If you’re trying to get in touch with someone and your calls are cutting out, you’re going to be asking yourself, “Why does my iPhone keep dropping calls” – and you’re going to want to know how to fix it. Lucky for you, we are going to explore this today and look for the causes and solutions, so you can go back to your calls and get the important stuff done without a repair.
At imFixed, you can learn more about iPhone screen repairs, SIM card issues, what to do if your iPhone won’t turn on or vibrate, and so much more. If you’ve asked it, we’ve probably answered it.
For people with tech issues, we explore why your iPhone isn't charging or holding charge, what to do when a software update fails, how to deal with water damage on an iPhone, how to fix speaker problems, and more.
Simple Solutions for iPhones That Keep Dropping Calls
First, we are going to look at a few simple solutions for you to try if your iPhone is dropping calls. If none of these work, you’re going to want to try the more in-depth troubleshooting.
Switch Off Airplane Mode and Turn it Back on
Airplane Mode will not allow your device to connect to the internet, so double-check to make sure that this is not on. This is so easy to forget, but it can make a world of difference in a moment, so take the time to check!
Check the SIM Card
If your SIM card is broken or not inserted properly, you won’t be able to make calls. Similarly, if your device is not reading your SIM card, you should make sure that the slot is clean. To be sure that your device is working as it should, you can test out a different SIM card and see if it works.
Remember to Set the Time and Date if Travelling
This is crucial for anyone who is travelling and having call issues. To get around this issue, go to Settings → Date and Time → Set Automatically.
By using these settings, your iPhone will automatically change to the correct dates and times to match up with wherever you are.
Close Unused Apps
When too many apps are running, it can put strain on your iPhone. If this happens, calls are more likely to drop, and you can experience a whole host of network issues.
To get around this, we suggest closing any apps that you don’t need running. This will take a load off the phone and not only potentially help it with calls, but also prevent overheating and other problems that overuse can lead to.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Dropping Calls
If your iPhone is still dropping calls after the simple solutions, try some of these and see if they fix the problem. With any luck, one of these will be the answer that you are looking for.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes a simple restart is all that’s needed to jumpstart the correct processes in your iPhone. Depending on the iPhone model you have, you will need to take different steps to force restart your device.
For iPhones that Support iOS 16 or Later
- Quickly press the volume up button and release
- Quickly press the volume down button and release
- Hold down the side button
- Release the side button when the Apple logo shows
For iPhones that Don’t Support iOS 16 (iPhones 6, 7, 8 and SE (1st Gen)
- iPhone 6 models and iPhone SE (1st Gen) – Hold down the home and sleep/wake button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 7 – Hold down the sleep/wake button and volume down button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd Gen) – Quickly press the volume up button and release, then do the same with the volume down button. Hold down the side button, and release it when you see the Apple logo
Keep the iPhone Turned Off When Not in Use
By turning your iPhone off when you’re not using it, you will be deleting the cache memory and unused files. When you do this, you can help to prevent calls from being dropped.
You can also disable apps that run in the background, as these will fill up cache memory quicker. Only use what you need to, and your iPhone will probably run smoother.
Reset the Network Settings
Network settings are another common issue that can lead to calls being dropped time and time again. You can reset these settings to start from scratch and figure out what the issue is by following these simple steps: General → Settings → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Turn on Caller ID
Did you know that when you don’t activate caller ID, calls are more likely to be dropped? Make sure this feature is activated by going to: Settings → Phone (sub-menu) → Show My Caller ID.
Make Sure Everything is Up-to-Date
Usually an iPhone will update without any issues, but sometimes things just don’t do right. If you are struggling to update your iPhone, you can update your iOS in Recovery Mode. To do this, you will need the latest version of iTunes on a Windows or Mac laptop/PC.
Follow these steps:
- Connect your Windows/Mac device to the phone
- Do a force restart (steps outlined in an above section) to get your phone in Recovery Mode
- Don’t let go of the buttons until the phone screen has the Recovery mode screen (a charging cable with an arrow pointed at a laptop)
- Select ‘update’ when the option to restore or update on your computer shows up
- Confirm, then follow the instructions given to you (it can take up to 15 minutes, so have some patience)
- Your phone will restart on its own once you’re done
If this doesn’t work, you can try updating your iOS in DFU Mode. This mode is more complex than Recovery Mode, and varies depending on the device model you have. Follow these steps to effectively go through the process – remember that this will wipe your phone, so back-up important data.
If this doesn’t work, you will need to get in touch with a professional like us, or Apple.
Location, Location, Location
We need to remember that in order for most calls to go through, you need to be within range of a cell tower, too. So, if your calls keep dropping and none of the above are to blame, then it could simply be that you are too far from a cell tower, or that there is another cell-tower related issue at play.
This could be anything from the cell tower being overloaded to there being obstacles that are obstructing the way (such as buildings). So, try a different location if you can, and see if this resolves your issue of calls being dropped.
Need Help? imFixed is Here
Having an iPhone that constantly drops calls can be incredibly frustrating, but there isn’t always something that you can do about it. Whether you’re experiencing call issues or something, imFixed is here to help.
We discuss issues like if it’s worth getting a MacBook screen fixed or if their batteries can be repaired, and we go through some things that all new MacBook users should know.
So, why does my iPhone keep dropping calls? There could be a number of causes, from bad signal and faulty SIM cards to the incorrect settings and out-of-date apps. Try everything on this list before bringing your phone in for a repair!
If you’re in need of tech repairs, we have locations in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury, and Manchester, and offer call-out repairs in the local area.
