We’ve all been there – you dial a number, press call, and then… nothing. Just awkward silence. No reassuring ring to let you know your call is going through. If you’ve ever wondered, “why are my outgoing calls not ringing?” you’re definitely not alone. This frustrating issue affects both iPhone and Android users across all major carriers.
When you can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls, it creates uncertainty about whether your call is connecting at all. The good news is that there are several effective solutions to fix outgoing calls not ringing. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the causes and solutions so you can make calls with confidence again.
Understanding why Your outgoing calls not ringing
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand what’s actually happening when you make a call. When you dial someone’s number, that familiar ringing sound you hear isn’t coming from their phone – it’s generated by your carrier’s network. This sound is called a “ringback tone,” and it lets you know your call request is being processed.
Here’s the process: When you initiate a call, your phone sends a request to your carrier’s network. Your carrier routes this request to the recipient’s carrier, which sends a signal to their device. During this process, your carrier generates that familiar ringback tone. When the person answers, the tone stops, and you’re connected.
If you experience no sound when making calls, the problem could be anywhere in this chain – from your device settings to network issues. Let’s explore the most common reasons why your outgoing calls are not ringing.
Common Reasons Why Outgoing Calls Are Not Ringing
Network Coverage Problems
The most frequent cause for outgoing calls not ringing is poor network coverage. When your phone isn’t receiving a strong signal, your call may connect, but the ringback tone might not come through.
In areas with weak coverage (just one or two signal bars), you’re more likely to experience this issue. Buildings and structures in urban areas can block signals, while in rural regions, you might simply be too far from the nearest cell tower. For optimal performance, your phone needs to be within about 45 miles of a tower, though this range shrinks significantly when obstacles are in the way.
VoLTE Complications
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology has improved call quality, but it can also cause issues with outgoing calls not ringing. Different carriers implement VoLTE in their own ways, affecting how ringback tones are delivered to your device.
Many users report that simply toggling VoLTE settings resolves their ringback tone issues. This is especially true for newer devices that rely heavily on this technology for calls. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as turning VoLTE off, making a test call, and then turning it back on.
Bluetooth Interference
If you frequently use Bluetooth devices, they might be why you can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls. Your phone might be trying to route the ringback tone to a connected Bluetooth device, even when you’re not actively using it.
Some Bluetooth devices don’t properly support ringback tones, creating situations where calls connect but you experience no sound when making calls until the other person picks up. Disconnecting Bluetooth devices before making important calls can help determine if this is causing your issue.
Carrier-Related Issues
Your cellular provider plays a significant role in how calls are processed. Outdated carrier settings can affect call functionality, while network congestion during high-traffic periods might cause carriers to suppress ringback tones to conserve bandwidth.
Service outages, though temporary, can also affect ringback tone delivery. If you suddenly notice outgoing calls not ringing on your iPhone or Android with all calls, checking your carrier’s service status might reveal a wider issue in your area.
Software Glitches
Your phone’s operating system orchestrates all functions – including calls. Running outdated versions of iOS or Android may cause compatibility issues with newer network technologies, while software bugs can disrupt call audio processing.
Third-party calling apps or call recorders might also interfere with the standard calling experience. If you started experiencing issues after installing a new app, that could be why your outgoing calls are not ringing.
How to Fix Outgoing Calls Not Ringing on iPhone
Check Your iPhone Settings
If you’re experiencing outgoing calls not ringing on iPhone, start with these essential settings:
First, check your volume level by pressing the volume up button during a call. It sounds obvious, but make sure your phone isn’t in silent mode by checking the silencer switch on the side of your iPhone.
Next, verify that Do Not Disturb isn’t activated by going to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb. While you’re there, check if any Focus modes are active that might be affecting calls.
Examine your call settings by navigating to Settings > Phone and review anything that might affect call audio. Ensure Call Forwarding is turned off unless you specifically need it.
Finally, check your Bluetooth connections by going to Settings > Bluetooth and disconnect any devices that might be intercepting your call audio. Try making a call with Bluetooth completely disabled to see if that resolves the issue.
Update Your iOS Software
Keeping your iPhone updated is crucial for resolving many call-related issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if you have the latest version. iOS 18 and newer versions have addressed several issues with outgoing calls not ringing that affected previous versions.
