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If you're wondering: "What does Call Failed mean on iPhone?" This is an error that appears when you're unable to make or receive calls.
This usually happens when there's an issue with your phone's settings, cellular network, or carrier provider.
In this guide, we'll show you how to fix Call Failed on iPhone through multiple methods. We'll also be covering some alternatives you can use if there's an urgent communication to be made.
The "Call Failed" message can appear due to factors like:
This is a frustrating experience for users, especially in case of emergencies. However, it's easy to troubleshoot using simple methods. Follow each of the solutions discussed below one by one until the issue is resolved.
Look at the signal bars in the top-right corner of your iPhone's screen. If you see fewer bars (or no bars at all), you're in a low-signal area.
You'll keep getting the "Call Failed" error if the network connectivity is poor. Fix this before moving on to the other methods.
Tip: Metal buildings, underground locations, and rural areas often have weaker signals. Move near a window, or try stepping outside.
Toggling Airplane Mode forces your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network. This quick fix often resolves network connectivity issues:
1. Swipe down from the top-right corner.
2. Tap the Airplane icon.
3. Wait 10–15 seconds.
4. Tap the Airplane icon again to disable.
After you've done that, wait until the network signal appears and try calling again.
You might've unknowingly enabled call forwarding on your phone— that'll prevent calls from connecting properly.
When Call Forwarding is enabled, it could forward your calls to a number that's unreachable, causing the Call Failed iPhone error.
Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn the toggle off if it's enabled.
Sometimes, there are temporary glitches with your phone's software or certain apps that cause the "Call Failed" error. A forced restart can clear those errors and give the apps a fresh start.
To force restart your iPhone:
1. Press Volume Up once.
2. Quickly press Volume Down once.
3. Then press and hold the Side button until the screen goes blank and the Apple logo appears.
This method is more effective than a regular restart (through the "Power off" slider) for clearing system glitches. Note that this won't delete any of your data.
Check if there's any update available for your iPhone's carrier settings. Carrier updates often contain fixes for connectivity issues.
Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll find the option to update your carrier settings. Download it and follow the on-screen instructions.
It's best practice to keep your iOS version up to date for the smooth functioning of your iPhone. Apple regularly releases new versions to fix bugs and glitches and optimize all the native apps.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Any pending updates will show up on your screen—download and install them. iOS updates can address bugs that may be causing call failures.
Pro Tip: Turn on Automatic Updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and toggling on iOS Updates. If no updates are available, you can move to the other steps below.
Make sure the Do Not Disturb mode is turned off. Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it's turned Off. If Do Not Disturb is enabled, it could be blocking incoming and outgoing calls.
Sometimes, your iPhone's network configuration gets messed up—such as after an update or through a third-party app.
Resetting your network settings can help fix connectivity issues like the "Call Failed" error.
Follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Note: This process will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you'll need to reconnect to your home and work networks.
If you're in the U.S., Apple used to provide physical SIM trays on the iPhone 13 series and earlier. Newer models (iPhone 14 series onwards) are e-SIM only.
If you have a model that has a physical SIM slot, check if that's the problem. Use a SIM-eject tool to remove and reinsert the SIM card.
Make sure it's seated properly in the SIM tray. An old or damaged SIM card can also cause call failures—contact your carrier to get a replacement SIM if you see any visible damage.
If you've tried the above troubleshooting steps but the "Call Failed" error still shows up, contact your cellular carrier. Sometimes, there are issues related to:
They may be able to provide further assistance or identify an issue with your account or service that's preventing successful calls.
This is self-explanatory. If the other person has blocked your number, your calls won't connect. Even if the phone rings on your end, they won't get any call or notification.
There's no solution to this except if they unblock you. It's best to respect the other person's privacy and avoid communication if they don't want to.
This is a last resort and should only be considered if none of the above methods work. Factory Reset will wipe all your personal data and settings and your iPhone will revert to a fresh state.
Here's how to reset your iPhone to factory default settings:
1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Tap Continue to start the formatting process.
Once your phone resets, you can restore from an iCloud backup if you have one. This ensures all your backed-up data is available again on your phone.
If you still can't make calls, there are some alternative communication options you could try. Both of these can work on Wi-Fi, so cellular connectivity won't be an issue.
FaceTime is the perfect backup option when cellular calls fail on your iPhone. You can use FaceTime to make video or audio calls over both Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Here's how:
1. Open FaceTime on your iPhone
2. Tap the New FaceTime option
3. Enter contact name, phone number, or email address and select from the list
4. Choose either the audio or video call option
As the name suggests, Wi-Fi calling connects users over a Wi-Fi network instead of using a cellular signal.
Enable this feature for better and more reliable call quality:
1. Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
2. Toggle on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
This will fix the "call failed iPhone" error if the issue is specifically with your cellular coverage or network.
Worried about not being able to reach your child via call or text? Don't be afraid—AirDroid Parental Control provides remote monitoring tools to help you keep an eye on your loved ones 24/7.
Keep your children safe while respecting their privacy with:
We hope you were able to easily resolve the "Call Failed" error on your iPhone using these solutions. Sometimes, the problem gets fixed on its own, and all you have to do is wait for some time.
However, in case of an emergency, you always have the option of using FaceTime or Wi-Fi calling.
If you still face issues, don't hesitate to contact your carrier for further assistance. They'll identify if there's any problem with your account or network that's causing the call failures.
First, check your caller ID settings. Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and ensure that it is toggled on.
Additionally, the 12 methods mentioned earlier to fix the "iPhone Call Failed" issue will also help resolve the problem with the caller ID not working.
If you're still having trouble making calls after trying basic troubleshooting steps, you can use alternative communication methods like FaceTime or Wi-Fi Calling. You can also text them by iMessage.
No. The "Reset Network Settings" option only affects network-related settings like Wi-Fi passwords, preferred networks, and Bluetooth connections. Your personal data—including your photos, call logs, messages, music, etc., remains intact.
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