Why is my phone not allowing me to make calls Android?

Check Your Network Connection

One of the most common reasons an Android phone may not be allowing calls is an issue with your network connection. First, check that WiFi and mobile data are enabled by pulling down the notification shade and ensuring the icons are lit up. If not, open Settings and turn on WiFi and mobile data.

Next, ensure Airplane mode is off. Airplane mode disables all wireless connections, so calls cannot be made with it enabled. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode and make sure the switch is off.

If WiFi or mobile data are on but your phone still has no bars and says “No service”, try cycling Airplane mode on and off. This essentially reboots the network connection and can fix connection problems.

You can also try manually switching between WiFi and mobile data. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network and disable mobile data, then reconnect to a WiFi network. Or do the reverse – disconnect from WiFi and enable mobile data. Toggle between them to see if one works better than the other for making calls.

As a last resort, you can reset the network settings which will erase all WiFi passwords, mobile data settings etc. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Your phone will reboot and you’ll have to set up the connections again, which could resolve any software bugs causing network issues.

Update Your OS

Updating to the latest version of Android can often resolve calling issues. Android updates contain important bug fixes, performance improvements, and especially security patches that keep your device and data safe. Failing to install the latest updates leaves your phone vulnerable to hackers and malware.

For example, the September 2022 Android security update from Google fixed over 50 security vulnerabilities in the Android OS and kernel. These included critical remote code execution and elevation of privilege bugs that could let malware take control of your device if left unpatched. Updates address these and prevent criminals from exploiting known flaws.

Updates also improve stability and fix bugs that can disrupt services like calling and SMS. As one user reported, after updating to Android 14 they had issues making calls and sending texts. An update likely introduced new bugs accidentally disrupting those features. Later updates then resolve these problems.

Always keep your Android version fully up-to-date and install security patches as soon as available. This gives you all the latest fixes and optimizes the performance and reliability of calling and other features.

Check Default Apps

One common reason why your Android phone may not be allowing you to make calls is if you have the wrong app set as the default for phone and messaging. On Android, you can change the default apps to use for different functions like calling, texting, web browsing, and more. To check your default app settings:

Open the Settings app and go to “Apps & Notifications” or “Apps.” Then look for “Default Apps” or “Choose Default Apps.” Tap on this option.

You should see a list of different categories of apps, including “Phone App” and “SMS App.” Tap on each one to check that you have the app you want set as the default.

For example, the default Phone app is normally the basic “Phone” app that comes with your Android OS. If this got switched to a third-party app, you may have issues making calls. Similarly, make sure your default SMS app is set to the Android Messages app or whichever messaging app you prefer.

If the defaults were incorrect, simply select the app you want to use for calls and messages. This should instantly switch which app opens when you make calls or send texts on your device. With the proper default app configured, your calling issues may be resolved.

Sources:

https://howto.salesflare.com/en/articles/4301863-how-do-i-set-my-default-calling-app

https://www.howtogeek.com/798736/how-to-change-the-default-phone-app-on-android/

Clear App Cache and Data

Over time, temporary files stored by apps can take up space on your device and cause performance issues. Clearing the cache and data for messaging, calling, and other communication apps can free up storage space and help fix problems with calls not going through. According to AndroidPolice, clearing app cache removes temporary files that help apps run more smoothly, while clearing app data erases files like settings and login details. However, clearing data will reset the app, so only clear data if cache clearing doesn’t solve the issue.

To clear an app’s cache and data on Android:

Go to Settings > Apps.
Tap the app and select Storage.

Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data (be careful with data).

Try clearing the cache and data for apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, etc. to troubleshoot call issues without fully resetting your device. As Hexnode suggests, clearing app cache can speed up apps taking up space with temporary files.

Check Do Not Disturb Settings

The Do Not Disturb feature on Android phones allows you to silence calls, alerts and notifications during set times or events. If Do Not Disturb is enabled, it could prevent you from receiving phone calls.

