[Top 10] How to Fix iPhone Can't Make Calls but Can Text

"Hello there, my iPhone X is not making or receiving voice calls. When somebody's trying to call me, iPhone doesn't receive the call but gets a text message alert. Please help me figure out what's the issue. Thank you." - ChamaleeS from Apple Community

Like ChamaleeS, many users also complain that "my iPhone won't make calls but will text", making it inconvenient to contact with others in time. It's a common issue for iPhone users, especially after they update their systems. Do you have the same problem? Don't worry. In this guide, we'll explore the real reasons and 9 effective fixes to get your phone working again immediately.

Why My iPhone Won't Make Calls but Will Text?

When it occurs, many users immediately fear their phone is broken. However, the reality is often much simpler. In most cases, the problem is caused by software glitches, outdated settings, or network conflicts.

• iOS Glitches: A temporary bug in iOS or the Phone app itself can freeze the calling function, while leaving other apps (like Messages) working fine. This is common after an update or if the phone hasn't been restarted recently.
• Poor Cellular Signal: Voice calls often require a stronger, more stable connection than texts. If you are in a "dead zone", your phone may have enough signal to send a text packet, but not enough to sustain a voice call.
• Airplane Mode & Do Not Disturb: If Airplane Mode is stuck or Do Not Disturb is active, calls are blocked, but Wi-Fi allows texts to slide through.
• Outdated Carrier Settings: Carriers frequently update their network protocols. If your iPhone's carrier settings are obsolete, it may fail to connect to newer VoLTE towers.
• SIM Card Issues: A slightly dislodged or dirty SIM card can disconnect voice pins while leaving data pins connected.

How to Fix iPhone Won't Make Calls but Will Text

Knowing the possible reasons why this problem occurs, let's look at the most effective ways to fix iPhone not making calls but can text issue.

Method 1: Turn on and off Airplane Mode

When your iPhone failed to make a call, you can try turn on and off the Airplane Mode, which can reset the network connectivity on your iPhone. Here are the steps you can take to change Airplane Mode to fix your iPhone.

• Step 1. On the main interface of your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open the Control Center menu.
• Step 2. Click the icon of Airplane Mode to enable it, and then wait for several minutes.
• Step 3. Click on the icon again to disable Airplane Mode. Then, iPhone won't make calls but can text problem may be fixed.

Method 2: Turn off Do Not Disturb

If you see a small moon icon in your status bar, your phone might be suppressing calls while letting silent data notifications (like texts) through. You can follow the steps to turn it off.

• Step 1. Go to Settings > Focus.
• Step 2. Ensure Do Not Disturb and any other Focus modes are turned Off.

Method 3: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone will shut down all the programs naturally and offer a fresh start after you turn it on. If your iPhone has system issues or glitches, like iPhone cannot make a phone call, you can try to fix it by restarting your iPhone. The ways to restart different models are summarized below to help you get rid of the iPhone can't make calls but can text issue.

Method 4: Update Carrier Settings

As Apple and wireless carriers will release carrier settings updates from time to time, you are advised to update your carrier settings if you are unable to make calls on iPhone. It will generally improve your iPhone's ability to connect to your carrier's cellular network.

• Step 1. Make sure you are connected to WiFi.
• Step 2. Go to Settings> General> About
• Step 3. Stay on this screen for about 15–30 seconds. If an update is available, a pop-up will appear asking you to Update. Tap it immediately.

Method 5: Reinsert SIM Card

If you drop your phone, the SIM card can shift slightly. Even a microscopic misalignment can disconnect the voice pins while leaving the data pins connected.

• Step 1. Locate the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone.
• Step 2. Insert a paperclip or SIM ejector tool into the small hole and push firmly.
• Step 3. Remove the SIM card, check it for dust or damage, and re-insert it. Then wait for your iPhone to recognize it and search for a network.

Method 6: Fix System Glitches without Data Loss (100% Success Rate)

If the manual fixes above didn't work, the issue is likely a deeper iOS system corruption. In this case, standard resets might not reach the root of the problem. We recommend using the professional iOS repair software -- TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Designed for iOS users, TunesKit iOS System Repair can help you fix more than 150 iOS system problems, including iPhone unable to make or receive calls, screen going black during calling, iPhone make random calls, stuck on Apple logo, etc. More importantly, you will not suffer data loss during the process of fixing, because you don't need to reset everything on your device.

Only by the simple 3 steps below can your phone call feature be restored with TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1 Connect iPhone to the PC

At the beginning, please launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your computer, and then connect your device to it with a fitted USB cable. Select iOS System Repair feature from the main interface and then click Start.

Step 2 Select a Mode

Select the Standard Mode option to fix your iPhone. With the standard repair, iPhone data will not be erased to fix iPhone won't make calls but can text.

Step 3 Start to Fix Your iPhone

You are suggested to check whether the device information is matched to your iPhone before you click on the Download button to download the firmware for your device. After that, tap on the Repair button to finish your repair process.

Method 7: Reset Network Settings

Resetting Network Settings can also be helpful to you when your network is too poor or disable to make a phone call. This method will restore the Cellular, Wifi, Bluetooth, and VPN settings to factory defaults. In this process, "iPhone won't make or receive calls but can text" is likely to be solved.

• Step 1. Head to the Settings app and select General.
• Step 2. Choose the Transfer or Reset iPhone option, and select Reset.
• Step 3. Click on Reset Network Settings, and your iPhone network will be reset later.

Method 8: Check for Blocked Contacts

In the event that you have inadvertently blocked certain contacts, you won't be able to receive calls from those numbers. However, you have the option to unblock these numbers if needed. Once unblocked, you'll be able to receive calls from them once more. Follow these steps to review your blocked numbers list:

• Step 1. Navigate to Settings, tap on Phone, and then select Blocked Contacts.
• Step 2. Look through the list to confirm that the number you wish to receive calls from isn't blocked.

Method 9: Verify Your Carrier Plan Details

For those on a post-paid plan, this step isn't typically a concern, as most plans include unlimited voice calls. However, it's crucial to stay on top of your bill payments. Ensure that you pay your bill on time to avoid service suspension.

Pre-paid users, on the other hand, should keep an eye on their remaining voice call minutes. While unlimited calls are common in the US, this may not be the case with carriers in other countries. To avoid running out of minutes at an inopportune time, consider purchasing additional minutes or a new plan to replenish your balance.

Method 10: Update to the Latest iOS

Apple officially releases updates at regular intervals, and these updates fix potential bugs and errors in the system. You can try installing the latest iOS software on your iPhone. See if it solves the problem of iPhone can't make calls but text.

• Step 1. Simply open Settings app on your iPhone, then tap on General > Software Update.
• Step 2. If there are any available updates posted, tap the Update Now button.

FAQs Related to iPhone Call Issue

The Closing Words

The top 10 methods to solve the problem that my iPhone won't make calls but will text have been listed in detail in this post. By changing your settings, or fixing the system glitches on your iPhone via TunesKit iOS System Repair, you can easily fix your phone call feature. If you want to give it a try, click on the button below to download for free!