Why won't my phone make outgoing calls?

There are many potential reasons why your phone might not be able to make outgoing calls in the UK, and the causes can range from simple issues like incorrect settings to more complex problems like network issues or account restrictions. This guide will take you through a comprehensive analysis of the possible causes and solutions for why your phone won't make outgoing calls. The focus will be on the UK market, although many of the solutions can be applied universally. Let’s dive into some of the most common issues and how you can fix them.

1. Network Connectivity Issues

One of the most common reasons for a phone not being able to make outgoing calls is poor or nonexistent network connectivity. In the UK, mobile networks can vary in quality depending on location, infrastructure, or temporary disruptions. If you don’t have a stable mobile signal, you won’t be able to make calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Signal Strength: Look at the signal bars on your phone. If you have weak or no signal, you may be in an area with poor network coverage.
  • Move to a Different Location: Try moving to a more open area or closer to a window if you're indoors. You may also want to switch to a location where you know the signal is stronger.
  • Network Coverage Map: Check your carrier’s network coverage map for the UK to see if you're in an area with weak coverage.
• Airplane Mode: Ensure that your phone is not in "Airplane Mode." This mode disables all network connections, including the ability to make calls.
  • Turn Airplane Mode Off: Go to your phone’s settings or quick access panel and switch off "Airplane Mode."
• Restart Your Phone: Sometimes, a simple restart can reset the phone’s connection to the network and fix the problem.
• Network Operator Settings: Your phone may have incorrectly set network operator settings.
  • Manually Select Network Operator: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators and search for networks. Select your network manually if it isn’t automatically connected.

2. SIM Card Issues

Another potential cause is a problem with your SIM card. Issues related to the SIM card can range from improper insertion to hardware malfunctions.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check SIM Card Insertion: Ensure that your SIM card is properly inserted in the SIM card tray.
  • Reinsert SIM Card: Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, and reinsert it properly. Then, restart your phone.
• Try Another SIM Card: If possible, try using a different SIM card to see if the issue persists. If the new SIM works, your old one might be damaged.
• Clean the SIM Card: Dust or dirt on the SIM card can affect connectivity.
  • Clean Gently: Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the metal contacts on the SIM card.
• Contact Your Network Provider for a Replacement SIM: If you suspect that your SIM card is faulty, contact your carrier for a replacement.

3. Insufficient Credit or Unpaid Bills

If you're on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) plan, having insufficient credit will prevent you from making calls. For contract users, unpaid bills can result in your service being restricted by your provider.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Your Balance: If you're on PAYG, check your account balance via the carrier’s app, website, or by dialing a specific number (often 4444 or similar).
  • Top Up: If you have insufficient credit, you will need to top up before making calls.
• Outstanding Bills: If you're on a contract, check for any outstanding bills.
  • Pay Bills: Contact your provider or log into your account online to settle any unpaid bills.
• Check for Service Restrictions: Contact your carrier to ensure there are no service restrictions due to non-payment.

4. Call Barring

Call barring is a feature that can block outgoing or incoming calls. It might have been activated accidentally or by someone else with access to your phone.

How to Check and Fix:

• Call Barring Settings: Go to your phone settings and look for call barring under the call or network settings.
  • Disable Call Barring: If call barring is enabled, you will need to disable it. The settings are typically located under: Settings → Call Settings → Call Barring. You may need to enter a PIN to change the setting.
  • Contact Your Network Provider: If you cannot change the call barring settings, contact your network provider for assistance.

5. Do Not Disturb Mode

If your phone is set to "Do Not Disturb" (DND) mode, it might block all outgoing and incoming calls depending on the settings.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check DND Status: Look for the "Do Not Disturb" icon on your notification panel or go into your settings.
  • Disable DND: Go to Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb and ensure that this feature is turned off.

6. Software Issues

Software glitches or outdated software can also be responsible for the inability to make calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Update Phone Software: Ensure that your phone's operating system is up to date.
  • Check for Updates: Go to Settings → System → Software Update to check for available updates. Download and install them if necessary.
• Reset Network Settings: If software issues are causing network problems, resetting your network settings might help.
  • Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This will reset all network settings, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular settings, but won’t delete personal data.
• Factory Reset: If all else fails, you may consider performing a factory reset.
  • Back Up Data First: A factory reset will erase all personal data from your phone, so make sure to back up everything important.
  • Perform Factory Reset: Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset.

