If your Android phone is not receiving calls, the problem is usually simpler than it looks. Most of the time, an accidentally enabled setting, a blocked number, or a network glitch stops incoming calls. This guide covers every proven fix, from the easiest to the more advanced, so you can solve the issue without technical help.
🔍 Quick Answer
If your Android phone is not receiving calls, first turn off Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb, then check call forwarding and blocked numbers. If those are fine, reset network settings or reinsert the SIM card. Most users fix the issue with one of these steps.
Common Causes of No Incoming Calls
- ▸ Airplane Mode enabled – blocks all mobile network activity.
- ▸ Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode active – sends calls to voicemail silently.
- ▸ Call forwarding enabled – routes calls to another number.
- ▸ Blocked number or call barring – prevents specific callers or all calls.
- ▸ Weak network signal or wrong network mode – makes the phone unreachable.
- ▸ Corrupted network settings or SIM card issue – disrupts the connection.
- ▸ Outdated Phone app or carrier services – causes software glitches.
⚡ Quick Summary
- ✔ Check Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, and blocked numbers
- ✔ Disable call forwarding and call barring
- ✔ Reset network settings and reinsert SIM card
- ✔ Check network mode and Wi-Fi Calling
- ✔ Clear Phone app cache and update software
📋 In This Guide (Click to Expand)
- 1. Check Airplane Mode and Network Signal
- 2. Turn Off Do Not Disturb and Focus Mode
- 3. Check Call Forwarding Settings
- 4. Make Sure You Did Not Block the Caller
- 5. Check Call Barring Settings
- 6. Reset Network Settings
- 7. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
- 8. Check Network Mode and Carrier Selection
- 9. Disable Wi-Fi Calling Temporarily
- 10. Clear Phone App Cache and Update Software
- 11. Update Carrier Services and Phone App
- If Nothing Works
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
1. Check Airplane Mode and Network Signal
Sometimes the simplest reason is the right one. If Airplane Mode is turned on, your phone will not receive calls, messages, or mobile data. This is the first thing you should check because it takes only a few seconds.
Here is what to do:
- ▸ Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- ▸ Look for the Airplane Mode icon.
- ▸ If it is enabled, tap it to turn it off.
- ▸ Wait a few seconds and check your network signal bars.
Also, if you are in a basement, elevator, or remote area, your network signal may be weak. Move to an open space or near a window and see if the signal improves.
⚠️ Important: If your phone shows “No Service” or “Emergency calls only,” the problem is likely network-related, not your phone itself.
📝 Why it happens: Airplane Mode disables all wireless communication, including cellular calls.
✅ Expected result: After turning it off, your signal bars should return and incoming calls should work if this was the only issue.
2. Turn Off Do Not Disturb and Focus Mode
Do Not Disturb is a useful feature, but it can silently block incoming calls. If you accidentally left it on, all calls may be sent to voicemail without any ring. Focus Mode, available on some Android versions, can also restrict calls from certain contacts.
To check this:
- ▸ Open Settings on your Android phone.
- ▸ Go to Sound & vibration or Notifications.
- ▸ Tap Do Not Disturb.
- ▸ Make sure it is switched off.
If you use a Samsung phone, also check Modes and Routines. Some modes automatically block calls during certain times or when connected to specific networks.
Also, look for Focus Mode if your device has it. Some Android versions include Focus Mode as part of Digital Wellbeing. If it is active, calls from selected contacts may be blocked.
📝 Why it happens: These features are designed to reduce interruptions, but they can also stop calls from ringing.
✅ Expected result: Once disabled, incoming calls should ring normally.
3. Check Call Forwarding Settings
Call forwarding is a feature that sends incoming calls to another number. If call forwarding is accidentally enabled, your phone will not ring, and the caller may hear a busy tone or be sent to voicemail.
To check call forwarding:
- ▸ Open the Phone app.
- ▸ Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- ▸ Select Settings or Call settings.
- ▸ Tap Call forwarding.
- ▸ If any option is set to forward calls, disable it.
You can also dial the following code to turn off all call forwarding:
Press the call button, and call forwarding will be disabled on most carriers.
📝 Why it happens: Call forwarding routes incoming calls away from your device, so your phone never rings.
✅ Expected result: After disabling forwarding, your phone should start receiving calls directly.
