If your iPhone 7 Plus can receive calls but suddenly can’t make outgoing ones, don’t worry—it’s a common issue with several possible fixes. Most of the time, it’s caused by network glitches, account issues, or incorrect settings. This guide walks you through all the troubleshooting steps to get your calling feature working again.
Check Your Signal First
Look at the top of your screen. If it says “No Service” or “Searching,” then your iPhone isn’t connected to a network—outgoing calls won’t work until that’s fixed.
Try toggling Airplane Mode:
- Go to Settings or use Control Center.
- Turn Airplane Mode ON, wait a few seconds, then turn it OFF.
1. Make Sure Your Account Is in Good Standing
Check with your carrier:
- Are there any unpaid bills?
- Has your number been suspended or restricted?
Carriers can block outgoing calls on delinquent accounts.
2. Check for Carrier Outages
Sometimes it’s not your phone—it’s the network.
- Contact your carrier or visit their website to check for maintenance or outages in your area.
3. Check If the Number Is Blocked
If you can’t call a specific contact:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
- If their number is listed, swipe to unblock.
4. Test Your SIM Card
A faulty SIM can cause call issues.
To test:
- Use a paperclip to remove the SIM tray.
- Check for visible damage.
- Reinsert it carefully and try again.
If the SIM is damaged, contact your carrier for a replacement.
5. Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings often clears up calling issues.
To reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings but leaves your data intact.
6. Try Changing Cellular Settings
Switching network modes can sometimes help.
To do it:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
- Toggle to a different option (e.g., switch from LTE to 3G).
Then try making a call again.
7. Install Carrier and iOS Updates
Updates often fix bugs that cause calling issues.
To check for updates:
- Carrier: Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt.
- iOS: Settings > General > Software Update.
8. Restore Your iPhone (As a Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a full restore might fix deep software bugs.
Before restoring:
- Back up your data.
- Sign out of iCloud via Settings > iCloud > Sign Out to avoid Activation Lock.
To reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Or use iTunes: Connect your iPhone, open iTunes, and click Restore iPhone.
9. Try Recovery Mode Restore
If the problem persists even after a standard reset:
To use Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
- In iTunes or Finder, choose Restore.
Still Can’t Make Calls?
If nothing works, it’s time to:
- Contact Apple Support for diagnostics.
- Visit a Genius Bar or authorized service center.
- Your device may need a hardware repair, especially if it’s been dropped or exposed to water.