Why can I make calls but other people cannot call me back?
Answer
When you can place calls but callers hear "the call cannot be completed," the problem is often with the carrier line, number forwarding, Do Not Disturb, or network registration—not the dialer app itself. Check call settings, then contact the mobile carrier with the exact message callers hear.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Changing call forwarding without noting the old settings can make inbound calls harder to restore.
Follow these steps
Capture what callers hear
Have someone dial your number and write down the exact spoken message, busy signal, or error they get, including whether it rings at all on your phone.
You should see: You have a short note of the inbound failure message and whether your phone rang.
Check Do Not Disturb and silence settings
Turn off Do Not Disturb, Focus modes, and any silence or unknown-caller blocking that could send inbound calls away without a normal ring.
You should see: Calls are allowed to ring for everyone or for known contacts, depending on your preferred settings.
Review call forwarding
Open the phone’s call settings and check call forwarding. Turn off unconditional or conditional forwarding if a number you do not recognize is listed, after noting the current values.
You should see: Forwarding is off or points only to a number you intentionally set.
Toggle network registration
Turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off so the phone re-registers on the mobile network. If you use Wi‑Fi Calling, also try a short test with Wi‑Fi Calling off.
You should see: The phone reconnects with normal signal bars or a clear network status.
Contact the carrier with the caller message
Call or chat with your mobile carrier using an official app or known support number. Report that outbound calls work, inbound callers hear that the call cannot be completed, and ask them to check line status, number provisioning, and network routing.
You should see: The carrier confirms whether the number is provisioned correctly and can clear a network or forwarding fault.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The exact recording or tone callers hear, such as "the call cannot be completed," plus whether your phone shows any missed-call or network indicators when someone dials you.
Before you change anything: Ask a caller what exact message or tone they hear. Note your carrier, phone number, and whether Wi‑Fi Calling is on. Avoid changing SIM or number settings until you have written down the current call-forwarding values. Never share account PINs with unexpected callers claiming to be support.