7. Carrier Settings Update

Sometimes, your carrier may release updates to improve your network connectivity. If these updates aren't installed, it may cause issues with making calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check for Carrier Settings Update: On an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About, and if there’s a carrier settings update available, you will see a prompt. On Android devices, the steps may vary, but usually, carrier updates are included in software updates.
• Contact Your Carrier: If you are unsure about how to update these settings, contact your carrier’s customer support.

8. Blocked Number

If you're trying to call a specific number and cannot get through, it’s possible that the number you are calling has blocked you, or you have accidentally blocked the number on your phone.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Your Blocked Numbers: Go to your phone’s call settings and look for the list of blocked numbers.
  • Unblock the Number: If the number is blocked, you can remove it from the blocked list. Typically, you will find this under: Settings → Phone → Blocked Numbers or similar.
• Ask the Recipient: If you suspect that the other party has blocked you, try contacting them through another method (e.g., text or email) to confirm.

9. Phone Account Settings (Dual SIM Phones)

If you're using a dual-SIM phone, the issue could be related to which SIM is selected for making calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Select the Correct SIM: Ensure that the correct SIM card is selected as the primary one for making calls.
  • Switch SIM Preference: Go to your phone settings, usually under: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager, and check which SIM is set for outgoing calls.

10. Account Suspension or Deactivation

If your account has been suspended or deactivated, you will not be able to make calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check with Your Carrier: Contact your carrier to ensure that your account is active and that there are no restrictions or suspensions.
• Verify SIM Registration: If you're using a new SIM card, ensure it has been properly registered with your carrier.

11. International Call Restrictions

If you're trying to make an international call, your account may not be set up for it, or international calls may be blocked by default.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check International Call Settings: Some networks block international calling by default, and you may need to request for it to be enabled.
  • Contact Your Provider: Ask your carrier if international calling is enabled on your account.
• Roaming Settings: If you're abroad, ensure that roaming is enabled for your network. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks and toggle on "Data Roaming."

12. Physical or Hardware Issues

If none of the software or network-related fixes work, there could be a hardware issue with your phone.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check for Physical Damage: Inspect your phone for any physical damage, especially around the SIM card slot or the antenna area. Damage here could affect your phone’s ability to connect to a network.
• Test With Another Device: Try using your SIM card in another phone. If it works, the issue is likely with your original phone’s hardware.
• Take to a Repair Shop: If your phone is under warranty, take it to an authorized service center. If not, a local repair shop may help diagnose and fix the hardware issue.

13. VoIP and Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts

If you're using Voice over IP (VoIP) or Wi-Fi calling services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype, these services might conflict with your regular cellular calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Disable Wi-Fi Calling Temporarily: Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling and turn it off. Then, try making a regular cellular call.
• Log Out of VoIP Apps: If you’re using apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or similar, try logging out or disabling call features temporarily.

14. Device Incompatibility

In rare cases, the issue might be due to incompatibility between your device and your network carrier.

How to Check and Fix:

• Check Compatibility: Verify that your phone is fully compatible with your carrier’s network bands. This information can usually be found in the phone’s specifications.
• Contact Manufacturer or Carrier: Contact your device manufacturer or carrier to check if your device is fully compatible with UK networks.

15. Malware or Virus

Malware or viruses can sometimes interfere with your phone’s ability to function properly, including making calls.

How to Check and Fix:

• Scan for Malware: Use a reputable antivirus app to scan your phone for malware.
• Remove Suspicious Apps: If you’ve installed any suspicious apps recently, try uninstalling them.

Conclusion

If your phone isn’t making outgoing calls in the UK, the problem could be due to a variety of issues ranging from network connectivity problems and software glitches to account issues and hardware damage. By systematically going through the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the problem. If none of these solutions work, it’s best to consult your carrier or take your device to a professional for further inspection.