Imagine having a pocket PC in your hands that can do so many things but won’t perform the essential task — make phone calls. Some displeased users reported a troubling problem: it seems that they can’t make outgoing calls on iPhone 12. In this post, I’ll explain what to do when your iPhone 12 is not making calls!
See also: iPhone 12 Not Answering Calls? Fix it Now!
Why Won’t My iPhone 12 Make Calls?
If your iPhone 12 won’t make calls, there are a number of variables that could be at play. The most common problem is that you could be in an area with no cellular coverage or a weak cellular signal.
If your iPhone 12 won’t make calls, you should check the signal, reset the network settings, reposition the SIM card, check with the carrier, and finally as a last resort, restore the iPhone.
Fixes for iPhone 12 not able to make calls
Since the possible causes of iPhone 12 not making calls have been identified, you can follow the solutions below to fix the issue. Note: the following solutions applies to iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max that won’t make calls. Let’s get started:
Check for signal
Assuming your iPhone is indeed switched on, you should check if it’s receiving a signal. This can be done easily on an iPhone 12 by looking in the corner of your phone at the signal indicator.
The signal indicator can be found in the top-right corner of the screen. Even a single bar should indicate enough of a signal to make and receive calls. However, if the signal occasionally drops out and your iPhone 12 says “No Service”, you may find that calls don’t work.
If this is the case, you should try moving to an area or location with a stronger signal. Note that certain locations and premises — such as tunnels and underground car parks — will prevent you from receiving any signal. As such, look for places on or above ground that aren’t too remote (i.e., that aren’t out in the middle of nowhere).
Turn Airplane Mode Off and On
iPhone 12 not making calls can be due to some glitch on network settings. Normally, the Airplane toggle on your phone should fix the issue.
- Start the Settings app.
- Turn on Airplane mode. Then, turn it off again.
- Wait a few seconds and see if your iPhone 12 can make calls.
Check for Update
If you find your iPhone 12 not able to make calls after trying the above solutions, then checking for a software update would be the next logical step. There are both carrier settings updates and iOS updates that might be interfering with your ability to make and receive calls.
Check for Carrier Settings Updates
Make sure before you begin that your iPhone is connected to a cellular network or Wi-Fi.
- Start the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on About. If there is any update available, it should be visible. Click on it to update your carrier settings, then try to make calls again.
Check for an iOS Update
Make sure that you backup your iPhone with either iTunes or iCloud before trying this step.
- Plug your phone into a power sourse, and connect to the internet through Wi-Fi.
- Tap Settings.
- Go to General.
- Select Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Check to see if your iPhone 12 can make calls again.
Remove Your SIM Card and then Reinsert It
Similar to the perennial reboot advice you get from IT departments, it’s usually worth removing your SIM card and reinserting it again. Doing this effectively de- and reactivates the card, hopefully removing any issues that were preventing your iPhone 12 from making calls.
Check your phone contract/contact your carrier
Another reason why your iPhone 12 can’t make calls may be due to a problem with your carrier. For example, your phone contract may be for only a limited amount of minutes per month, and you may have previously set a block on going beyond that limit (so that you’re not charged). As such, you may need to contact your carrier in order to change your monthly limit and/or block.
Much the same goes if you’re using some kind of prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM, which limits calls in terms of how much credit you’ve purchased. Check how much credit you have left, and if you’re fresh out, buy some more if you need to make a call.
The above causes usually prevent you from making calls. However, in rare cases, your SIM can be deactivated or blocked, particularly if you’ve repeatedly failed to pay monthly bills on time. You may therefore have to contact your carrier in order to resolve any issues.
Even if you don’t have any issue with your contract or SIM, it may still be worth contacting your carrier in case there are any network outages. Alternatively, you can check sites such as Downdetector for third-party updates on network statuses.
Reset network settings
If you find your iPhone 12 not making calls after trying the above steps, you can try resetting your network settings. This clears your phone of any stored data that might potentially interfere with its functioning.
- Start the Settings app.
- Go to General.
- Select Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
Please note: resetting network settings will erase all your current saved settings, including your VPN settings, preferred networks, and Wi-Fi passwords. It just might be enough to fix the problem, though.
Switch to a Different Network Band
You could try switching network bands. It’s unlikely that’s causing the problem, but not inconceivable.
- Start the Settings app.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Select Cellular Data Options.
- Turn off Enable LTE, or 3G, or 4G. Whichever one you see will depend on your carrier.
Factory reset your iPhone
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your iPhone 12 won’t make calls, you may want to consider a factory reset. This is basically the nuclear option as far as any problem or bug is concerned, but it can resolve issues in certain cases.
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Reset
- Select Erase All Content and Settings.
It goes without saying but you should backup your iPhone before performing a factory reset.
See also: iPhone 12 Not Appearing In iTunes? Fix it now!
Contact Apple Support
If your iPhone 12 still can’t make calls after trying the above solutions, it may be time to contact Apple support and inquire into a potential repair or replacement.
iPhone 12 not making calls? Fixed!
Your iPhone 12 is making phone calls again and you can get back in touch with friends and family. Now share this article with others to teach them what to do when their iPhone 12 is not making calls. If you have any other questions, drop a comment and let us know!
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