Staying in touch with others has become easier now, thanks to our mobile phones. With the click of a button, we can make and receive calls, no matter where we are. However, this can become a problem if the Phone app on your iPhone isn't working. If you're also experiencing this issue, this guide is for you. Here are eight ways to fix your iPhone's Phone app not working.
From your device's software that helps place the call request to your mobile network operator that helps connect the call, there are many variables that make the Phone app work. This also means that if any of these services malfunction, it will prevent your iPhone's Phone app from working properly. So, let's show you how to fix this problem.
Note: Before proceeding, remove and reinsert the SIM card to ensure it is inserted correctly.
1. Restart your iPhone to fix iPhone Phone app not working
Restarting your device is the first and foremost solution to any app-related issue. This way, you can turn off all device functions and then restart them. This can also help fix temporary issues with the Phone app on your iPhone. Here's how.
Step 1: Depending on your device model, follow these steps to turn off your iPhone.
- For iPhone SE 5st generation, 5s, 5c, and XNUMX: Long press the top button.
- For iPhone SE 7nd generation and later, 8, and XNUMX: Long press the side button.
- For iPhone X and later: Long press the power button and either volume button at the same time.
Step 2: Then press and hold Slider till the end.
Once your device's screen turns off, long-press the power button to turn it back on. Then enter your password and complete the device's reboot. Now, open the Phone app and see if it works as expected.
2. Force close the phone app and restart it.
Just like restarting your device, you can also turn off and restart certain apps that may be causing problems. Do this if the Phone app keeps freezing on your iPhone. Here's how.
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, or double-tap Home button If available.
Step 2: Once opened Background apps, tap and swipe up on the Phone app.
Now, tap the Phone app icon again to reopen the app. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.
3. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off to Fix iPhone Phone App Not Working
As the name suggests, Airplane mode helps prepare your device for flight by turning off all communications. Enabling and disabling Airplane mode can also help you turn your mobile network on and off. This may restore the Phone app, especially if the issue is related to your mobile network. Follow the steps below to do so.
Tip: Check out all the ways you can Use and customize your iPhone's Control Center
Step 1: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your device (or swipe up from the bottom) to open Control Center.
Step 2: Click on plane icon To enable it.
Step 3: Wait a few seconds and then press plane icon Again to turn it off.
Now, wait for your carrier information to load. Then, open the Phone app and see if it's working as expected.
4. Enable cellular data and data roaming
Mobile data connects your device to the internet using your device's cellular services. In some cases, turning on mobile data has helped resolve the Phone app freezing issue on your iPhone. Additionally, you can also enable data roaming to ensure a seamless data experience regardless of your location. Here's how.
Note: You may incur additional charges when using data roaming depending on your mobile plan and location.
Step 1: Open Settings And press Mobile data/cellular data.
Step 2: First, turn on the toggle switch toMobile data/cellular data.
Step 3: Once Show options, click Options Mobile Data//Cellular Data Options.
Step 4: Turn on the switch for data roaming.
Now, try opening the Phone app and see if it works as expected. If the Phone app stops responding, crashes, or won't open on your iPhone, move on to the next fix.
5. Disable DND on iPhone
Do Not Disturb mode helps keep your calls, notifications, and more at bay so you can enjoy some time. However, this can inadvertently cause the Phone app to malfunction. To fix this issue, Turn off Do Not Disturb on your iPhoneFollow the steps below to do this.
Step 1: Swipe down from the top right corner of your device screen.
Step 2: Once opened Control Center, long press on the focus.
Step 3: Click on do not disturb to disable it.
Once you turn off Do Not Disturb, DND will be disabled on your iPhone. This will likely trigger the Phone app to launch and operate.
6. Check for carrier updates.
Carrier updates help improve service quality, introduce new features, and keep your cellular services compatible with your device's software. While carrier updates are usually installed automatically, you can also check for and install them manually. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.
Step 2: Here, click on general.
Step 3: Click on around.
If the Carrier Settings Update dialog box appears, tap Update. Once the updates are finished installing, check if you can use the Phone app on your iPhone.
7. Check for software updates.
Regular iOS updates help fix most of the glitches and bugs that caused problems in previous versions. Therefore, if the Phone app isn't working properly due to a software issue, an update has likely already been released. To manually check, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open an app Settings And press general.
Step 2: Here, click on upgrade software.
Step 3: If there is Update available, click on Download and install.
Once the update is installed, open the Phone app and check again. If the issue persists, proceed to the next method.
8. Reset network settings
If you've tried all the fixes above and the Phone app is still unresponsive, crashing, or won't open on your iPhone, then a troubleshooting guide might help. Reset your device's network settingsThis way, you can fix any network-related issues that are preventing the Phone app from working.
Note: Doing this will erase your device's network-related data such as Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, mobile network settings, etc. So, make sure to Save Wi-Fi passwords Before following the next steps.
Step 1: Open an app iPhone settings.
Step 2: Here, click on general.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap “Transfer or reset iPhone.”
Step 4: Click on Reset.
Step 5: as soon as . appears Options, Click Re-Set network setting Enter your iPhone passcode.
This will reset your device's network settings. Now, try opening the Phone app again and see if it works as expected. This should fix the issue for you.
Frequently Asked Questions to Fix Phone App Freezing on iPhone
Q1. Can Bluetooth devices cause the iPhone app to not work?
The answer: Although you can Receive calls via Bluetooth on your iPhone, However, connectivity issues can cause the Phone app to freeze or prevent it from working. To ensure this doesn't happen, turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone and see if it resolves the issue.
Q2. Does your mobile plan affect your iPhone's Phone app?
The answer: Your mobile phone plan has no direct impact on your iPhone's Phone app. However, if your current plan has expired or is no longer active, you may not be able to make calls using the Phone app, which could indirectly cause problems. Therefore, check with your service provider to ensure your mobile phone plan is active.
Make calls without worry
The Phone app on your iPhone not only helps you make calls, but it also helps you save and check contact information. We hope the methods in this article help you fix the iPhone Phone app not working issue. Let us know in the comments which fix works for you!
