In a tone of warm guidance, the following experience is likely something you can relate to. You’ve had a long, tiring day, and all you want is to put your feet up and enjoy a soothing conversation with a friend to unwind. You grab your android phone, eager to connect, but a simple tap on the contact’s name brings a realization that something’s not right. It’s a frustrating moment where you helplessly ask yourself, “Why is my phone not allowing me to make calls?” It’s as if your digital companion, a device you rely upon every single day, has suddenly decided to stop cooperating.
It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s also a common problem that a large number of Android users have encountered. No need to fret though, as we live in an era where technology has the answer to most of our problems. Your android phone is a sophisticated piece of tech, and sometimes, it just needs a little troubleshooting to get back on track. So, whether you suspect an errant app, faulty software, or issues with your service provider, there’s a way to diagnose and solve the problem. Let’s explore how you can turn this stumbling block into a stepping stone. So, you might be wondering, “how can I fix the issue of my android phone not allowing calls?” Well, buckle up and get ready to dive into the following practical steps.
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Why is my phone not allowing me to make calls android? Steps to fix :
1. Checking the Basics
Before delving deeper into technical troubleshooting, it’s essential to check some fundamental settings that might be causing your android phone to prevent outgoing calls.
Assessing the Phone’s Signal Strength
The strength of the signal your phone is receiving could be the difference between a smooth conversation and an inability to make calls. Low or no signal is a common reason why calls fail. Check the top corner of your screen to ensure you have enough bars. If it’s low, try moving to a different location where the reception might be better.
Confirming Airplane Mode is Off
It might seem too simple, but sometimes we accidentally activate airplane mode without realizing it. When in airplane mode, all wireless communications are disabled on your device, which includes making and receiving calls. To ensure this is not the issue, swipe down from the top of your screen to access the quick settings menu and ensure that the airplane mode is turned off.
Verifying Do Not Disturb Isn’t Activated
Do Not Disturb mode is a handy feature for those moments when you don’t want to be interrupted, but it can cause issues with your calling capability if not managed correctly. When this mode is on, your device will silence most, if not all calls. Make sure this setting is not turned on unintentionally. You can check this by going into your settings menu, looking for “Sounds & vibration” or “Do Not Disturb”, and making sure it’s disabled.
2. Restarting the Android Device
Restarting your device can solve a multitude of problems. It’s the digital equivalent of taking a quick power nap. By restarting your Android device, you give it a chance to shut down all the running applications, clear the memory, and start fresh. This simple action can often get rid of temporary glitches affecting your device’s ability to make calls. Hold the power button on your device, select ‘Restart’ from the options that appear, and wait for your device to reboot.
3. Updating the Phone’s Software
Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If your device is running an outdated version of Android, that might be the reason why you can’t make calls. Navigate to ‘Settings’ and scroll down to ‘System’ or ‘About Phone’ (this can differ slightly based on your device). From here, select ‘System Updates’ or ‘Software Updates’. If an update is available, make sure to download and install it. Remember, it’s always a good practice to back up your data before performing a system update to safeguard against any unforeseen issues.
4. Reviewing Call Settings
In some cases, your call settings might be the reason why your Android phone isn’t allowing you to make calls. Let’s take a look at some essential call settings you need to check.
Ensuring Correct Call Settings
Your phone’s call settings may vary depending on the model and the version of Android it’s running. However, it’s important to ensure that your call settings aren’t preventing you from making outgoing calls. Navigate to the ‘Call settings’ option, which can be found either in the ‘Settings’ menu or within the dialer app. Here, make sure all the settings align with your regular usage. For example, ensure the ‘Fixed Dialing Numbers’ option is not activated unless you specifically want to limit outgoing calls to certain numbers.
Disabling Any Call Barring Settings
Call barring is a service that allows you to restrict certain types of calls – both incoming and outgoing. It’s possible that call barring has been activated accidentally or without your knowledge. In your call settings, look for ‘Call barring’ or similar options. From there, make sure that all outgoing call options (like ‘Outgoing calls’, ‘International calls’, ‘International calls except to home country’, etc.) are turned off. If a password is required, it’s often set to a default like ‘0000’ or ‘1234’, unless you’ve changed it. If you can’t remember the password, contact your service provider for assistance.
5. Inspecting SIM Card and Network
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the device itself but with the SIM card or the mobile network you are connected to. Here’s what you can do in such cases.
Checking the SIM Card Status
Your Android phone needs a functioning SIM card to make calls. If the SIM card has an issue or isn’t properly inserted, it could prevent outgoing calls. You can verify the SIM card status in your device settings. Head over to ‘Settings’, then ‘About Phone’, and find ‘SIM Status’. Here, you can check if your device recognizes the SIM card and if the network is correctly connected. If you suspect an issue with the SIM card, try reinserting it or testing it in a different phone, if possible.
Switching Between Network Modes
Your device can connect to different types of networks, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and in some cases, 5G. Sometimes, switching between these can solve your call issues. You can do this in ‘Settings’, under ‘Network & Internet’ or ‘Connections’, depending on your device. Look for ‘Mobile Network’, then ‘Preferred Network Type’. Here, you can switch between different network modes. Remember, this should be compatible with your service provider’s offerings. If you are unsure about which network mode to choose, ‘Automatic’ or ‘LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)’ are usually safe choices as they allow your device to pick the best available network.
6. Examining Third-Party Apps
In some cases, third-party applications installed on your Android device might interfere with its calling function. Let’s explore how to determine if this is the issue and identify the problematic apps.
