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Phones & Tablets

How do I fix international calling on an iPhone while traveling?

Answer

Enable international roaming/calling on your carrier plan, toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds then off, restart the iPhone, and retry the call with the correct international format. Confirm Wi-Fi calling settings if you are using Wi-Fi instead of cellular.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • Do not buy calling add-ons from unexpected popups or texts.
  • Emergency numbers differ by country; know the local emergency number.

Follow these steps

  1. Refresh the network with Airplane Mode

    Open Control Center, turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off, then wait until cellular bars or network name return.

    You should see: The iPhone re-registers on a local network.

  2. Restart the iPhone

    Power the iPhone fully off, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on, and try one test call using + and the country code.

    You should see: The call connects, or it fails in the same way with carrier tones/messages.

  3. Enable the carrier international feature

    Using Wi-Fi, sign into your carrier account or contact support to enable international roaming/calling for your line, then retry.

    You should see: The carrier confirms the feature is active and calls begin working.

  4. Try Wi-Fi calling as a backup

    Connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, enable it if your carrier supports it, then place the call again. Turn Wi-Fi back on manually if Airplane Mode was used earlier.

    You should see: The call completes over Wi-Fi Calling or you have a clear carrier limitation to resolve.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Calls that will not connect internationally with little or no error code after arriving in another country

Before you change anything: Confirm your carrier enabled international roaming or an international calling add-on for the trip. Know how to dial with +country code. Keep Wi-Fi available as a backup for Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps. Avoid unofficial travel-call apps from unknown links.

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