Android phone not receiving calls? Here are 9 fixes to try

If your Android phone is not receiving calls, it may be due to poor network coverage. However, if you are able to make calls but not receive them, it is probably due to Airplane and DND modes being enabled, incorrect network settings, or outdated device software.

This guide covers possible causes and solutions to help you fix Android phone not receiving calls issue.

1. Turn off Airplane mode

In airplane mode, the Android operating system disables your cellular network connection and turns off data. When this option is enabled, you will see an airplane icon in the status bar and your network strength bar will no longer be visible. Check if you accidentally or intentionally turned on and forgot Airplane mode. Disable the network reconnect setting on your Android phone.

Note that the steps may vary depending on the smartphone manufacturer. The following steps are for a Samsung One UI compatible device.

To disable Airplane mode:

1. Swipe down to see the quick settings Menu. Alternatively go to settings and tap links.
2. Switch the switch to Disable airplane mode.
3. After deactivation, your phone will show the network strength bar in the status bar.

2. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode

Do Not Disturb (DND) blocks all sound and vibration from notifications and calls. With this option enabled, calls will be muted, meaning that although the call goes through, you won’t see or hear the standard notifications, but instead will see a ticking incoming call notification in the status bar. To fix the problem, check and disable DND on your phone to receive calls as usual.

How to turn off Do Not Disturb on Android:

1. Open the app drawer and tap settings.
2. Then tap notifications. You can find the DND option under noise and vibration on some devices.
3. Scroll down and tap Do not bother.
4. Switch the switch to Disable Do not bother.
5. Now try to call your number and you should get the call without it being on mute.

You can customize Do Not Disturb settings to add exceptions for calls, alarms, and apps. To add a caller to your exceptions list, tap calls, messages and conversations under exceptions. Then tap Calls and choose from the From all, contactsand Preferred contacts only options.

Alternatively, activate the repeat caller Possibility. When enabled, DND will allow calls from callers who call more than once within 15 minutes. This is useful if you want to receive emergency calls without turning off DND.

3. Turn your SIM card on and off

You can temporarily disable your SIM card to troubleshoot your network and SIM card without ejecting the SIM card. Most Android devices have a SIM card manager feature that allows you to turn off your SIM card, configure the eSIM, set a primary SIM card, and more.

To turn your SIM card on and off in Android:

1. Open the app drawer and tap settings.
2. Then tap links or network and internet.
3. Tap on SIM card manager. You will have all your SIM cards listed in the SIM card section.
4. Toggle the switch for your affected SIM card and set it to the end. When the prompt appears, tap OK confirm.

After deactivation, toggle the switch again to activate the SIM card. This should restore your network’s signal strength bar and fix any temporary glitches that may have been preventing your phone from receiving calls.

4. Disable WiFi calling

On compatible devices, you can use Wi-Fi calling to make calls over Wi-Fi. While it’s a handy feature, it may interfere with your phone’s ability to receive calls. As a quick workaround, disable the feature to see if that fixes the problem.

How to disable WiFi calling on Android:

1. Open minded settings and tap links or network and internet.
2. Then tap WiFi calls.
3. When enabled, toggle the switch to disable Wi-Fi calling.
4. After deactivation, check if you can receive calls again.

5. Reinsert the SIM card

If you switched to a new device, make sure you inserted the SIM card correctly. While the SIM tray is designed to prevent incorrect insertion of a SIM card, this is not uncommon on older Android devices with a detachable back.

If inserted incorrectly, your Android phone will not recognize the SIM card and will show an error. To fix this, remove the SIM tray and make sure the card is aligned with the direction printed on the phone or SIM tray to properly insert the SIM card.

6. Disable the call screen in the phone app

Google Pixel devices have a call screen feature in the phone app. With it, you can check incoming calls from unknown numbers. While this is a handy feature, it can cause your phone to stop receiving calls. If you have a Pixel device, disable the call screen to fix the issue.

Note that this is a Google Pixel device feature. You don’t have the call screen feature on non-Pixel devices, so skip to the next step.

To turn off the call screen:

1. open that phone app and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Tap on settings.
3. Then tap spam and call screen.
4. Tap on call screen and set it the end.

7. Restart your Android phone

A quick restart can fix many problems on your Android phone. This is a handy fix for temporary glitches that are preventing your phone from answering calls.

How to turn off your Android phone:

1. Hold down the power key to display the power options.
2. Tap on Start anew and then one more Start anew.
3. Wait for the phone to restart and check if the problem is resolved.

8. Perform a network reset

A network reset resets a number of network-related features to their default settings. In addition to mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it will also reset your network connection settings such as network selection mode.

Follow these steps to perform a network reset on your Android phone:

1. Tap on settings to view your phone’s settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General Administration. On other devices, you may find the feature under Expanded options.
3. Then tap Reset to default.
4. Tap on Reset network settings.
5. Beat reset settings and enter your current PIN to approve the action.

9. Install pending firmware updates

Eventually, your Android phone can no longer receive calls due to bugs in the phone’s firmware. Your phone manufacturer might include a fix in their next firmware update if it’s a common problem. Check your phone’s pending firmware updates and install them to see if that helps you resolve the issue.

How to update your Android phone:

1. Tap the settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Software update. On some devices you may find this option under security or system update.
3. Tap on Check for updates and type OK to confirm the action.
4. The updater searches for new updates. If an update is available, proceed to download and install the update. After restarting, check if you can receive calls.

Many ways to fix Android phone not receiving calls issue

Not being able to receive or make calls defeats the primary purpose of a cellular device. Often the problem is likely due to Airplane mode or DND being on, temporary glitches with your phone, or a faulty firmware update. So, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem yourself.

If nothing works, consider asking your carrier to send you a new SIM card to see if that helps resolve the issue.