Why Do My Calls Keep Failing?

A call failed message means your phone tried to place a call but was unsuccessful. Instead of reaching the other person’s line, the process was interrupted before it went through. This interruption usually occurs when your device cannot properly link with the mobile network or when the recipient’s number is unreachable.

The common reasons why your iPhone or Android devices say call failed can be due to a weak signal, a congested network, outdated software, or an improperly inserted SIM card. They also at times fail because of dialing errors, being blocked by the other person, or settings like airplane mode that cut off connections.

1. Poor Network Coverage: Weak signal strength in remote or enclosed areas can disrupt your connection. This occurs when the network has insufficient coverage in your location.
2. Network Congestion: During peak hours, the network experiences heavy usage. So, this can overload the network, leading to performance issues.
3. Carrier Outages: Carriers may face technical issues or suffer occasional outages for maintenance. These mishaps can affect the network's ability to establish calls.

1. Outdated Operating System or Phone Software: Using an outdated software version on your phone may not support new network requirements, leading to a call failure error.
2. Corrupted Network Settings After Updates: Software updates can alter your phone’s network settings and impact its communication with your carrier, resulting in phone call failure.

1. Improperly Inserted SIM Card: A slightly loose or misaligned SIM card makes your phone unable to read your SIM card. So, your phone will not be connected to any network, and your calls won’t connect.
2. Damaged SIM Card: A faulty SIM with bends and scratches may show a signal, but calls keep failing because the SIM can’t process the connection.
3. SIM Not Activated or Deactivated By the Carrier: A new SIM which is not been activated or an old one deactivated for various reasons, like unpaid bills, can also cause an unsuccessful call connection.

1. Dialing Errors: Missing a digit, using the wrong area code, or entering the phone number in the incorrect format also stop the call from going through.
2. Recipient Blocked Your Number: if the person you’re calling has blocked your number, the call won’t connect either. You might get the call failed notification or hear a busy tone.

1. Airplane Mode is On: With airplane mode active, your phone disconnects from all cellular networks, resulting in call failure. And it is also applicable if this mode is active on the recipient’s phone.
2. Call Barring is On: Call barring is a feature that limits certain types of calls, like outgoing calls, incoming or international calls. If it is active on either your or the recipient's side, the call can fail.

To solve call failure issues, start by ensuring the dialled number is correct and airplane mode is off. Also, check your cell’s network strength, or you can even restart your phone. Further, check your call barring settings and SIM card for any issues.

Here are the call failure troubleshooting steps in detail:

Always begin by checking whether the number you dialed is correct or not. In particular, you can check:

1. A missing digitWrong area code
2. Wrong country code or missing exit code (for international calls)
3. An inaccurate phone number format

Next, make sure airplane mode is turned off. This step quickly restores your connection to the mobile network.

Turning Off Airplane Mode on iPhone and Android:

1. Swipe down from the top right or top of the screen.
2. Tap the Airplane mode icon.

As stated earlier, a weak or unstable signal often causes call failures. So, look at the signal bars on your phone’s screen to check strength. If they are low, move to a spot with better coverage. For instance, try standing near a window, going outdoors, or moving to higher ground if you are inside a tall building.

Restarting your phone can remove the temporary glitches. So, power off your device completely and wait at least 10 to 20 seconds. After that, turn the phone back on and let it reconnect to the network. A restart refreshes background apps, resets minor glitches, and restores proper communication with the carrier.

If your calls keep failing only with one specific number, the recipient may have blocked you. There are many ways to know if someone has blocked you, including calling them from another number. So, borrow a friend’s phone or use a secondary phone number if available. If the call goes through from the other number, it means your original number is likely blocked.

In that case, there is no technical fix on your end. The only solution is to contact the person through another channel, such as text, email, or messaging apps, and ask them to unblock you if needed.

Call barring stops outgoing or incoming calls. So, open your call settings and check if it is turned on. If yes, then turn off the call barring with the steps given below.

Steps to turn off call barring on Android:

1. Open the Settings on your phone app.
2. Navigate to the Call Settings.
3. Click on Call Barring and choose Voice Calls.
4. Select the specific call restriction you wish to deactivate.
5. Enter the call barring password.
6. Confirm to deactivate the service.

Steps to turn off call barring using the MMI (Man-Machine Interface) code:

1. Check the status of outgoing call barring by dialing *#33#
2. If the service is active, dial #33*PIN# to deactivate it.

Unlike Android, iPhones do not have an in-built call barring feature. So, use the MMI code.

Take out your SIM card carefully from the tray. Look closely for dust, dirt, or scratches on the gold chip, as these can interfere with the connection. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth and place it back. Once the card is cleaned and reinserted securely, restart your phone and try making the call again.

Also, check the SIM card itself for signs of damage such as bends, cracks, or worn edges. If you notice any physical damage, the best solution is to request a replacement from your carrier.

If your calls are still failing after basic troubleshooting, contact your mobile carrier. Their support team can check if there is a network outage in your area or if your account has restrictions.

Furthermore, confirm if there is any unpaid bill, call restriction, or even temporary service deactivation. If there are any such issues, try to solve them and restore your account status. Once resolved, restart your phone and attempt the call again.

Check for the latest updates on your phone. Software updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility with your carrier’s network.

Steps to update your software:

1. Go to the Settings of your phone.
2. Search for Software Update.
3. Check if there is a new software update and install it.

As a final step, reset your network settings. This clears out old configurations and restores default options.

Resetting Network Settings on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings from the menu.
5. Confirm your choice to reset your network settings.

Resetting Network Settings on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General Management or System.
3. Tap Reset or Reset options.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode and confirm your choice.

Call failures are infuriating, but in most cases, they are caused by small issues like weak signal, incorrect settings, or account restrictions. By following the steps we covered, like verifying numbers, checking network settings, updating software, or contacting your carrier, you can usually fix the problem and get back to calling.

However, even with all these fixes, traditional mobile networks are not always reliable.

A smarter option is using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which work over the internet instead of relying on carrier signals. With Calilio, you can make and receive calls as long as you have an internet connection. Further, we offer reliable call quality and ensure your communication stays uninterrupted.