Can Receive Calls But Can’t Make Them? Troubleshooting & Solutions

It’s incredibly frustrating: your phone rings, you answer it perfectly fine, but when you try to dial out, nothing happens. You might get a busy signal, a strange error message, or, even worse, complete silence. You’re stuck in a communication limbo, able to receive information but unable to initiate it. What’s going on, and more importantly, how do you fix it? This article dives deep into the possible causes of this frustrating issue and provides detailed solutions to get you making calls again.

Understanding The Problem: Incoming Vs. Outgoing Calls

Before diving into specific troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand why receiving calls might work when making them doesn’t. Incoming and outgoing calls, while seemingly two sides of the same coin, rely on different parts of the phone’s communication system.

Incoming calls depend on your phone’s ability to register with the network and “listen” for signals directed at your number. The network knows your phone is there and can route incoming calls accordingly.

Outgoing calls, on the other hand, require your phone to actively initiate a connection with the network, authenticate your account, and request to be connected to another number. This process involves several steps, any of which could fail.

The asymmetry in functionality suggests that the basic connection to the network is working, but something specific to the outgoing call process is broken. This narrows down the potential causes and makes troubleshooting more targeted.

Common Causes: Why Can’t I Make Outgoing Calls?

Several factors can prevent your phone from making outgoing calls. These range from simple settings errors to more complex network issues. Understanding these potential culprits is the first step toward finding a solution.

Account And Subscription Issues

One of the most common reasons for this problem is an issue with your account or subscription. This could include:

Unpaid Bills: If you haven’t paid your phone bill, your carrier might suspend outgoing call privileges while still allowing incoming calls. This is a common practice to give you a chance to receive important calls while restricting usage.
Suspended Account: Your account might be suspended for other reasons, such as suspected fraud or violation of the terms of service. In these cases, the carrier will typically notify you.
Expired Subscription: Prepaid plans require regular top-ups or renewals. If your subscription has expired, you won’t be able to make outgoing calls until you renew it.
Plan Restrictions: Your plan might have restrictions on the types of calls you can make (e.g., international calls) or the hours during which you can make them. Check the details of your plan to make sure you’re not exceeding any limitations.
SIM Card Issues: Although less common, sometimes the SIM card itself is not working correctly. This could happen after a drop, some water damage, or even without any obvious cause.

Network And Signal Strength Problems

Even if your account is in good standing, problems with the network or signal strength can prevent outgoing calls.

Weak Signal: If you’re in an area with poor coverage, your phone might not be able to establish a strong enough connection to make an outgoing call. The number of bars displayed on your phone isn’t always an accurate reflection of signal strength; sometimes, even with a few bars, the signal quality might be insufficient.
Network Outage: Occasionally, there might be a temporary network outage in your area. This can affect all users of the same carrier, preventing them from making or receiving calls.
Roaming Issues: If you’re roaming on a different network, you might have trouble making outgoing calls. This is often due to roaming agreements or incorrect settings on your phone.
Network Congestion: During peak hours, the network can become congested, making it difficult to initiate new calls. This is more common in densely populated areas.

Phone Settings And Configuration Errors

Incorrect phone settings or configuration errors can also block outgoing calls.

Call Barring: Most phones have a feature called “Call Barring” that allows you to block certain types of outgoing calls (e.g., international calls, all outgoing calls). If this feature is enabled, you won’t be able to make the blocked calls.
Airplane Mode: Airplane mode disables all wireless communication on your phone, including cellular calls. Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.
Incorrect Date and Time: Believe it or not, an incorrect date and time can sometimes interfere with the phone’s ability to connect to the network and make outgoing calls.
Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches can sometimes cause unexpected problems, including the inability to make outgoing calls.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) Issues: If VoLTE is disabled or not configured correctly, it can lead to issues with outgoing calls, especially on newer networks.
Blocked Numbers: Your phone might have a feature that blocks specific outgoing numbers. Check your blocked list in the Phone app settings.
Preferred Network Type: Sometimes, switching between 5G, 4G (LTE) or 3G network can resolve call issues.

Hardware Malfunctions

In rare cases, a hardware malfunction can prevent outgoing calls while still allowing incoming calls.

Antenna Problems: If the phone’s antenna is damaged, it might not be able to transmit signals strong enough to initiate an outgoing call.
SIM Card Reader Issues: Although less likely, the SIM card reader could be malfunctioning, preventing the phone from properly authenticating with the network.

Specific Scenarios And Error Messages

The error message, or lack thereof, when you attempt to make a call can provide clues about the underlying problem.