4. Make Sure You Did Not Block the Caller
Your Android phone lets you block specific numbers. If you blocked someone earlier and forgot about it, their calls will never reach you. This is one of the most common reasons why a specific person cannot call you.
To check blocked numbers:
- ▸ Open the Phone app.
- ▸ Tap the three-dot menu.
- ▸ Go to Settings.
- ▸ Tap Blocked numbers.
- ▸ Review the list and remove any number you want to receive calls from.
On some phones, this option may be under Call Blocking or Block list.
💡 Tip: If the caller is not in the blocked list, ask them to call you from a different number. This helps confirm whether the issue is with your phone or their number.
📝 Why it happens: Blocked numbers are automatically rejected, so the caller may hear a busy tone or go straight to voicemail.
✅ Expected result: After unblocking, calls from that person should come through normally.
5. Check Call Barring Settings
Call barring is a network-level feature that can block all incoming calls, calls while roaming, or international calls. It is often enabled accidentally or by a carrier setting. Unlike call blocking, call barring is controlled through your carrier, but you can check and disable it from your phone settings.
To check call barring:
- ▸ Open the Phone app.
- ▸ Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
- ▸ Look for Call barring or Additional settings.
- ▸ Check if All incoming calls or Incoming calls when roaming are enabled.
- ▸ Disable any options that are active unless you intentionally set them.
If you cannot find call barring settings on your phone, contact your carrier and ask them to remove any call barring on your number.
📝 Why it happens: Call barring is a carrier-level feature that can block all or certain incoming calls even if your phone settings are correct.
✅ Expected result: Once disabled, all incoming calls should reach your phone.
6. Reset Network Settings
Your phone stores network settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data. If these settings become corrupted, incoming calls may not work properly. This can happen after a software update or when you switch carriers. You can read more about Android network connection issues.
Resetting network settings will not delete your photos, videos, or apps. It will only clear saved Wi-Fi passwords, paired Bluetooth devices, and network preferences.
To reset network settings:
- ▸ Open Settings.
- ▸ Go to System or General management.
- ▸ Tap Reset or Reset options.
- ▸ Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset network settings.
- ▸ Confirm the reset and restart your phone.
After the restart, check if you can receive calls again.
📝 Why it happens: Corrupted network settings can interfere with the phone’s ability to connect to the mobile network for voice calls.
✅ Expected result: After resetting and restarting, your phone reconnects to the network cleanly, and incoming calls should work if the settings were the problem.
7. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
A loose or dirty SIM card can cause call issues. Removing and reinserting the SIM card is a simple fix that often works. Dust, moisture, or a slightly misaligned SIM can interrupt the connection between your phone and the carrier network.
Here is how to do it safely:
- ▸ Turn off your phone completely.
- ▸ Use the SIM ejector tool or a small paperclip.
- ▸ Remove the SIM card tray.
- ▸ Take out the SIM card and gently clean it with a dry, soft cloth.
- ▸ Put the SIM card back and insert the tray.
- ▸ Turn your phone on and test incoming calls.
If the SIM card is damaged or old, your carrier may need to replace it. Most carriers do this for free or for a small fee.
📝 Why it happens: A misaligned or dirty SIM card can break the connection between your phone and the carrier, preventing incoming calls.
✅ Expected result: After reinserting, your phone reconnects to the network, and calls should come through if the SIM was the issue.
8. Check Network Mode and Carrier Selection
Your phone can connect to different network modes: 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, or 2G. Sometimes, the selected mode may not be compatible with your carrier or may cause voice call issues. Switching to a different mode or letting the phone choose automatically can fix incoming call failures. For deeper network troubleshooting, see Android internet connection fixes.
To check network mode:
- ▸ Open Settings.
- ▸ Tap Network & internet or Connections.
- ▸ Select Mobile network or Cellular network.
- ▸ Tap Preferred network type or Network mode.
- ▸ Try a different option, such as 4G LTE or 3G, or set it to Automatic.
Also, make sure Automatically select network is enabled under Network operators. If it is off, manually select your carrier from the list.
📝 Why it happens: Some network modes may not support voice calls in your area or with your carrier, causing incoming calls to fail.
✅ Expected result: After selecting a compatible mode, your phone should register on the network and receive calls normally.
9. Disable Wi-Fi Calling Temporarily
Wi-Fi Calling lets you make and receive calls over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network. While it is useful in low signal areas, it can sometimes conflict with the mobile network and cause incoming calls to not ring.
