Android phone calls and SMS not working? Network connectivity issues can prevent you from making calls or sending text messages, but most problems are fixable at home.
Here’s a complete troubleshooting guide to restore your calling and messaging functions.
Quick Fixes First
1. Check Signal Strength
- Look at signal bars in status bar
- Move to different location if signal is weak
- Go outside if indoors with poor reception
- Try near a window for better signal
2. Restart Your Phone
- Hold power button → Restart
- Wait for full reboot
- Test calls and SMS after restart
- Success rate: 40% for temporary glitches
3. Toggle Airplane Mode
- Swipe down → Airplane mode ON
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn Airplane mode OFF
- Wait for network reconnection
Network Settings Fixes
4. Check Network Mode
- Settings → Connections → Mobile networks
- Network mode → Select 4G/3G/2G (auto)
- Avoid 5G only if in poor coverage area
- Test calls after changing
5. Reset Network Settings
Samsung:
- Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings
Other Android:
- Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings
- Enter PIN/password → Confirm reset
- Reconnect to WiFi after reset
6. Check APN Settings
- Settings → Mobile networks → Access Point Names
- Ensure correct APN for your carrier
- Reset to default if modified
- Contact carrier for correct APN settings
SIM Card Issues
7. Remove and Reinsert SIM
- Turn off phone
- Remove SIM tray with ejector tool
- Clean SIM card with soft cloth
- Reinsert properly and restart phone
8. Try SIM in Another Phone
- Test SIM in different device
- If works elsewhere → Phone hardware issue
- If doesn’t work → SIM card problem
9. Check SIM Card Status
- Settings → About phone → SIM status
- Should show network name and signal strength
- If shows “Unknown” → SIM activation issue
Call-Specific Problems
10. Clear Phone App Cache
- Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage
- Clear cache (not data)
- Restart phone and test calls
11. Check Call Settings
- Phone app → Settings → Call settings
- Disable call forwarding if enabled
- Turn off call barring
- Check caller ID settings
12. Test Safe Mode
- Hold power button → Long press Power off
- Tap Safe mode → OK
- Test calls in safe mode
- If works → Third-party app causing issue
SMS-Specific Fixes
13. Clear Messages App Data
- Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage
- Clear cache first, then Clear data if needed
- Reconfigure messaging settings
14. Check Message Center Number
- Messages app → Settings → Advanced
- Message center → Verify number is correct
- Contact carrier for correct SMSC number
15. Try Different Messaging App
- Download Google Messages from Play Store
- Set as default messaging app
- Test SMS sending with new app
Carrier-Specific Solutions
16. Check Account Status
- Ensure bill is paid and account active
- Call carrier customer service
- Verify no service restrictions
- Check for plan limitations
17. Update Carrier Settings
- Settings → System update → Update carrier settings
- Or dial carrier update code (varies by provider)
- Restart after update
18. Manual Network Selection
- Settings → Mobile networks → Network operators
- Search networks → Select your carrier manually
- Test connectivity after selection
Advanced Troubleshooting
19. Check VoLTE Settings
- Settings → Mobile networks → VoLTE calls
- Toggle VoLTE on/off and test
- Some carriers require VoLTE for calls
20. Update Phone Software
- Settings → Software update
- Download and install available updates
- Restart phone after update
21. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
⚠️ Backup all data first!
- Settings → General management → Reset
- Factory data reset → Confirm
- Set up phone and test calling
Carrier Contact Numbers
Emergency Troubleshooting:
- Jio: 199
- Airtel: 121
- Vi/Vodafone: 199
- BSNL: 1503
When to Visit Service Center
Contact support if:
- Hardware damage suspected
- Multiple SIM cards don’t work
- Phone under warranty
- All software fixes failed
Prevention Tips
Keep Calling Working:
- Regular software updates
- Avoid modifying network settings unnecessarily
- Handle SIM card gently
- Keep phone in good signal areas
- Pay bills on time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do calls work but SMS doesn’t? A: Different network protocols. Check message center settings and try clearing Messages app data.
Q: Can WiFi calling help with poor signal? A: Yes, enable WiFi calling in settings if your carrier supports it.
Q: Why do some numbers not work? A: Check if you’ve blocked numbers, or if there are call restrictions on your plan.
Conclusion
Most Android calling and SMS issues stem from network settings, SIM card problems, or carrier account issues. The network reset (Step 5) and SIM reinsertion (Step 7) fix the majority of cases.
If problems persist after trying these solutions, contact your carrier as it may be a network-side issue requiring their intervention.