“Call Failed”: A generic “Call Failed” message usually indicates a problem with the network connection or authentication.
“Not Registered on Network”: This message means your phone isn’t properly registered with the network, preventing it from making or receiving calls.
“Emergency Calls Only”: This message indicates that your phone can only make emergency calls, suggesting a serious problem with your account or network connection.
No Dial Tone: If you hear no dial tone when you try to make a call, it could indicate a problem with the phone’s software or hardware.
Busy Signal: While a busy signal usually means the person you’re calling is on another call, it can sometimes indicate a problem with the network.

Troubleshooting Steps: How To Fix The Issue

Now that we’ve explored the potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions. These troubleshooting steps are organized from the simplest to the more complex, so it’s best to start with the first few and work your way down the list.

Basic Checks And Quick Fixes

These are the easiest and quickest things to check and try.

Check Your Account: The first step is always to check your account status with your carrier. Make sure your bill is paid, your account is active, and there are no restrictions on outgoing calls.
Restart Your Phone: Restarting your phone is a surprisingly effective solution for many software glitches. Turn your phone off completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane mode on, wait a few seconds, and then turn it off. This can reset the phone’s connection to the network.
Check Signal Strength: Make sure you have a strong signal. Move to a different location, preferably one with a clear view of the sky.
Check Call Barring Settings: Go to your phone’s settings and check the Call Barring or Call Blocking settings. Make sure no outgoing calls are blocked.
Check Blocked Numbers: Go to your phone’s Phone app settings and check the blocked numbers list. Ensure the number you’re trying to call isn’t accidentally blocked.
Verify Date and Time: Ensure that the date and time settings on your phone are correct. If they’re incorrect, manually set them to the correct values or enable automatic synchronization with the network.
Check for Software Updates: Make sure your phone’s operating system and carrier services are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connectivity issues.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the basic checks don’t work, try these more advanced techniques.

SIM Card Removal and Reinsertion: Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, clean it gently with a soft cloth, and then reinsert it. Make sure the SIM card is properly seated in the tray.
Network Settings Reset: Resetting your network settings can resolve configuration errors that might be preventing outgoing calls. This will reset your Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so make sure you have those details handy. This option is usually found under “General Management” or “System” in your phone’s settings.
Preferred Network Type Configuration: Check what the preferred network type is set to. Switching between 5G, 4G (LTE) or 3G can sometimes resolve the issue if the selected network type is experiencing issues in your area.
VoLTE Settings: Check your VoLTE (Voice over LTE) settings. Try toggling it on or off to see if it resolves the issue. Some networks require VoLTE to be enabled for outgoing calls.
Test with a Different Phone (If Possible): If you have access to another phone, try inserting your SIM card into that phone and making a call. This will help you determine whether the problem is with your phone or your SIM card/account.
Test with a Different SIM Card (If Possible): If you have access to another SIM card, try inserting it into your phone and making a call. This will help you determine whether the problem is with your phone or your SIM card/account.

Contacting Your Carrier

If none of the above steps work, it’s time to contact your carrier’s customer support. They can run diagnostics on your account and network connection to identify any underlying issues.

Explain the Problem Clearly: When you contact your carrier, explain the problem clearly and concisely. Tell them that you can receive calls but can’t make them, and describe any error messages you’re seeing.
Provide Account Information: Be prepared to provide your account information, such as your phone number, account number, and name.
Ask About Network Issues: Ask if there are any known network issues in your area that might be affecting your service.
Request Technical Support: If the customer service representative can’t resolve the problem, ask to be transferred to a technical support specialist.
Document the Conversation: Keep a record of your conversation with your carrier, including the date, time, name of the representative, and details of the issue and any solutions provided.

Preventative Measures: Avoiding Future Problems

While troubleshooting is essential, preventing future problems is even better. Here are some preventative measures you can take to minimize the chances of encountering this issue again.

Pay Your Bills on Time: Ensure your bills are paid on time to avoid service interruptions. Set up automatic payments if possible.
Keep Your Phone Software Updated: Regularly update your phone’s operating system and carrier services to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.
Monitor Your Data Usage: If you have a limited data plan, monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your limit and having your service restricted.
Protect Your Phone from Damage: Protect your phone from physical damage, such as drops and water exposure.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings when making calls, especially in areas with poor coverage.

Conclusion: Getting Back To Making Calls

Being able to receive calls but not make them is a frustrating experience. By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of resolving the issue and getting back to making calls. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up to the more complex ones. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your carrier for assistance. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be able to restore full functionality to your phone and stay connected.

Why Can I Receive Calls But Not Make Them?

The inability to make outgoing calls while still receiving incoming ones often stems from issues affecting your carrier’s ability to authenticate your outgoing calls. This can be due to a temporary disruption in your carrier’s network, incorrect settings on your phone related to outgoing call permissions or caller ID, or even restrictions placed on your account due to unpaid bills or suspected fraudulent activity. These authentication issues prevent the network from recognizing and routing your attempts to dial out, even though it still knows how to reach you for incoming calls.

