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A failed iPhone call can be very frustrating, but it’s a problem that can often be easily fixed. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most common causes of the iPhone call failed error, and how you can fix them.
What does Call Failed error mean on iPhone?
You are trying to make a call over the cellular network on your iPhone; you find the number on your iPhone and tap the call button, which brings the calling screen.
Then after a few seconds, you see the “Call Failed” message, as well as the “Cancel” and “Call Back” buttons.
Sounds familiar? Well, you are not alone. Many iPhone users face this issue.
A tap on the “Call Back” button usually solves it. Though, in some cases, you may get the call failed error repeatedly.
Why does my iPhone keep saying Call Failed?
Several factors can be why your iPhone keeps showing call failed error, including the iOS version, cellular network, iPhone model, and many other things.
Below are some of the common causes:
- Poor Cellular Network: The call failed on iPhone error typically happens when you try to perform the call from a location where the network signals are weak.
- Problem with SIM: A malfunction in the SIM card may lead to a call failed error.
- Wrong Network Settings: You can only perform the call if the network setting is properly installed/updated by your iPhone.
- If the phone fails to update the setting, you may end up with a call failed error.
- Low/No Credit: Check if there is enough credit to make the phone call. You will need to recharge credit if there is no or low credit to make phone calls again.
- Software Issues: A buggy iOS update can also be the reason behind the problem.
- A recent update can cause a call to fail on iPhone.
How to fix iPhone call failed error
1. Dail *#31
One of the most common solutions you can try to solve the call failed error on iPhone is by dialing *#31#.
Dialing the code will disable the outgoing anonymity status on your phone, which you may have accidentally turned on, and possibly solve your problem.
2. Turn Airplane Mode on & off
Another simplistic solution you can try is turning the Airplane Mode on and off. It can refresh your iPhone’s WiFi and cellular network and may help solve any issues related to the networks.
Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone (or swiping up from the bottom of the screen on iPhones with the Home button). Find the Airplane Mode icon and turn it on; wait for a few seconds and turn it back off.
3. Check blocked phone numbers
Many times we accidentally block a person’s number and then forget to unblock them which stops you to contact him/her or letting them contact you.
Here’s how you can check that:
- Goto Settings > Phone
- Now locate and tap on Blocked Contacts.
- Ensure that the number you’re trying to call is not on the blocked list.
4. Check the date & time
Incorrect date and time can also cause the call failed error on iPhone. Ensure that it’s set based on your current location.
You can update it from the Data & Time option under Settings > General.
If you don’t want to change your date and time manually, you can turn on the Set Automatically option which will update your device’s time based on the location.
5. Restart your iPhone
Many issues on your iPhone can be solved easily by simply restarting the device, including the call failed error.
Press the Side button and wait until the red slider occurs.
Turn the slider to the right to turn your iPhone off.
After that, wait a few seconds and turn on the iPhone again by pressing the same button.
6. Remove & reinsert the sim card
A damaged SIM card on your iPhone can also cause your call to fail on your device.
So check your SIM card for damage if you have used it for a long time.
Bring out the slim slot and put it back if you don’t find any damage. However, If you find any, you should consider getting a new SIM card and try making the call again.
7. Update carrier settings
Updating your iPhone’s carrier settings may help solve various issues, including call dropping, call failure, etc.
Here is how to update carrier settings:
- Turn on your iPhone’s cellular data or connect to WiFi.
- Open up Settings and go to General > About.
- Now follow the onscreen process.
8. Check LTE and Roaming
LTE is a newer and more updated version of your cellular network.
It provides smoother performance, but you may encounter the Call Failed error on your iPhone if LTE isn’t working in your area.
Similarly, you may also face this error if you haven’t enabled roaming for the country that you’re visiting.
In such cases, you can either try switching to 3G or enable roaming.
To switch to 3G, goto Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data
To Enable Roaming, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options
Press the toggle next to “Data Roaming” to turn the function on or off.
9. Reset network settings
If none of the above methods solve the call failed error on your iPhone, you may need to reset your Network Settings.
Note that this will remove all your cellular networks, Bluetooth, and WiFi settings on your device.
To do it, open Settings and go to General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings
10. Update to the latest iOS version
Using an outdated iOS version may cause many issues, including call failure.
So consider updating your iOS version to the latest version.
You can easily update the iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
11. Factory reset your iPhone (data loss)
If you have tried all the solutions above, consider factory resetting your iPhone.
Note that this will remove everything from your device. So, consider creating a backup before doing that.
To reset your device, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings; then enter your passcode and confirm.
Conclusion
As you see, there are different causes behind the iPhone call failed error.
If you can detect the specific reason, it can be easily solved by trying the intended solution.
However, if you cannot catch the problem, you will need to try all the solutions one by one.
Very informative! Restarting my phone always does the trick. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, hope this solved your problem.