iPhone SE Can’t Make Outgoing Calls? Try These Fixes
If your iPhone SE suddenly refuses to make outgoing calls—even though everything else works just fine—you’re not alone. This issue can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re seeing a “Call Failed” error every time you try. The good news? There are a bunch of things you can try to get your iPhone calling again.
Here’s a full list of troubleshooting tips to help you fix an iPhone SE that can’t make outgoing calls.
1. Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, a simple reboot clears out whatever glitch is interfering with your Phone app.
- Press and hold the Power button until slide to power off appears.
- Slide to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.
Now try making a call again.
2. Check for Signal or Network Outages
If your iPhone shows No Service or only one bar, that’s a red flag.
- Make sure you’re in an area with solid cellular signal.
- Swipe down from the top-right to access Control Center and check the signal bars.
- If signal is low or missing, move to another location.
Also, contact your carrier to ask if there’s a known outage or maintenance in your area.
3. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
If your SIM card isn’t seated properly—or is damaged—you may have trouble making calls.
- Power off your iPhone.
- Use the SIM eject tool (or a paperclip) to pop out the SIM tray.
- Check the SIM for damage, dust, or grime.
- Reinsert the SIM card, making sure it’s aligned correctly.
- Power your iPhone back on and try again.
4. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
This can refresh your network connection instantly.
- Go to Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Turn it ON. Wait 5 seconds.
- Turn it OFF again.
Alternatively, swipe down to open Control Center and tap the airplane icon.
5. Reset Network Settings
If you recently changed network or cellular settings, a reset may help.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings, but won’t delete your personal data.
6. Check Caller ID Settings
If your caller ID is hidden, some calls might be blocked by the receiving number.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID.
- Make sure the toggle is turned ON.
7. Make Sure the Number Isn’t Blocked
If the number you’re calling is on your block list, the call won’t go through.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
- If the number is listed, swipe left on it and tap Unblock.
*8. Dial #31# to Disable Caller ID Restrictions
This little-known iPhone code resets your caller ID setting.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial
*#31#and hit Call.
Then try placing your call again.
9. Update iOS
Sometimes a simple software update can fix network bugs.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
10. Turn Off LTE
If LTE is flaky in your area, it can interfere with voice calls.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
- Switch to 3G or 4G, depending on what’s available.
Test a call after switching.
11. Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date/time can affect how your iPhone communicates with the network.
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Toggle Set Automatically OFF, wait a few seconds, then turn it back ON.
- Restart your iPhone and try a call.
12. Close Background Apps
Too many apps running in the background could be draining memory and interfering with calls.
- Double-press the Home button.
- Swipe up on all open apps to close them.
13. Restore Your iPhone via iTunes or Finder
If nothing else works, a full restore may clear deeper software issues.
⚠️ Backup your iPhone before doing this—restoring erases everything.
- Connect your iPhone SE to a computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina+).
- Select your device, then click Restore iPhone.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
14. Try a Factory Reset From Settings
Don’t have a computer? You can also reset your iPhone from the device itself.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts.
15. Contact Apple or Your Carrier
If your iPhone SE still can’t make calls after all of this, it could be a hardware issue—especially if the phone was dropped or exposed to water.
- Call your carrier to check for account or service blocks.
- Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for a hardware check.