Why is my phone having Internet but can't make calls?

If your phone has an active internet connection but cannot make calls, there could be several potential causes. In the UK, mobile networks and devices rely on a complex infrastructure that can sometimes experience issues related to connectivity, settings, or even your service plan. This comprehensive guide will explore the possible reasons your phone may be unable to make calls despite having internet access, along with detailed steps for resolving the problem.

1. Network Coverage and Signal Strength

One of the most common reasons for not being able to make calls is poor network coverage or weak signal strength. Even if you have internet access through mobile data (3G, 4G, or 5G), the signal strength needed for voice calls might be insufficient in certain areas.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Signal Bars: Look at the signal bars on your phone. If you see low or no bars, you're likely in an area with poor reception.
• Move to a Different Location: Try moving to an area with better coverage, such as outdoors or closer to a window if you're indoors. Large buildings and underground locations can block signals.
• Restart Your Phone: Sometimes, restarting your phone can help it reconnect to a stronger network signal.
• Switch to a Different Network Mode (Android): If you're in a weak 4G or 5G area, switching to 3G may improve call performance.
  • Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Preferred Network Type, and switch to 3G or 2G.

2. SIM Card Issues

Your phone's SIM card is responsible for connecting you to your mobile network provider. If there is a problem with your SIM card, you may experience issues with making calls even if you can use mobile data for internet access.

How to Check and Fix:

• Reinsert the SIM Card: Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, and carefully reinsert it into the SIM card tray. Make sure it’s properly seated.
• Test with a Different SIM Card: If possible, insert a different SIM card into your phone to see if the problem persists. This will help determine if the issue is with your phone or the SIM card.
• Check for SIM Card Damage: Inspect the SIM card for any signs of physical damage, such as scratches or bending. If the card is damaged, contact your carrier to get a replacement.
• SIM Card Registration: Sometimes, the SIM card may not be properly registered on the network. In this case, contact your carrier to ensure that your SIM card is active and functioning correctly.

3. Airplane Mode

Airplane mode disables all cellular connectivity, including the ability to make calls, while allowing you to use Wi-Fi for internet access. It’s possible that Airplane mode is enabled on your device, which would explain why you can’t make calls even though you can browse the internet.

How to Check and Fix:

• Disable Airplane Mode: Check whether Airplane mode is enabled.
  • On iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) and check if the airplane icon is highlighted. Tap it to disable Airplane mode if it is on.
  • On Android: Swipe down to access the quick settings menu and check if the airplane icon is active. If it is, tap it to turn off Airplane mode.
• Re-enable Cellular Network: After turning off Airplane mode, wait a few seconds for your phone to reconnect to the cellular network.

4. VoLTE and Network Compatibility

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a technology that allows you to make calls over 4G networks. If your phone is using a network that doesn’t fully support VoLTE or if the feature is disabled, you may be able to use the internet but not make calls, as your phone may fail to connect to the correct frequency bands for voice.

How to Check and Fix:

• Enable VoLTE:
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Enable LTE → Voice & Data.
  • On Android: Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → VoLTE, and ensure that VoLTE is enabled.
• Check Network Compatibility: Make sure your phone and carrier support VoLTE. Some older phones or certain budget models may not support this feature, and some UK carriers may only offer VoLTE on specific plans or devices. Contact your carrier for clarification.

5. Network Mode Settings

Different network modes such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G have varying levels of support for voice calls. If your phone is set to a network mode that doesn't fully support calls (such as 4G/5G-only mode without VoLTE enabled), this can prevent you from making calls while still allowing internet access.

How to Check and Fix:

• Change Network Mode (Android):
  • Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Preferred Network Type, and switch to a mode that supports voice calls, such as 3G or "LTE/3G/2G (Auto)".
• Network Selection (iPhone):
  • Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Enable LTE and choose "Voice & Data" or "Data Only" depending on your carrier and device compatibility.

6. Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode

If "Do Not Disturb" mode is enabled on your phone, it may block incoming calls or prevent outgoing calls from being made. DND mode is designed to silence calls and notifications, but depending on the settings, it might also prevent outgoing calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Disable Do Not Disturb:
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → Do Not Disturb and make sure it’s turned off. Alternatively, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to access Control Center and check if the crescent moon icon is active.
  • On Android: Go to Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb and ensure it’s disabled. You can also access this from the quick settings panel by swiping down and tapping the DND icon if it's enabled.

7. Call Blocking Features

Some devices and carriers allow users to block certain types of calls, such as outgoing international calls or calls to specific numbers. If you’ve enabled call barring or other similar features, this may prevent you from making calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Disable Call Blocking:
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification and make sure no numbers are blocked that could prevent outgoing calls.
  • On Android: Open the Phone app, go to Settings, and check for any blocked numbers or call restrictions.
• Carrier Call Barring: Some UK carriers offer call barring services that can block outgoing calls. Contact your carrier to ensure that this feature isn’t enabled on your account.

8. VoIP or Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts

Voice over IP (VoIP) and Wi-Fi calling services (like WhatsApp, Skype, or your network provider’s Wi-Fi calling feature) may conflict with traditional mobile calling services. These apps and services can sometimes interfere with the regular phone call functions of your device.

How to Check and Fix:

• Disable Wi-Fi Calling:
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling and disable it.
  • On Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling and turn it off.
• Log Out of VoIP Apps: If you’re using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber, try logging out or disabling these apps to see if they are causing conflicts.

9. SIM-Only or Data-Only Plan

Some mobile plans are specifically designed for data use only, meaning they do not support traditional voice calls. If you are on a SIM-only or data-only plan, you may be able to use mobile data for internet browsing and messaging but not make regular calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Your Plan Details: Review your mobile plan details to ensure that voice calls are included. If you’re on a data-only plan, you will need to upgrade or switch to a plan that includes voice services.
• Contact Your Carrier: If you’re unsure about the specifics of your plan, contact your carrier for clarification.

10. Account or Billing Issues

If your account with your mobile carrier has unpaid bills, your service provider may restrict your ability to make calls while still allowing you to use mobile data. Some carriers temporarily suspend voice services until outstanding balances are settled.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Your Account Status: Log in to your carrier’s website or app to review your account and ensure that there are no unpaid bills or service restrictions.
• Contact Customer Service: If you suspect that your account has been suspended due to billing issues, contact your carrier’s customer service department to resolve the matter.

11. Carrier Settings Update

Your carrier may release updates for carrier settings, which include configurations for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet. If your phone doesn’t have the latest carrier settings, it might not be able to make calls properly.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check for Carrier Settings Update:
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About. If a carrier update is available, you’ll see a prompt to install it.
  • On Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → Software Information and check if any carrier settings updates are available.
• Contact Your Carrier: If you’re unsure whether your phone has the latest carrier settings, contact your network provider to confirm.

12. Software Glitches and Bugs

Sometimes, software glitches or bugs in the operating system can cause issues with phone calls. While your internet connection might remain unaffected, these glitches can interfere with voice services.

How to Check and Fix:

• Restart Your Phone: A simple restart can often resolve software issues that prevent calls.
• Check for Software Updates: Ensure your phone’s operating system is up to date.
  • On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
  • On Android: Go to Settings → System → System Update.
• Factory Reset: If all else fails, a factory reset may resolve persistent software bugs. Be sure to back up your data before performing this step.

13. Hardware Issues

If there’s damage to your phone’s antenna, microphone, or other internal components related to calling, you may experience problems making calls even though your internet connection is working fine.

How to Check and Fix:

• Test Call Functionality: Try using a different phone or headset to see if the issue persists. If you notice physical damage or if calls fail across multiple networks, you may need professional repair.
• Inspect Your Phone for Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, water exposure, or broken ports.

Conclusion

The inability to make calls despite having internet access can be caused by various factors, ranging from network settings and carrier issues to software glitches and hardware damage. Following the steps in this guide can help you systematically identify and resolve the problem. If none of the above solutions work, it’s advisable to contact your mobile carrier or seek professional help to ensure that your phone is working as it should.