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Phones & Tablets

Why can’t my Android phone make or receive calls (Emergency calls only)?

Reviewed by John Porter, Editor ·

Answer

Emergency calls only usually means the phone is not registered on the mobile network. Toggle Airplane Mode, restart, confirm Mobile network is on, then reseat the SIM or check eSIM status. If that fails, the carrier needs to refresh the line.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • A factory reset will not fix a carrier-side Emergency calls only block and can erase your data.
  • Do not pay third parties who claim they can unlock network service via gift cards.

Follow these steps

  1. Toggle Airplane Mode and restart

    Turn Airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Restart the phone and wait for the carrier name to appear before testing a call.

    You should see: Normal signal returns and a test call connects.

  2. Confirm mobile network is enabled

    Go to Settings > Mobile network or Connections and make sure Mobile network / Mobile data SIM is turned on. Disable any VPN temporarily and retest calling.

    You should see: Network settings show the SIM active and calls can be attempted.

  3. Reseat SIM or check eSIM

    Power off, reseat a physical SIM, and power on. For eSIM, open the carrier/network settings and confirm the plan is enabled—not deleted.

    You should see: The phone recognizes the SIM/eSIM and leaves Emergency calls only.

  4. Ask the carrier to refresh the line

    If Emergency calls only remains, contact your carrier via Wi‑Fi calling on another device or their chat and ask them to refresh provisioning. Report the exact status text.

    You should see: Carrier refreshes the line and normal calling resumes.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Status text “Emergency calls only”; missing carrier name; Mobile network toggles off; SIM missing/not provisioned messages.

Before you change anything: Note whether mobile data and Wi‑Fi still work. Have another phone available to contact your carrier if needed. Do not factory reset as a first step. Avoid “IMEI unlock” websites and unexpected support calls.

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