iPhone Not Ringing When Called? 12 Fixes to Try
Missed calls can be frustrating, especially when they lead to missed opportunities. If your iPhone isn’t ringing when called, you’re not alone—this is an issue many iPhone users encounter at some point. Whether it’s a settings misconfiguration, software glitch, or a hardware issue, the good news is that you can usually fix the problem yourself.
This guide provides 12 practical solutions to help get your iPhone ringing again. We’ll go step-by-step through each fix, so you’ll know what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do.
Why Isn’t My iPhone Ringing?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s helpful to understand some of the most common reasons why your iPhone might not ring:
- Do Not Disturb mode is enabled.
- The mute switch or volume settings are incorrectly configured.
- Call forwarding is accidentally turned on.
- A buggy software update or old system version may be interfering.
- Bluetooth connection issues or third-party apps might be hijacking the audio.
Knowing the root cause can better guide you to the right fix.
12 Fixes to Try
1. Ensure Your Phone Isn’t on Silent or Do Not Disturb
Your iPhone features a small physical mute switch on the side. If it’s flipped down (orange visible), your phone won’t make any sound for calls.
Steps to Fix
- Check the mute switch on the side of your iPhone and flip it up.
- Swipe down to access Control Center and ensure Do Not Disturb or Focus mode isn’t active.
Common Pitfall
Users often accidentally enable Do Not Disturb via scheduled Focus modes or while using “Drive Safe” settings. Double-check in Settings > Focus.
2. Check for Software Updates
Outdated iOS software may cause bugs, including issues with ringtones.
Steps to Fix
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Case Study
One user found their phone consistently failed to ring. After updating to the latest iOS, the problem disappeared.
3. Verify Ringer Volume Settings
Sometimes the ringer is simply turned down too low to hear.
Steps to Fix
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
- Drag the Ringer and Alerts slider to the right to increase the volume.
- Ensure the Change with Buttons option is toggled on.
Pro Tip
Test the ringer by calling your phone while making adjustments.
4. Review Call Forwarding Settings
Call forwarding sends your calls to another number, bypassing your phone’s ringing.
Steps to Fix
- Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
- Turn off Call Forwarding if it’s enabled.
When to Use
If you recently set up call forwarding for work or travel and forgot to disable it.
5. Reset All Settings
If you’ve tried multiple solutions to no avail, resetting your settings may help.
Steps to Fix
- Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Confirm your selection (Note that your Wi-Fi passwords and custom settings will be erased, but your data will remain intact).
Case Study
A user reset their settings after trying other fixes, which finally resolved the issue of their phone not ringing.
6. Turn Off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Calling
If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device like headphones, the ringtone might only play through the connected device.
Steps to Fix
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle Bluetooth off.
- Disable Wi-Fi Calling under Settings > Phone.
Proactive Measure
Disconnect or unpair any unused Bluetooth devices. For more ways to optimize your network and ensure a better connection, check out how to connect a Wi-Fi repeater.
7. DoubleCheck the Physical Mute Switch
Occasionally, the mute switch may toggle unintentionally, especially if your phone is in a bag or pocket.
Steps to Fix
- Inspect the physical mute switch to ensure it’s in the up position.
Pro Tip
Use a phone case that prevents the mute switch from flipping unintentionally.
8. Reset Network Settings
Networking glitches can cause missed calls.
Steps to Fix
- Open Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm the reset (note this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so be ready to reconnect).
Case Study
A business user missed critical calls for weeks. Resetting network settings immediately restored the phone’s ringing functionality.
9. Update Carrier Settings
Your carrier settings enable your iPhone to connect properly to your network. Outdated settings could be causing issues.
Steps to Fix
- Open Settings > General > About.
- If an update prompt for carrier settings appears, tap Update.
10. Disable Call Announcement Feature
The “Announce Calls” feature sometimes mutes your ringtone.
Steps to Fix
- Go to Settings > Phone > Announce Calls.
- Select Never or Headphones Only.
11. Test in Safe Mode
Third-party apps can sometimes cause audio conflicts and prevent your phone from ringing. Testing in Safe Mode can identify whether an app is causing the issue.
Steps to Fix
- Restart your phone in Safe Mode (search for instructions specific to your iPhone model).
- Make a test call to see if the issue persists.
If Safe Mode Fixes the Issue
Uninstall recently added apps, one by one, to pinpoint the problem.
12. Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, the issue may be hardware-related, such as a malfunctioning speaker.
Steps to Fix
- Visit Apple Support to schedule a repair.
- If under warranty, repairs or a replacement may be free of charge.
Case Study
A user tested every fix with no success. Apple Support identified a defect with their speaker, which was promptly replaced.
Proactive Measures for the Future
To prevent future issues with your iPhone’s ringtone:
- Regularly check for software and carrier updates.
- Avoid using third-party apps that could interfere with call functionality.
- Periodically restart your phone to clear any temporary software glitches.
- Use a sturdy case to protect the volume and mute switches from accidental toggling.
Taking these small steps can help ensure you’ll never miss an important call again.
Never Miss a Call Again
Your iPhone not ringing when called, missed calls shouldn’t be part of your daily struggles, especially when the fixes are simple and effective. By following these steps, you’ll likely resolve the issue in no time. From checking your mute switch to contacting Apple Support for hardware concerns, this guide has you covered.
Still unsure where to start? Download our free checklist summarizing all 12 fixes for instant offline reference.
With a fully functional phone, you’ll never have to worry about missed business opportunities, social invites, or important family calls again. Happy troubleshooting!