Don’t forget to update your carrier settings as well. When prompted to update carrier settings, always choose “Update.” To check manually, go to Settings > General > About and wait for a possible update prompt.
Reset Network Settings
If you still can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls on your iPhone, try resetting your network settings. This can often fix outgoing calls not ringing by resolving connectivity problems. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, then select Reset Network Settings.
You’ll need to enter your passcode if prompted and confirm the reset. Keep in mind that this will reset all network settings, including saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.
Additional iPhone Troubleshooting
For persistent issues with outgoing calls not ringing on iPhone:
Restart your iPhone by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button until the slider appears (for iPhone X and newer) or just the side/top button (for iPhone 8 and earlier). Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Check your SIM card by powering off your iPhone, ejecting the SIM tray, and checking if the SIM card is properly seated. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth before reinserting it.
Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset your cellular connection. Go to Settings > Airplane Mode, turn it on, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it off again.
Finally, check for call forwarding or accidental blocking by going to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding to ensure it’s disabled, and Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts to make sure you haven’t accidentally blocked important numbers.
How to Fix Outgoing Calls Not Ringing on Android
Check Your Android Phone Settings
If you’re dealing with outgoing calls not ringing on Android, start by checking these key settings:
Adjust your volume settings by pressing the volume up button during a call or opening Settings > Sound & vibration to check your call volume settings.
Disable Do Not Disturb by swiping down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and making sure Do Not Disturb is turned off. Alternatively, go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb.
Verify your call alert settings by opening the Phone app, tapping the three dots (⋮) or menu button, selecting Settings or Call settings, and looking for Call alerts or similar options.
Manage VoLTE Settings
VoLTE settings can significantly impact why outgoing calls are not ringing on Android devices. To toggle VoLTE, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks, then find the VoLTE calls or HD voice option and toggle it off. Make a test call to see if you hear ringback tones. If issues persist, toggle it back on and try again.
Some carriers require specific settings for VoLTE to work properly. If you continue having problems with no sound when making calls, contact your carrier’s support for guidance on optimal VoLTE settings for your specific device and plan.
Clear Phone App Cache
Over time, the Phone app can accumulate corrupted data that interferes with normal operation. Clearing the cache can often fix outgoing calls not ringing issues on Android.
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, then find and select the Phone app. Tap on Storage & cache, then tap Clear cache. For persistent issues, you can also try Clear storage/data, though be aware that this may reset your call history.
Additional Android Troubleshooting
For more stubborn issues when outgoing calls are not ringing on Android:
Restart your phone by pressing and holding the power button, then selecting Restart or Reboot. This simple step often resolves temporary glitches affecting call functionality.
Check your SIM card by powering off your phone, removing the SIM card, gently cleaning it, and reinserting it. Make sure it’s properly seated in the tray, as a loose connection can cause problems when you can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls.
Test in Safe Mode to check if third-party apps are causing problems. Restart your phone in Safe Mode by pressing and holding the power button, then touching and holding Power off until the “Reboot to safe mode” prompt appears. Tap OK and test your calling functionality. If calls work normally in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely causing your issues.
Reset network settings by going to Settings > System > Reset options, selecting Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth, then tapping Reset settings and confirming. This will reset all your network connections to their default state, which often resolves situations where outgoing calls are not ringing.
Carrier-Specific Solutions When You Can’t Hear Ringing on Outgoing Calls
Different carriers have their own quirks when it comes to call processing. Here are some carrier-specific tips:
Verizon
Verizon users should check for Advanced Calling settings and toggle them if experiencing outgoing calls not ringing. Many Verizon subscribers report ringback tone issues when calling specific numbers, which might be related to how Verizon routes certain calls. If you experience this with just a few numbers, contacting Verizon support is your best bet.
T-Mobile/Sprint
For T-Mobile customers dealing with no sound when making calls, ensuring Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is properly configured is essential. T-Mobile users may also need to update their APN settings to ensure optimal connectivity. The merger between T-Mobile and Sprint has created some transitional issues for certain customers, so checking with support about your specific device compatibility is worthwhile.
AT&T
AT&T users experiencing outgoing calls not ringing should check HD Voice settings and toggle them if necessary. Some AT&T subscribers have reported success after updating carrier settings. If you’re on an older plan, ensuring it supports modern calling features is also important.
