Few phone problems are as frustrating as realizing that people have been trying to call you, but your phone never rang. You might discover missed calls hours later, receive messages asking why you didn’t answer, or miss important calls from work, family, or clients.
When a phone stops receiving calls, the problem can be caused by several factors. In some cases, the issue is related to poor network coverage. In others, a software bug, incorrect settings, a faulty SIM card, or even an enabled feature such as Do Not Disturb mode may be preventing incoming calls from reaching your device.
The good news is that most call reception problems can be fixed without visiting a repair shop. Whether you use a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Tecno, Infinix, Oppo, Vivo, or another Android phone, the troubleshooting steps below can help restore normal call functionality.
Before assuming there is a serious hardware fault, work through these proven fixes one at a time.
Make Sure Airplane Mode Is Turned Off
One of the most common causes of call issues is Airplane Mode.
When Airplane Mode is enabled, your phone disconnects from mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and other wireless services. As a result, incoming calls cannot reach your device.
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings and check whether the Airplane Mode icon is active. If it is enabled, turn it off and wait a few moments for your phone to reconnect to the network.
Once the signal bars reappear, ask someone to call you and see if the issue has been resolved.
Check Your Network Signal Strength
Poor network coverage can affect more than just incoming calls. Many users who struggle to receive calls also experience internet connectivity issues. If your mobile internet is not working properly, read our guide on mobile data not working on Android to troubleshoot common network-related problems.
Your phone cannot receive calls properly if it has little or no network coverage.
If you’re in a basement, elevator, rural area, or inside a building with poor reception, incoming calls may go directly to voicemail or fail entirely.
Look at the signal indicator at the top of your screen. If only one bar appears—or no bars at all—move to a different location and check whether reception improves.
A simple change in location can sometimes restore call functionality immediately.
Restart Your Phone
Software glitches can interfere with normal phone functions, including incoming calls. If your device is also rebooting unexpectedly or getting stuck in a restart loop, our guide on Android keeps restarting explains several proven fixes.
Although it sounds simple, restarting your device remains one of the most effective troubleshooting methods. A restart refreshes network connections, clears temporary software glitches, and reloads essential system services.
Press and hold the power button, then select Restart.
After your phone powers back on, test incoming calls again.
If your Android device has been running continuously for several days, a restart may solve the problem without any additional troubleshooting.
Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb mode can silence incoming calls, notifications, and alerts.
Many users accidentally enable this feature and later wonder why calls seem to be missing.
To check:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Select Do Not Disturb.
- Verify that the feature is disabled.
Some phones allow calls from favorite contacts while blocking everyone else. Review the settings carefully to make sure incoming calls are not being restricted.
Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
A faulty or improperly inserted SIM card can cause several communication issues, including missed calls and network failures. In some situations, your device may stop recognizing the SIM card altogether. If that happens, check our guide on SIM card not detected on Android for additional solutions.
A loose or improperly seated SIM card can interfere with mobile network communication.
Power off your phone completely before removing the SIM tray.
Inspect the SIM card for:
- Dirt
- Dust
- Scratches
- Visible damage
Clean it gently with a soft cloth before reinserting it.
Once the phone powers back on, check whether incoming calls are working normally.
If your SIM card appears damaged, you may need to contact your carrier for a replacement.
Check Whether Call Forwarding Is Enabled
Call forwarding automatically redirects incoming calls to another number.
If this feature was accidentally activated, callers may never reach your phone directly.
To check:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Select Settings.
- Open Call Settings.
- Look for Call Forwarding.
Disable any active forwarding rules and test incoming calls again.
Update Carrier Settings
Mobile carriers occasionally release network configuration updates.
If your phone is using outdated carrier settings, call-related issues can occur.
Most Android phones download these updates automatically, but checking manually can help.
Navigate to:
Settings > About Phone > Carrier Settings
If an update is available, install it and restart your device.
Verify That the Number Is Not Blocked
Many Android users accidentally block contacts while trying to filter unwanted calls. If spam callers are becoming a problem on your device, you can learn how to block spam calls on Android without affecting important contacts.
If you’re unable to receive calls from specific people rather than everyone, the issue may be related to blocked numbers. Open the Phone app settings and review your blocked contacts list.
If you find the caller’s number there, remove it from the blocked list and ask them to call again.
This fix is surprisingly common, especially after accidental blocking.
Update Android Software
Software bugs occasionally interfere with calling functions.
Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve network stability and resolve communication issues.
To check for updates:
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Select Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
After updating, restart your phone and test incoming calls.
Keeping Android updated is one of the simplest ways to prevent recurring phone problems.
Reset Network Settings
Corrupted network settings can lead to a variety of communication problems, including call failures, internet issues, and Bluetooth connection errors. If your wireless devices are also having trouble connecting, see our guide on Bluetooth not working on Android for more troubleshooting tips.
If network-related settings become corrupted, your phone may struggle to send or receive calls properly.
Resetting network settings can restore default configurations without deleting personal files.
To reset:
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Select Reset Options.
- Choose Reset Network Settings.
After the reset, reconnect to your mobile network and test incoming calls.
Keep in mind that saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections may need to be configured again afterward.
Test Your SIM Card in Another Phone
If none of the previous solutions work, determine whether the issue is related to the SIM card or the phone itself.
Insert your SIM card into another compatible device.
If calls work normally on the second phone, the problem likely originates from your device.
If calls still fail, the SIM card or carrier account may be responsible.
This simple test can save a significant amount of troubleshooting time.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
Sometimes the problem is outside your control.
Network outages, account restrictions, unpaid bills, or SIM activation issues can prevent incoming calls.
Contact your mobile provider and ask them to verify:
- Account status
- Network availability
- SIM card activation
- Call service functionality
Carrier support teams can often identify problems that are impossible to diagnose from the phone alone.
When the Problem May Be Hardware Related
If you’ve tried every fix above and your phone still cannot receive calls, there may be a hardware issue.
Potential hardware faults include:
- Damaged antenna components
- SIM reader problems
- Motherboard faults
- Water damage
- Physical impact damage
In these situations, professional repair may be necessary.
Before visiting a repair center, back up your important data to avoid potential data loss.
Also Read:
- Android Touchscreen Not Working? 11 Fixes That Work
- 15 Hidden Android Features You Should Be Using in 2026
- How to Find Saved WiFi Passwords on Android (Simple Steps)
What to Do Next
Most phones that stop receiving calls are affected by network settings, software glitches, or SIM-related issues rather than serious hardware failures. Working through each fix methodically gives you the best chance of restoring normal functionality without spending money on repairs.
If the problem started recently, focus first on network settings, Do Not Disturb mode, carrier issues, and software updates. These are responsible for a large percentage of call-related problems and can often be fixed within minutes.