How do I fix an iPhone 16e that cannot make or receive calls?
Answer
This is usually a cellular network or Phone settings issue, not a Messages problem. Toggle Airplane Mode, confirm Silence Unknown Callers is off, then reset network settings if calls still fail.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Reset Network Settings erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords; you will need to rejoin Wi-Fi afterward.
Follow these steps
Toggle Airplane Mode
Open Control Center or Settings, turn Airplane Mode on, wait about 15 seconds, then turn it off and wait for signal bars to return.
You should see: The phone reconnects to the cellular network and shows signal status again.
Restart the iPhone
Power the iPhone fully off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and try a test call to a known number.
You should see: Outgoing or incoming calling works, or the same failure remains with a clearer status message.
Turn off Silence Unknown Callers
Go to Settings > Phone and make sure Silence Unknown Callers is turned off.
You should see: Unknown or unsaved numbers are no longer automatically silenced by that setting.
Check Network Selection
Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection. If Automatic is off, turn it on, or briefly choose your carrier manually and then return to Automatic.
You should see: The phone registers on the carrier network without a stuck manual selection.
Toggle the cellular line
Go to Settings > Cellular, turn the line off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
You should see: The line reactivates and attempt a test call again.
Reset Network Settings
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, confirm, then reconnect to Wi-Fi and test calling after the restart.
You should see: Cellular calling works again, or you still see No Service and should contact the carrier with the exact status shown.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the status bar shows signal bars or No Service, and any alert that appears when you try to dial
Before you change anything: Confirm the phone is an iPhone 16e and that cellular service should be active on this line. Note any exact error text shown when placing a call. Back up important settings if you can, because Reset Network Settings removes saved Wi-Fi passwords. Do not share your Apple ID password or verification codes with unexpected callers.