To disable Wi-Fi Calling:
- ▸ Open Settings.
- ▸ Go to Network & internet or Connections.
- ▸ Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
- ▸ Turn it off.
After disabling, ask someone to call you. If calls come through, you can try enabling Wi-Fi Calling again later or keep it off.
📝 Why it happens: Wi-Fi Calling can sometimes route calls incorrectly or conflict with the cellular network, causing incoming call failures.
✅ Expected result: With Wi-Fi Calling off, your phone relies only on the cellular network, which often restores normal incoming calls.
10. Clear Phone App Cache and Update Software
The Phone app handles all your calls. If its temporary files are corrupted, incoming call features may stop working. Clearing the cache removes these temporary files without deleting your call history or contacts. This is similar to fixing a slow Android phone.
To clear the Phone app cache:
- ▸ Open Settings.
- ▸ Tap Apps or Applications.
- ▸ Find and tap the Phone app.
- ▸ Tap Storage & cache.
- ▸ Tap Clear cache.
Do not tap “Clear data” unless you are okay with resetting the Phone app’s settings.
After clearing the cache, check if your Android system is up to date:
- ▸ Open Settings.
- ▸ Go to Software update or System update.
- ▸ Tap Check for updates.
- ▸ If an update is available, install it.
Software updates often fix bugs that cause call problems.
📝 Why it happens: A corrupted Phone app cache or outdated system can cause software glitches that block incoming calls.
✅ Expected result: After clearing cache and updating, the Phone app works correctly and calls should come through.
11. Update Carrier Services and Phone App
Carrier Services is a Google app that helps your phone communicate with your carrier’s network. If it is outdated, you may experience call and messaging issues. The Phone app itself should also be updated to the latest version. You can use the Google Play Store to update both.
To update Carrier Services and Phone app:
- ▸ Open the Google Play Store.
- ▸ Search for Carrier Services and open its page.
- ▸ If an update is available, tap Update.
- ▸ Go back and search for Phone (or your default dialer app).
- ▸ Update it if available.
Restart your phone after updating both apps.
📝 Why it happens: Outdated carrier services or phone apps can have bugs that interfere with call routing and incoming call detection.
✅ Expected result: After updating, your phone communicates correctly with the carrier network, and incoming calls should function properly.
If Nothing Works
If you have tried all eleven solutions and your phone still does not receive calls, the problem may be with your carrier or your device hardware. This is rare, but it is important to know the next steps.
Here is what you should do next:
- ▸ Test your SIM card in another phone. If it works there, your phone may have a hardware issue.
- ▸ Try a different SIM card in your phone. If the other SIM works, your original SIM may be faulty.
- ▸ Contact your carrier support. Ask them to check if your number has any call barring or account issues.
- ▸ Visit a trusted technician. If the problem is hardware-related, a professional repair is the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Android phone not receiving calls from one person?
This usually means you have blocked that specific number. Check your blocked numbers list in the Phone app and remove the contact if needed. Also ask the caller to try from a different number to confirm.
Will a factory reset fix incoming call problems?
A factory reset can fix software-related call issues, but it should be your last option because it deletes all data. Try the eleven steps in this guide first. If they fail, back up your data and then perform a factory reset.
Can a SIM card cause no incoming calls?
Yes, a damaged, dirty, or misaligned SIM card can prevent incoming calls. Clean the SIM card or ask your carrier for a replacement. Most carriers replace faulty SIM cards for free.
Why do calls go straight to voicemail?
This often happens when Do Not Disturb is on, call forwarding is enabled, or your phone has a weak network signal. Check those settings first. It can also happen if your phone is in Airplane Mode or if the caller is blocked.
How do I know if my number is blocked by my carrier?
If you see “Emergency calls only” or “No Service” even in open areas, your number may be barred by your carrier. Contact your mobile network provider and ask them to check for any call barring or account issues.
Final Thoughts
Most Android call receiving problems are caused by simple settings or network issues, not serious hardware failure. By working through the steps above, you will usually find the fix without spending money.
Start with Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb. If that does not work, move to call forwarding, blocked numbers, and network reset. These steps solve the issue for most users.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who is also facing call issues on their Android phone.
📚 Related Guides You Might Need
🔗 How to Fix a Slow Android Phone
🔗 Android Battery Draining Fast? Here’s How to Fix It
🔗 Fix Internet Connection Issues on Android
