Experiencing call failures can be frustrating, especially during important conversations or emergencies. Call failures can disrupt communication and affect productivity - you must understand why your calls fail. Identifying its root causes helps you fix your call failure issue to improve call reliability and maintain connectivity.

Common Reasons Why Your Calls Keep Failing
Understanding the common reasons behind call failures can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issues effectively. Some of the primary reasons why your calls might be failing:
- Poor Network Signal
- Your Airplane Mode is On
- Damaged SIM Card
- Improperly Inserted SIM Card
- You’ve Blocked the Number
- The Recipient’s Phone is on Do Not Disturb Mode
- The Recipient Has Blocked Your Number
1. Poor Network Signal
Weak or unstable signal strength is a common cause of call failures. It often occurs in areas with poor coverage, such as remote locations, basements, or buildings with thick walls. Check your signal strength and try moving to a location with better coverage, preferably higher ground or near a window.
2. Your Airplane Mode is On
If your phone is in Airplane mode, it disables all wireless connections, including the ability to make and receive calls. Ensure Airplane mode is turned off in your phone settings.
Turning Off Airplane Mode on iPhone:
- Swipe down from the top right of the screen.
- Tap the Airplane mode icon at the top left.
Turning Off Airplane Mode on Android Phones:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Turn Airplane mode off.
3. Damaged SIM Card
A damaged SIM card can disrupt your phone’s ability to connect to the network. Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, and inspect it for any visible damage. If it looks damaged, contact your carrier for a replacement SIM card.
4. Improperly Inserted SIM Card
If your SIM card is not inserted correctly, your phone may be unable to connect to the network. Remove and reinsert the SIM card in its slot properly.
- Turn off your phone.
- Open the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector tool.
- Remove the SIM card and reinsert it properly.
- Close the tray and turn your phone back on.
5. You’ve Blocked the Number
If you’ve accidentally blocked the number you’re trying to call on your iPhone, your calls will not go through. You can follow the steps below to unblock a number.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Tap on Blocked Contacts.
- You will see the list of “Blocked Numbers”
- Tap on Edit and remove the number You want to unblock.
6. The Recipient’s Phone is on Do Not Disturb Mode
If the recipient has enabled Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, your calls will not go through. DND mode silences all incoming calls and notifications. In such a case, you need to try contacting them through another method.
7. The Recipient Has Blocked Your Number
Still Experiencing Call Failures? Reset Network Settings
You might need to reset your network settings if you’ve tried everything else and still experience call failures. It should be a last resort as it will erase all your network settings, including saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
Resetting network settings restores default network configurations, which may fix your call failure issues.
Resetting Network Settings on iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings from the menu.
- Confirm your choice to reset your network settings.
Resetting Network Settings on Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General Management or System.
- Tap Reset or Reset options.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm your choice.
Wrapping Up
It’s frustrating when your call keeps failing, but you can significantly reduce your call failures with the right approach. Resetting your network settings could be your ultimate option to resolve your call failure issues. However, it erases all your current saved settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.
Calilio allows you to make and receive calls over the Internet, ensuring you stay connected even in areas with poor cellular reception. With a reliable internet connection, our cloud-based phone system minimizes the chances of call failures. Sign up today to avoid all possible call issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my calls keep failing?
Calls can fail due to poor network signal, airplane mode being on, a damaged SIM card, an improperly inserted SIM card, or you are having blocked number.
How can I fix poor network signal issues?
Does call failed mean they hung up?
Does call failed mean rejected?
Does it say call failed when someone's phone dies?

Still have questions?
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