iPhone Keeps Dropping Calls? Here's How to Fix It

"A few days ago, calls on my iPhone 13 started dropping unexpectedly whenever I made or received a call. The problem seemed to go away for a while, but now it has started happening again." --From Apple Community

If your iPhone keeps dropping calls, you are not alone. The issue can happen on different iPhone models and may be caused by weak cellular signals, SIM or eSIM problems, carrier settings, software bugs, or temporary iOS glitches. Fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot the problem. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical solutions to stop your iPhone from dropping calls unexpectedly.

Why Does My iPhone Keep Dropping Calls

If your iPhone keeps dropping calls, the issue may be related to the network, software, or hardware. Common causes include:

• 01 Weak cellular signal: Poor coverage or an unstable signal can cause calls to disconnect unexpectedly.
• 02 SIM or eSIM issues: A damaged SIM card or an improperly configured eSIM may interfere with cellular service.
• 03 Outdated carrier settings: Old carrier settings can affect call quality and network compatibility.
• 04 iOS bugs or glitches: Temporary software errors may cause calls to drop even when the network is stable.
• 05 Incorrect network settings: Misconfigured cellular or network settings can interrupt calls.
• 06 Carrier problems: Temporary outages or service issues from your mobile carrier may also lead to dropped calls.
• 07 Hardware damage: Damage to the antenna or other internal components can affect cellular connectivity.

8 Ways to Fix iPhone Keeps Dropping Calls

If your iPhone keeps dropping calls, start with the simplest network checks before trying system resets or computer-based repairs. The following methods are arranged from easy, low-risk solutions to more advanced fixes.

Method 1: Check the Cellular Signal and Refresh the Connection

Dropped calls are often related to a weak or unstable cellular connection rather than an iPhone malfunction. If you are in an elevator, basement, underground parking area, or another location with poor coverage, try moving somewhere with a stronger signal. You can also briefly enable Airplane Mode to force your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network.

• Step 1. Move to an open area with better cellular coverage and remove any unusually thick or metal case if necessary.
• Step 2. Open Settings, turn on Airplane Mode, wait about 5 seconds, and then turn it off.
• Step 3. Make another call and check whether it still drops.

Method 2: Check the SIM Card or eSIM

A loose, damaged, or improperly configured SIM can interfere with cellular calls. If your iPhone uses a physical SIM, removing and reinserting it may restore a proper connection. If you use an eSIM, make sure the cellular line is enabled and recognized by your carrier.

• Step 1. For a physical SIM, turn off your iPhone, remove the SIM card, inspect it for visible damage, and insert it again.
• Step 2. For an eSIM, go to Settings > Cellular, select your cellular line, and make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
• Step 3. If the SIM appears damaged or your eSIM is not working correctly, contact your carrier for assistance.

Method 3: Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone

Temporary iOS or cellular-service glitches can also cause calls to disconnect unexpectedly. A normal restart is usually enough if the iPhone is responsive, while a force restart can be used if the device is frozen or not responding properly. Neither method deletes your personal data.

• Step 1. Try restarting your iPhone normally and then make another call.
• Step 2. If the device is unresponsive, on most newer iPhones, quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, and then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Step 3. After the iPhone restarts, test the calling function again.

Method 4: Update Carrier Settings

Carrier settings control how your iPhone connects to your mobile network. An outdated configuration can affect cellular performance, including call stability, 5G, and Wi-Fi Calling. Installing an available carrier settings update is quick and does not erase your data.

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular data and go to Settings > General > About.
• Step 2. Wait for a few seconds. If a Carrier Settings Update prompt appears, tap Update.
• Step 3. Restart your iPhone if necessary and make another call.

Method 5: Update iOS

Software bugs can sometimes interfere with cellular connectivity and cause an iPhone to keep dropping calls. Updating to the latest available iOS version may provide bug fixes, modem improvements, and other stability updates, so it is worth trying before resetting any settings.

• Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Step 2. If an update is available, tap the Update Now button.
• Step 3. After the update is complete, test whether calls remain connected normally.

Method 6: Reset Network Settings

If calls continue to drop, corrupted cellular or network settings may be responsible. Resetting network settings restores these configurations to their defaults without deleting your photos, apps, messages, or other personal files. However, saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, cellular settings, and APN configurations may be removed.

• Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
• Step 2. Tap Reset Network Settings and confirm the action.
• Step 3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and cellular service, then test another phone call.

Method 7: Fix iPhone Dropping Calls with TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If your carrier and network appear to be working normally but calls still disconnect, the problem may be related to a deeper iOS system error. In this case, TunesKit iOS System Recovery can be used to repair common iOS software issues. It is designed to repair the system without erasing existing data, for instance, it can fix iPhone stuck on Update Requested, iPhone blue box issue, and iPhone grey screen, etc. Compatible with the latest iOS/iPadOS version, it is the first choice when you encounter iOS/iPadOS glitches.

Fix iPhone Dropping Calls with TunesKit

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Here's a step-by-step guide to fix iPhone dropping calls using TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1. Connect the iPhone to PC

Launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery, connect your iPhone to the computer, and select iOS System Repair > Start.

Step 2. Select A Mode

Choose Standard Repair, confirm the device information, and download the matching firmware package.

Step 3. Download Firmware Package

Make sure the information of your iPhone presented on this page is correct. Then, click on the Download button.

Step 4. Fix iPhone Dropping Calls

When the firmware package is downloaded, you are supposed to hit on the Start Standard Repair button to fix your iPhone to normal.

Method 8: Restore iPhone with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes

If none of the previous methods work, restoring your iPhone may help resolve serious iOS corruption. A full restore reinstalls iOS and returns the device to factory settings, but it also erases your apps, settings, and personal data. Therefore, create a backup before using this method.

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder on Mac, Apple Devices on Windows, or iTunes on an older supported computer.
• Step 2. Select your iPhone and click Restore iPhone, then confirm the action.
• Step 3. After the restore finishes, set up the iPhone again and restore your data from a backup if needed.

Bottom Line

If your iPhone keeps dropping calls, the methods above can help you troubleshoot the problem from network issues to iOS system errors. If the problem still persists, you can try TunesKit iOS System Recovery or contact your carrier or Apple Support for further assistance.