7. Operating the Device in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool in Android that disables all third-party apps while it’s activated. This mode allows you to see if an application you downloaded is causing your device not to make calls. To boot your phone in Safe Mode, hold the power button until the power options menu appears. Long press on ‘Power off’ and you’ll be prompted to reboot in Safe Mode. If you can make calls in this mode, it suggests a third-party app could be the culprit.
8. Identifying Problematic Applications
If your phone operates correctly in Safe Mode, the next step is to identify the app causing the issue. This process can be time-consuming if you have many apps, but it’s straightforward. Start by uninstalling the most recently downloaded apps. After each uninstallation, check to see if the call function has been restored. Repeat this process until you find the problematic app. Once identified, you can decide whether to keep it uninstalled, check for an update, or contact the app’s developer for support. Remember to exit Safe Mode by restarting your device normally after the process.
9. Managing Device Storage
Lack of adequate storage space on your Android device could be another reason why your phone is not allowing you to make calls. The operating system requires a certain amount of free space to function optimally.
Freeing up Space on the Android Device
If your phone storage is almost full, it might hinder various functions, including making calls. To free up space, you can start by deleting unnecessary files, unused apps, or moving some data to cloud storage or an external SD card. Another helpful tool is the built-in storage cleaner on Android, which you can find under ‘Settings’ and then ‘Storage’. This option allows you to see what’s taking up space and provides recommendations for freeing up storage.
Understanding the Importance of Sufficient Storage
Adequate storage is not just about having room for more photos or apps. It’s crucial for the overall performance of your Android device. When storage space is low, the device can’t effectively run processes, update apps, or function at its best. It could affect various features, including the ability to make calls. So, routinely managing your storage and ensuring there’s enough free space will contribute to the smooth running of all your device’s features, ensuring you stay connected when you need to.
10. Disable Airplane mode
To disable Airplane mode on your Android device, follow these steps:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the quick settings menu.
- Look for the Airplane mode icon, which typically resembles an airplane.
- Tap the Airplane mode icon to turn it on or off. When enabled, the icon will be highlighted, indicating that Airplane mode is active.
11. Delete cache
To delete cache data of the Phone app, proceed as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Applications” from the list.
- Locate and tap on the “Phone” app from the list of installed apps.
- Within the Phone app settings, you should see options such as “Storage” or “Storage & cache”.
- Tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache” and then select “Clear cache” or a similar option.
- Confirm your action when prompted, and the cache data of the Phone app will be deleted.
Please note that these instructions may vary slightly depending on your device model and the version of Android you are using
12. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If you’ve tried all the steps above without success, performing a factory reset on your Android device might be the last resort. This step should only be considered when all else fails, as it will delete all data and settings on your device, returning it to the state it was in when you first bought it.
Backing Up Your Data
Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up all your data. This includes contacts, messages, photos, videos, and other files you don’t want to lose. You can back up your data to a Google account, an external storage device, or a cloud service, depending on what you find most convenient. To backup data to your Google account, go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘System’ or ‘Google’, and follow the instructions for ‘Backup’. Remember to ensure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network before you start backing up data to avoid incurring high data usage charges.
Performing a Factory Reset
Once you’ve backed up all your data, you’re ready to perform the factory reset. Go to ‘Settings’, then ‘System’ (this may vary slightly depending on your device model). Look for the ‘Reset’ option, then select ‘Erase all data (factory reset)’. Confirm your selection and the process will begin. Your device will reboot and may take a while to start up again. Once it does, it will be as it was when you first bought it. You’ll need to set it up again, restore your backed-up data, and hopefully, you’ll be able to make calls again.
13. Contacting Your Service Provider
If you’ve gone through all the above steps without success, it might be time to reach out to your service provider. There might be issues with your network or account that are beyond your control and can only be solved by your carrier.
Discussing Your Issue with the Service Provider
Your service provider has access to a lot of network and account information that you don’t. If you can’t make calls, it’s worth reaching out to them for assistance. Make sure to explain the issue in detail, mentioning all the steps you’ve already taken to try and resolve it. Their support team can check if there’s an issue on their end or provide further troubleshooting steps that are specific to their service.
Understanding Possible Network Issues
Sometimes, network issues or outages can prevent you from making calls. These could be due to maintenance, technical difficulties, or even weather conditions affecting signal transmission. Your service provider can inform you if such issues exist. Furthermore, they can also verify if there are any problems with your account, such as unpaid bills or restrictions applied that might prevent outgoing calls. Keep an open line of communication with your service provider to stay updated on your service status.
Conclusion
Navigating phone issues can indeed be perplexing, especially when you’re left unable to make calls. Whether it’s a quick restart or a detailed check of your settings, it’s essential to methodically troubleshoot. And even though third-party apps and storage space can occasionally pose problems, your service provider is also an invaluable resource. Lastly, while a factory reset is a drastic measure, it might be necessary. Remember, each step you take is getting you closer to a resolution. Stay patient and persistent!
FAQ
Why can’t I make calls on my Android phone even with a good signal?
It might be due to your settings, a problematic app, or insufficient storage.
How can Safe Mode help resolve my call issues?
Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping identify if an app is causing your call troubles.
Does low storage space really affect my ability to make calls?
Yes, insufficient storage can hinder your phone’s performance, including making calls.
What can my service provider do if I’m unable to make calls?
They can check for network issues or account problems that may be causing your calling issue.
Should I consider a factory reset if I still can’t make calls?
As a last resort, a factory reset might help, but ensure you back up your data first.