the other hand, only stops communication with that one specific contact.

What is the four-digit password for call barring?

The four-digit password for call barring isn’t universal; it varies. Common default passwords are “0000” or “1234.” If you don’t know your password and these defaults don’t work, it is essential to contact your network carrier directly. They are the only ones who can provide or reset it for you, allowing you to manage your barred calls.

Why is my phone automatically blocking calls?

Your phone might be automatically blocking certain types of calls or showing call barring for several reasons. This could be due to accidental activation in your phone settings, a network default on a brand-new SIM. It might also be due to a restriction placed by your carrier (such as an unpaid bill) or parental control settings.

What is the call barring PIN code?

The call barring PIN code is the same thing as the call barring password. It is usually a four-digit code required to turn the call barring service on or off. The PIN code ensures that only authorized users can change the call restrictions on your phone.

Can I see if a blocked number tries to call me?

Whether you can see if a blocked number tries to call you depends on your specific device and network carrier. Some phones might show a notification or keep a log of blocked calls, while others may just silently send them to voicemail. This feature is separate from call barring, which affects broader categories of types of calls.

 

George Whitmore is an experienced SEO specialist known for driving organic growth through data-driven strategies and technical optimization. With a strong background in keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building, he helps businesses improve their search rankings and online visibility. George is passionate about staying updated with the latest SEO trends to deliver effective, measurable results.

Related Posts

Starting at just $10/month

Learn how Dialaxy can help you grow a high-performing sales and support team and deliver an amazing customer experience.

Get International Phone Numbers

Establish a local presence worldwide with international phone numbers

Get Dialaxy
Get Dialaxy
Available Integrations
Upcoming Integrations
Resources
Company
Policies

Cloud telephony and contact center solution for your business.

Copyright © 2025 Dialaxy. All rights reserved.

Back To Top