A phone that hangs up calls may have a weak signal, software glitch, or network issue. Restart it, update the software, and check your carrier.
Common causes
- Weak signal.
- Software glitch.
- Network congestion.
- Touchscreen touching “end” during calls.
- Case pressing the screen.
- SIM card problem.
- Bluetooth issues.
Fixes
- Restart the phone.
- Update software.
- Remove the case.
- Reset network settings.
- Reinsert SIM.
Call carrier
If problem persists.
Check
Test in other places.
Typical reasons for call drops
A phone can hang up calls because of weak signal, network congestion, a bad SIM card, outdated software, wrong network mode, Wi-Fi calling glitches, or a faulty antenna. Dropped calls often occur in buildings with thick walls, elevators and rural spots with low tower coverage.
- Carriers report dropped call rates below about 1 percent in good coverage areas.
- Turning on Wi-Fi calling or VoLTE can help in areas with poor cellular signal.
- A damaged SIM or an old SIM card can cause intermittent drops.
Fixes
Restart the phone, toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds, update the OS, reset network settings (Settings, General or System, Reset), reinsert the SIM and remove the case if it interferes. Try another SIM in the phone or the SIM in another phone to isolate the cause. If the problem continues, contact the carrier to check for tower issues or account problems. A repair shop can test the antenna and modem.
Typical reasons for call drops
Dropped calls can be caused by weak signal, network congestion, handoff between towers, software bugs, a damaged SIM or antenna, or phone settings. Wi-Fi calling can help in weak coverage. Carrier outages also occur.
Fixes
Restart, update software and carrier settings, reseat the SIM, reset network settings and try another location. Contact the carrier if the problem occurs across devices.
Network handoff and software
Dropped calls happen during handoff between cells, in congested areas or when signal falls below about minus 110 dBm. Indoor buildings with metal or low-E glass block signals. Software issues include outdated carrier settings and VoLTE misconfiguration. 4G LTE calls use VoLTE, and when turned off, phones switch to 3G, which many carriers shut down.
Fix list
Enable Wi-Fi Calling, update OS and carrier profile, reset network settings, test the SIM in another phone and check airplane mode toggles. Use a signal booster approved by the FCC for homes. If the problem is across several phones, report to the carrier for tower issues. Contact customer support for outages.
Based on data from the Federal Communications Commission and Apple Support