Google Fi
Google Fi users should verify they’re using the correct dialer app, as Google Fi operates differently from traditional carriers. Try clearing the Google Fi app cache and data if you experience persistent issues with outgoing calls not ringing. Since Google Fi switches between multiple networks, it sometimes experiences unique calling challenges.
When to Contact Your Carrier or Manufacturer
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and still can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls, it’s time to get professional help.
Contact your carrier if:
- The issue occurs with all outgoing calls
- You notice poor signal strength in areas where you previously had good coverage
- Other devices on the same network have similar issues
- Your phone shows “emergency calls only” or has no service
Contact your device manufacturer if:
- The issue with outgoing calls not ringing began immediately after a system update
- Your phone is overheating during calls
- You’ve recently dropped or damaged your phone
- The issue persists even after a factory reset
When reaching out for support, be prepared with your device model, OS version, carrier name, when you first noticed outgoing calls not ringing, and what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. This information will help representatives assist you more efficiently.
Final Thoughts on Fixing Outgoing Calls Not Ringing
Wondering why are my outgoing calls not ringing can be a frustrating experience. It creates a cloud of uncertainty—is the call going through? Is the other person’s phone ringing? Has my service been disconnected? These thoughts can make even the simplest call feel stressful and confusing.
The good news is that, in most cases, you can fix outgoing calls not ringing with a few basic troubleshooting steps. Whether you’re dealing with outgoing calls not ringing on iPhone or outgoing calls not ringing on Android, the underlying issues are often similar—ranging from disabled settings to carrier-specific features blocking audio.
As technology evolves, so do the complications. Advancements like VoLTE and HD Voice have significantly boosted call quality, but they’ve also introduced new challenges—like scenarios where you can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls even when everything appears to be working.
If you’ve followed all the steps and there’s still no sound when making calls, it might be time to contact your mobile carrier or phone manufacturer. They have diagnostic tools that go beyond what typical users can access, often revealing hidden glitches or settings.
Have you discovered a unique fix that helped you resolve the issue? If you’ve answered the question “why are my outgoing calls not ringing?” in your own way, sharing your experience could help others who are still searching for a solution. Remember—technology is here to simplify our lives. With the right approach and knowledge, you can make sure your calls go through with that reassuring ring every time.
FAQ About Outgoing Calls Not Ringing
Why can’t I hear ringing on outgoing calls but the call still connects?
This is typically a network issue or VoLTE configuration problem. The call is being processed correctly, but the ringback tone isn’t being transmitted to your device. Try toggling VoLTE or HD Voice settings, or contact your carrier for assistance.
Why do I only have this problem with specific numbers?
Some carriers handle calls differently based on the recipient’s carrier. If you only experience outgoing calls not ringing with certain numbers, it could be related to how your carrier routes calls to that specific carrier or region. This is particularly common when calling between different carriers or international numbers.
Will a factory reset fix outgoing calls not ringing?
A factory reset should be your last resort, as it will erase all data on your device. While it might fix software-related issues causing no sound when making calls, it won’t help if the problem is network-related. Try all other troubleshooting steps first, and make sure to back up your data if you do decide to reset your device.
Can a damaged SIM card cause outgoing calls not to ring?
Yes, a damaged or poorly seated SIM card can cause various calling issues, including situations where you can’t hear ringing on outgoing calls. Try cleaning your SIM card or requesting a replacement from your carrier. SIM cards do wear out over time, especially if you frequently switch them between devices.
Why did my outgoing calls stop ringing after updating my phone?
Software updates can sometimes change how your phone handles calls, especially with newer VoLTE implementations. Check your calling settings after updates and contact your manufacturer if issues persist. Sometimes waiting for the next update resolves these types of problems, as manufacturers often release fixes for known issues related to outgoing calls not ringing.
Why do I hear ringing when calling landlines but not cell phones?
This is often due to differences in how calls are routed. Landlines typically use traditional circuit-switched networks, while cell-to-cell calls might use VoLTE or other technologies that handle ringback tones differently. This split behavior can help you narrow down whether the issue is related to newer calling technologies.
Can call recording apps affect ringback tones?
Yes, third-party call recording apps can sometimes interfere with normal call audio processing. If you experience no sound when making calls after installing such apps, try disabling any call recording or call enhancement apps to see if that resolves the issue. These apps often hook into your phone’s audio system in ways that can conflict with normal operation.
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