Another potential cause is your phone’s own software or hardware. Problems with your SIM card, especially if it’s old or damaged, can hinder outgoing call functionality. Similarly, a malfunctioning dialer app or outdated operating system may prevent you from initiating calls, even if your carrier connection is fine. It’s also possible that a recently installed application is interfering with your phone’s ability to make outgoing calls. Carefully consider these possibilities while troubleshooting.

How Do I Check My Phone’s Settings For Outgoing Calls?

Begin by checking your phone’s call settings, accessible through the phone app’s settings menu. Look for options related to caller ID, call barring, and fixed dialing numbers. Ensure that your caller ID is enabled and set to the correct number, as some carriers require this for outgoing calls. Also, verify that call barring is disabled, as this feature can intentionally block all outgoing or specific types of calls. The precise location of these settings may vary slightly depending on your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS) and manufacturer.

Next, examine your phone’s permissions for the phone app. In your phone’s settings (not the phone app itself), find the “Apps” or “Applications” section and locate your phone app. Check its permissions and ensure that it has the necessary permissions to make calls, access your contacts, and use your microphone. Denied permissions can prevent the app from functioning correctly, even if other settings seem correct. Restarting your phone after changing these permissions is often beneficial.

Could My Carrier Be Blocking My Outgoing Calls?

Yes, your carrier can indeed block your outgoing calls for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is an overdue bill or a temporary service suspension due to non-payment. Carriers may also block outgoing calls if they detect suspicious activity on your account, such as a sudden surge in international calls, which could indicate fraud. This is a security measure designed to protect you from unauthorized charges.

Another reason for a carrier block could be related to network maintenance or upgrades in your area. During these periods, certain services, including outgoing calls, might be temporarily unavailable. Furthermore, some carriers offer optional call blocking features that allow you to block specific numbers or types of calls. It’s possible that this feature was inadvertently enabled, preventing you from making the calls you need to.

How Do I Reset My Network Settings On My Phone?

Resetting your network settings is a common troubleshooting step that can resolve issues related to cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. On most Android phones, you can find this option within the “General Management” or “System” section of your phone’s settings. Look for an option labeled “Reset” or “Reset Options,” and then select “Reset network settings.” Be aware that this will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular network preferences.

On iPhones, the process is similar but located in a slightly different area. Go to “Settings,” then “General,” and scroll down to “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” Tap “Reset,” and then choose “Reset Network Settings.” As with Android, this will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. After the reset, your phone will restart, and you’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect to your Bluetooth devices. This process forces your phone to re-establish its connection with your carrier’s network.

What If My SIM Card Is The Problem?

A faulty or improperly seated SIM card can definitely prevent you from making outgoing calls while still allowing you to receive them. The SIM card is essential for authenticating your device on the carrier’s network, and any damage or misalignment can disrupt this process, particularly affecting the ability to initiate new connections like outgoing calls. Dust, dirt, or physical damage to the SIM card or its contacts can also cause intermittent connectivity issues.

To troubleshoot your SIM card, first, power off your phone completely. Then, carefully remove the SIM card from its tray and inspect it for any visible damage. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the SIM card’s gold contacts. Reinsert the SIM card securely into the tray, ensuring it clicks into place. Power on your phone and attempt to make a call. If the problem persists, try using your SIM card in another compatible phone to see if the issue follows the SIM card. If it does, the SIM card is likely the problem and needs to be replaced by your carrier.

How Can A Software Update Fix This Issue?

Software updates often include fixes for bugs and glitches that can affect various aspects of your phone’s functionality, including its ability to make and receive calls. These updates may address underlying issues with the operating system or specific phone apps that are interfering with your carrier’s network connection. Furthermore, updates frequently include improvements to your phone’s modem, which is responsible for handling cellular communications, thus directly impacting call performance.

To check for software updates, navigate to your phone’s settings and look for a section labeled “Software Update” or “System Update.” Your phone will typically search for available updates and prompt you to download and install them. Before initiating the update, ensure that your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery life (ideally above 50%). Installing the latest software update can resolve compatibility issues and improve your phone’s overall performance, including fixing the problem of being able to receive but not make calls.

When Should I Contact My Carrier For Assistance?

You should contact your carrier for assistance when you’ve exhausted all basic troubleshooting steps and are still unable to make outgoing calls while receiving incoming ones. This includes checking your phone’s settings, resetting network settings, inspecting your SIM card, and ensuring your account is in good standing. If none of these measures resolve the issue, it’s likely that the problem lies with your carrier’s network or your account configuration.

When contacting your carrier, be prepared to provide them with specific details about the problem, such as when it started, what troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, and any error messages you may have encountered. The more information you can provide, the better equipped they will be to diagnose the issue and find a solution. They may need to check your account status, reset your network settings on their end, or investigate potential network outages in your area.