iPhone Can’t Make or Receive Calls After iOS 26 Update? 13 Fixes！

Unable to receive or make calls from iPhone post iOS 18 update

Is anyone else having issues with calls failing/not being able to receive calls after iOS 18 update? It starts working again temporarily after switching phone off and on again, but within a few hours, I can’t make or receive calls again until I restart the phone. This started immediately after updating to iOS 18.

-Apple Community

Each year, we hear lots of complaints that the iPhone call failed after updating to the new iOS, and this year is no exception. After updating to the new iOS, some iPhone users complain that their iPhone can’t make or receive calls. Or this phone may not be able to make calls due to software glitches, certain settings, carrier bugs, etc. Usually, you may see the “Call Ended” or “Call Failed” screen when trying to dial, or iPhone won’t make calls but will text.

In this post, we will show you why the iPhone does not allow you to make calls or fail to receive calls on an iPhone. Also, here are some easy methods to fix iPhone not making or receiving calls. All iOS versions are supported, including iOS 26.

Why Is My Phone Not Allowing Me to Make Calls iPhone

After every major iOS update, some iPhones may experience temporary glitches that affect network and calling functions. Users have reported different scenarios, like “can’t make calls on iPhone” or “can’t call out on iPhone”.

Common reasons include:

• Network or carrier settings corruption after update
• “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus” mode accidentally enabled
• SIM card errors or a poor signal
• Outdated carrier settings
• Minor iOS bugs that cause calling features to fail

Therefore, when you make a call, please do not be in a place with a poor signal, such as elevators or stairwells. Check your network settings to make sure the network is stable. If you updated to iOS 26, some system issues may also prevent you can’t making or receiving calls on iPhone. Let’s move on to the methods to fix iPhone can’t make or receive calls.

13 Common Ways to Fix iPhone Can’t Make or Receive Calls

To fix call issues after an iOS 26 update, try basic troubleshooting like toggling Airplane Mode, restarting your iPhone, and checking for blocked numbers. If problems persist, consider fixing system issues or performing a network settings reset.

1. Restart your iPhone

A simple restart can fix random iOS glitches. Many users say restarting helps when they are unable to make calls on the iPhone.

Step 1. Press and hold the side button + volume down until the power off slider appears.

Step 2. Slide to shut down, wait 30 seconds, then power on.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

If you can’t call out on your iPhone, you can also try to turn on and off Airplane mode. This will remove some temporary issues on your iPhone. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center.

Step 2. Tap the airplane icon to turn it on (wait 10-15 seconds).

Step 3. Tap again to turn it off. Your signal should reconnect.

3. Check Your Signal

Poor coverage mimics a “no calls” issue. Look at the bars in the status bar. If it’s “No Service” or searching, move to an open area.

How to toggle Cellular Data: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data (turn off/on).

4. Verify Blocked Phone Numbers

If you block some phone numbers, you will not receive calls from them. Some users may block the phone numbers accidentally. Luckily, you can still unblock them. After that, you will receive calls from them again. Here is how to check.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Phone > Block.

Step 2. Make sure the phone number you try to call is not on the block list.

5. Check for Carrier Settings Update

Updating the carrier is also a good way to fix the call failed on iOS 26. And the steps are not as complicated as you imagine. Just make sure your iPhone is connected to the Internet > Tap Settings > General > About.

6. Check for iOS System Update

Sometimes, your iPhone system is too old and will cause iPhone call failed issue. In this situation, your iPhone cannot make and receive calls until it has been updated. So just follow the guide below to update your iOS version.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2. Check for any new updates to download.

7. Reset Network Settings

This clears Wi-Fi passwords and VPNs but fixes 80% of call issues without data loss.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Step 2. Enter your passcode and confirm. Then restart your iPhone.

8. Check Do Not Disturb Mode

DND silences calls without notifications. Open Control Center and tap the moon icon (if lit, it’s on). Or: Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb—turn off and disable scheduled modes.

9. Check Call Forwarding

Accidental forwarding sends calls elsewhere. Dial *#21# and call; it shows if forwarding is active. To disable the call forwarding: Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding—toggle off.

10. Check Silence Unknown Callers

This iOS feature quiets non-contacts. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers, then toggle it off. Add frequent callers to Contacts to whitelist them.

11. Remove and reinsert the SIM card

iPhone can’t make or receive calls because of some SIM card errors, like SIM card not supported, SIM card is too old, etc. Remove and re-insert your SIM card, and make sure it is properly secured in place. And if it doesn’t work, you may need to switch to a new SIM card.

12. Use iOS System Repair Tool

After the iPhone is updated to the latest iOS system, an iPhone may not receive calls due to software glitches. But no worries, we highly recommend a professional troubleshooter, AnyFix – iOS System Recovery, which gives possibilities to fix iPhone system issues and is committed to solving every issue Apple device users encounter. Within a few clicks, you can fix the call issue easily. You can learn more about this tool below.

Now you can follow the steps below to fix iPhone not making calls or receiving calls.

Step 1. Free download AnyFix and run it on your computer > connect your iPhone to the computer > choose System Repair and click Repair Now.

Step 2. Click on the Update Issues > Tap on Start Now to go on.

Step 3. In this step, you need to choose a suitable repair mode for your iPhone. Here we recommend Standard Repair to keep your device data intact.

Step 4. All you have to do is follow the leading steps to get the firmware downloaded.

Step 5.  After that, AnyFix will start repairing. After a while, you will see the repair completed on your computer. Then you can use your iPhone normally.

13. Free Up Storage Space

Low storage (under 1GB) can crash call processes. Clear storage space as below:

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to delete apps, photos, or offload unused ones.

FAQs About iPhone Not Making Calls

Q1. Why won’t my iPhone make calls but will text?

This usually happens when your SIM or carrier settings malfunction. Try resetting network settings or checking for a carrier update.

Q2. Is my phone blocked from making calls?

If you can’t make calls but can text or use data, contact your carrier to verify your line status or check if your number was temporarily suspended.

Q3. How do I fix “Call Failed” on iPhone?

Toggle Airplane Mode, reinsert your SIM, or reset network settings — these simple actions fix most “call failed” errors.

The Bottom Line

You can try the methods above if your iPhone can’t make or receive calls. However, AnyFix is no doubt the best choice for most people, because it is easy to use, fast to fix, and supports all iPhone models and iOS versions. Free download AnyFix and repair your iPhone not receiving/making calls right now! If you have any other fixes to solve this call issue, you can also share them in the comments section.