Why is my phone not ringing?

Missing calls can be frustrating and sometimes worrisome. 

If your Android phone or iPhone isn’t ringing, the problem could be anything from simple settings issues to more complex hardware or software problems. 

Regardless, below you’ll find the most likely reasons that your phone isn’t ringing and what you can do to fix it.

Why isn’t my phone ringing?

A specific mode could be enabled 

One of the most common reasons for a phone not ringing is that it’s been set to ‘Silent’, ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Airplane’ mode. 

If you turn on ‘Silent’ mode, it disables all sounds, including ringtones, while ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode blocks calls and notifications during specific times or in response to conditions you set. 

Finally, ‘Airplane’ mode disables all wireless communications, including phone calls. 

If your phone is in ‘Airplane’ mode, you won’t receive any calls, and therefore it won’t ring. 

Network issues 

Poor network coverage or a temporary outage from your service provider can prevent calls from coming through, resulting in a silent phone. 

Check your signal strength and try moving to a location with better coverage. 

The volume is turned down 

If the ringer volume is turned all the way down or muted, your phone won’t ring. Check the volume settings by using the physical volume buttons or through the settings menu. 

You might have blocked the number 

If you’ve blocked the number that’s trying to call you, your phone won’t ring in response. Review your blocked numbers list to ensure you haven’t accidentally blocked someone important. 

Software glitches 

Occasionally, software glitches or bugs in your phone’s operating system can cause issues with the ringer. Keeping your phone’s software updated can help to prevent these problems. 

Your phone might be broken 

If your phone’s speaker or ringer is damaged, it won’t ring. This can happen as a result of physical damage or wear and tear over time. Testing your phone’s speaker with other sounds, like music or alarms, can help determine if this is the issue. 

What to do if your phone isn’t ringing 

Check if any modes are enabled 

First, make sure your phone isn’t in ‘Silent’ or ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. 

If you have an iPhone, look for the ‘Silent’ switch on the side of your phone. You can also access ‘Silent’ and ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes through the settings menu and in the notification centre on Android or in the control centre on iOS. Disable these modes to restore your ringer’s functionality. 

Also, ensure that ‘Airplane’ mode is turned off. You can typically find this setting in the quick settings menu or under network settings. 

Adjust volume settings 

Increase the ringer volume using the physical volume buttons on your phone. You can also go into your phone’s settings to adjust the volume levels and ensure that the ringer is set to an audible level. 

Check your network connection 

Verify that your phone has a strong signal. If you’re in an area with poor reception, try moving to a different location or restarting your phone to refresh the connection. 

Unblock numbers 

Go to your phone’s call settings or contact list to check for any blocked numbers. Unblock any numbers that you want to receive calls from.

Follow our guides on how to block and unblock contacts on Android, as well as how to block and ublock contacts on an iPhone to learn more.