To check your Do Not Disturb settings on an Android phone:¹

Open your phone’s Settings app and go to Sounds > Do Not Disturb.
Check if Do Not Disturb is switched on. If it’s on, toggle it off.

Tap on Schedules to check if you have any scheduled Do Not Disturb times set up. Disable any schedules that could be blocking calls.
Go back and tap Exceptions. Make sure you have Allow Calls enabled from important contacts or numbers.

Disabling Do Not Disturb entirely or customizing the exceptions will allow calls to come through again normally.

Check App Permissions

One reason your Android phone may not be allowing calls is if you have revoked permissions from certain apps. For calls to work properly, your Phone app and other calling/messaging apps require access to key permissions like Microphone and Contacts.

To check app permissions, open the Settings app and go to Apps & Notifications > App Permissions. Look for permissions like Microphone, Contacts, Phone, and SMS. Make sure the Phone app and any other calling/messaging apps you use like WhatsApp have these permissions enabled. If not, tap the app and toggle on the relevant permissions.

As an example, according to Google Support 1, the Phone app requires Contacts permission in order to access your contacts and call history. So make sure to enable that permission for the Phone app if you want to make calls. You can also visit the App Info page for each individual app to check and enable important permissions.

Restart Your Phone

One of the simplest fixes for an Android phone that is unable to make calls is to restart the device. This forces the phone to power off and back on, essentially rebooting the operating system and clearing out any temporary glitches or bugs. Simply hold down the power button for a few seconds until the “Power off” option appears. Select this and let the phone fully power down. Wait about 30-60 seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn the phone back on. Give it a minute or two to boot up completely. Many basic calling issues can be resolved just by restarting the phone this way.

According to Trufyx, restarting your Android phone can often resolve call issues by forcing a reboot of the device and OS. Additionally, Verizon’s support site notes that restarting is one of the first steps to take when troubleshooting call problems, as many basic issues are fixed by a simple reboot.

Check for Blocked Numbers

One of the most common reasons for being unable to make calls on an Android phone is having blocked or restricted certain numbers. Both the stock Phone app and third-party calling apps allow you to block contacts and phone numbers.

To check if you have blocked the number you are trying to call, open your Phone app and tap More > Settings > Blocked numbers. Here you will see a list of all numbers you have blocked. If the number you are trying to call is in this list, tap the number and then tap Unblock to remove the block.

You can also check if you have blocked all unknown callers. In the Blocked numbers settings, toggle off the Block unknown callers option. This will allow calls from any number not in your contacts.¹

Additionally, some calling apps like Truecaller let you block numbers directly from recent calls or messages. Check these apps for any numbers you may have blocked inadvertently.

Reset Network Settings

One troubleshooting step to try is resetting your network settings back to default. This will clear any corrupted network configurations and restore the original settings that came with your Android device (source). Resetting network settings does not delete any of your data or media, it simply erases all network-related configuration files.

To reset your network settings on an Android 9.0 or higher device, go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset network settings. Tap Reset Settings to confirm (source). Your phone will restart and you’ll have to reconnect to any WiFi networks and redo mobile network settings. Check if you can now make calls after resetting network settings.

Resetting to factory defaults often resolves software-related calling issues by clearing out any corrupted settings. If the problem persists, it’s likely a hardware or deeper software problem. But resetting network settings is a worthwhile troubleshooting step before resorting to more drastic measures.

Factory Reset Phone

As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset to erase everything on your Android phone and restore it to its original state when you first bought it. This should clear out any software issues causing problems with making calls. According to Online Tech Tips, a factory reset will “wipe your smartphone back to factory settings, removing all your apps, data, settings, accounts, etc.”

Before factory resetting, make sure to backup any important data, photos, or files you want to keep. You’ll have to reinstall apps and re-enter settings after the reset. To initiate a factory reset, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Tap Reset and confirm with your PIN or fingerprint. Once the reset is complete and your phone restarts, it should hopefully resolve any software bugs causing call issues.

A factory reset erases everything, bringing your phone back to its original state, which should clear any underlying software problems disrupting your ability to make calls on your Android device.