Key Takeaways
Airplane mode, Do Not Disturb mode, call forwarding, and blocked numbers can prevent your Android phone from receiving calls.
To resolve the issue, make sure you have cellular coverage, disable Airplane mode and Do Not Disturb mode, verify call forwarding settings, and disable Wi-Fi Calling.
If the problem persists, scan for malware, restart your phone, toggle your SIM card on and off, reinsert your SIM card, reset your network settings, or update your device. If none of these steps solve the issue, contact your network provider.
Your phone serves the primary purpose of facilitating phone calls. However, there may be instances when incoming calls fail to reach you. In order to resolve this matter, let us explore the reasons behind your phone's inability to receive calls and discover the appropriate solutions.
Why Is Your Android Phone Not Receiving Calls?
Calls may not be getting through to you due to various reasons. One common reason is having Airplane mode turned on, which disables network connections and prevents incoming and outgoing calls. Additionally, if you are outside your phone's cellular coverage area, you may experience difficulties receiving calls.
Enabling call forwarding or activating Do Not Disturb mode can also hinder incoming calls by redirecting them to another number or temporarily silencing notifications. Furthermore, the presence of malware or unauthorized third-party apps on your phone can interfere with incoming calls.
Finally, if you have blocked the number that is trying to reach you, you will not receive calls from them.
How to Fix When Your Android Phone Isn't Receiving Calls
Try each of these solutions to fix the issue causing your phone not to receive calls.
Ensure That You're Within Cellular Coverage
In rare cases, you may find yourself in locations where signal strength is limited. This can cause difficulties in receiving phone calls, especially when you are underground, in remote areas, or near a border.
To ensure uninterrupted service, it is advisable to consult your provider's signal map and confirm that you are within a reliable coverage area.
Turn Off Airplane Mode
When you turn on airplane mode, your phone automatically disconnects from cellular networks. You cannot make and receive calls on your Android device when airplane mode is on.
Turning off airplane mode is easy. Just swipe down from the top of your screen and tap on the airplane icon in the tray of icons that show. Make sure that it is not selected.
If you don't see it in your tray, try swiping to the left to reveal other buttons. Once you disable it, you will be able to make and receive calls.
Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode
When your phone is set to Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, it effectively prevents any notifications, calls, or alerts from reaching your device.
To disable Do Not Disturb mode, simply access the Settings app, and navigate to "Sound & Vibrations" (or "Notifications" on alternative devices).
Look for the "Do Not Disturb" button and make sure it is turned off.
Now, your phone should be able to receive calls.
Check Call Forwarding Settings
Redirect your phone calls to another number or voicemail with call forwarding. To disable this feature, access the Phone app and tap on the three-dot icon to unveil the menu. From the options provided, select Settings.
Navigate to the Settings menu and locate the call forwarding settings. Ensure that the call forwarding feature is disabled for all modes. Please note that the Call Forwarding settings may be listed under Calling Accounts or simply labeled as "Calls" on certain devices.
Now, your phone calls will come straight to your device and will not be redirected.
Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling is a very handy feature but unfortunately, it can interfere with your phone's ability to receive calls over your network.
To turn off Wi-Fi calling, open the Settings app and go to Wi-Fi & Network. (It could also be under "Network & Internet" or "Connections").
On the page that opens, tap on SIM & Network.
Turn off Wi-Fi calling for the SIM you no longer want it on (if you have multiple SIMs).
Wi-Fi calling will no longer interfere with the calls that come in.
Check For Malware
Restart Your Phone
Your device may be at risk of malware if you have downloaded apps from unreliable sources. To determine if any malicious apps are affecting your phone, simply activate safe mode and check if you can receive calls. If you can, it indicates the presence of a rogue app that you should uninstall. Begin by removing any apps that you installed after the call issue started.
A glitch could potentially hinder the arrival of your phone calls to your device. Restarting your phone effectively eliminates bugs, resets your device, and clears your RAM.
To initiate a restart, simply press and hold the power button until a list of options appears on your screen. (Please note that the interface may vary based on your Android device, but the procedure remains the same).
When your phone comes back on, you should be able to receive calls on your Android device.
Toggle Your SIM Off and On
Turning your SIM on and off can fix the problem with your cellular network connection and reset it.
Simply open the Settings app and go to Connections or SIM Cards & Mobile Networks.
Select the SIM that is affected and turn it off. Wait for a few seconds and turn it on again.
You should start receiving phone calls immediately.
Reinsert Your SIM Card
If toggling the SIM off and on doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to physically remove the SIM card from your phone and reinsert it. This will reset any underlying problem that may be causing call reception issues and also allow you to confirm if the SIM card is correctly placed in the tray.
To do this, begin by turning off your phone. Using the SIM ejector tool, gently insert it into the hole next to the SIM tray to release the tray (please note that the tray's location may vary depending on your phone model). Carefully remove the SIM card and inspect it for any signs of damage before securely placing it back into the tray.
Joe Robinson
Your phone should now be able to receive phone calls.
Reset Your Network Settings
Resetting your network settings eliminates all previously saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and cellular network information. This action effectively restores the default cellular network configurations and resolves the issue. It is important to note that a network reset does not delete any of your personal data, media files, or contact information.To reset your network, open the settings app and tap on General Management.
Go to the Reset tab.
Tap on Reset Network Settings.
After doing that, tap on the reset button to completely reset your device's network.
Carry Out A Software Update
Updating your device might fix the issue causing your phone not to receive calls. To update your Android device, go to the Settings app and tap on Software Update.
If there is an update available, tap on the Download and Install button.
Then, tap on the download button at the bottom of the screen to begin the update.
Contact Your Network Carrier
If the suggested solutions do not resolve the issue, please reach out to your network provider. It is possible that the problem is widespread and originates from your network. By contacting them, they can assist you in resolving any technical or payment-related concerns and ensure that your phone is able to receive calls once more.
Get a New Device
If reaching out to your network provider proves unsuccessful, considering getting a new phone could be the solution. Numerous excellent Android models are available, offering various specifications and features that can enhance the quality of your calls.