How do I fix a phone that won't receive incoming calls?
Answer
This is usually caused by a network registration glitch, a call forwarding or do-not-disturb setting, or a signal issue rather than a hardware failure. Restarting the connection to the network resolves most cases.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Resetting network settings clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices, so treat it as a later step rather than a first try.
Follow these steps
Toggle airplane mode
Turn airplane mode on, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This forces the phone to reconnect to the mobile network.
You should see: The signal bars refresh and a test call rings through normally, or the problem continues.
Restart the phone
Fully power off the phone, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
You should see: The phone reconnects to the network and a test call comes through, or the issue remains.
Check network settings
Go to Settings, then Connections or Network & internet, then Mobile networks, and confirm mobile data is on and the network mode is set to automatic rather than a specific network type.
You should see: Mobile network settings show as enabled and automatic, or you find a setting that was changed.
Check call forwarding and Do Not Disturb
In the Phone app settings, check for call forwarding and confirm it is turned off unless intentionally set. Also check that Do Not Disturb is not silently blocking calls from unknown numbers.
You should see: Call forwarding is off and Do Not Disturb is configured as expected, or you find and correct an unwanted setting.
Contact the carrier if it continues
If incoming calls still fail after the steps above, contact the carrier through their official app, website, or the number on a billing statement to check for account-side call routing issues.
You should see: The carrier identifies and resolves an account-side issue, or confirms the account and line are configured correctly.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether calls ring at all before going to voicemail, whether the caller hears ringing or a busy tone, and whether the signal bars show a normal connection
Before you change anything: Confirm the phone's brand and operating system version. Ask the caller exactly what they hear: ringing, a busy tone, or straight to voicemail. Check whether this happens with all callers or only specific numbers. Avoid resetting network settings until basic checks are done, since it clears saved Wi-Fi passwords.