Premiers Clics / Common Phone Problems
I Can’t Make Calls Anymore: causes, solutions and easy fixes
Difficulty : Easy
You can't make calls anymore? This article explains the main causes and the best solutions!
I can't make calls, what should i do ?
Not being able to make phone calls is a very stressful situation, especially when you need to contact a family member, a doctor, an emergency service, or an important organization. This issue can affect both Android smartphones and iPhones, regardless of your mobile carrier.
There are many possible causes: network problems, incorrect phone settings, a faulty SIM card, software bugs, failed updates, or issues related to your mobile plan. Fortunately, in most cases, the solution is simple, quick, and accessible to everyone, even without technical knowledge.
In this complete guide, we explain step by step why you can’t make calls, how to identify the cause, and how to easily fix the problem.
1. Network Problems: The Most Common Cause
A mobile network connection is essential to make phone calls. Without signal, no calls can go through.
Check Signal Strength
Look at the top of your screen: you should see bars indicating signal strength.
If no bars appear or you see messages like “No Service,” “Network Unavailable,” or “Emergency Calls Only,” your phone is not properly connected.
Easy Solutions
Move closer to a window or go outside.
Avoid thick walls and basements.
Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then turn it off.
Restart your phone.
These simple steps often allow your phone to reconnect automatically to the mobile network.
2. Incorrect Phone Settings Blocking Calls
Some settings can block outgoing calls without you realizing it.
Check Airplane Mode
Airplane mode disables all connections. Make sure it is turned off.
Check Call Blocking Settings
In your call settings, make sure that:
Outgoing call blocking is disabled.
Parental controls or work profiles are not restricting calls.
Check Network Selection
Your phone should be set to automatic network selection.
An incorrect manual network selection can prevent calls.
Restart the Phone
A simple restart often fixes temporary system bugs.
3. Faulty or Incorrectly Inserted SIM Card
The SIM card identifies your phone line, making calls impossible without it. To resolve potential connection issues, turn off your device, remove the SIM, clean it gently with a dry cloth, and reinsert it correctly before restarting. If issues persist, test your SIM card in another phone: if it works, your original device likely has a hardware issue; if it fails, the SIM card is faulty and your mobile carrier can usually issue a free SIM replacement.
4. Mobile Plan, Line Suspension, or Unpaid Bills
A blocked mobile plan is a frequent cause of call failures, usually triggered by an unpaid bill, an exceeded usage limit, a voluntary suspension, or a carrier administrative issue. To fix this, log into your online customer account to verify your line status, or reach out directly to customer support. In most cases, your service is restored immediately once payment or account verification is complete.
5. Software Bug, Update Issue, or System Problem
Some phones may experience call issues after a system update.
Effective Solutions
Restart the phone.
Install pending system updates.
Reset network settings.
Warning: Do not confuse this with a full factory reset, which erases all personal data.
6. Temporary Mobile Carrier Outage
Mobile carriers occasionally experience local or national outages, leading to sudden network drops.
Summary Table of Causes and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No network | Move location, airplane mode, restart |
| Incorrect settings | Check call and network settings |
| SIM card issue | Clean, test, replace |
| Blocked plan | Check customer account |
| System bug | Restart, update |
| Carrier outage | Wait |
Conclusion
A smartphone that restarts by itself does not necessarily mean a serious hardware failure. In most cases, the issue comes from:
A worn-out battery
Overheating
A buggy app
Insufficient storage space
By following these simple tips, you can often solve the problem quickly and avoid expensive repairs. If the restarts continue, a professional diagnosis can identify a possible hardware issue. If the problem isn't hardware-related, a factory reset will likely resolve it.
For more practical guides, simple tutorials, and beginner-friendly tips, visit Premiers Clics, the reference website for learning computers and smartphones step by step.
End of the troubleshooting guide
You now know how to fix call issues on your phone..
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Thibaut MATHIEU
Editor of Premiers Clics
Editor and writer of Premiers Clics, and author of the book “Je me mets à l'informatique” (only avalaible in french), I share all my computer knowledge to help you learn, using the Premiers Clics's computer basics for beginners and seniors. I also offer tutorials to learn how to use a smartphone.
Also the manager of a computer support and repair company, I fully understand your needs in computer training and assistance. Every day, I answer my clients’ questions about their computers, phones, or tablets.
This experience has given me extensive knowledge in consumer digital technology, allowing me to separate fact from fiction in device protection, identify the most common user mistakes, and provide numerous tips to make the best use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
