Missed calls and texts because your iPhone won’t ring? You’re not alone. Whether it’s stuck in silent mode, routed to a Bluetooth device, or silenced by a Focus setting, there’s usually a quick fix. Here’s how to get your iPhone ringing loud and clear again.
1. Check the Silent/Ring Switch
Start with the basics:
- Look at the left side of your iPhone, just above the volume buttons.
- If you see orange, Silent Mode is ON.
- Flip the switch toward the screen to turn the ringer back ON.
- You should feel a small vibration when silent mode is disabled.
2. Turn Off Focus and Do Not Disturb
Focus modes like Do Not Disturb, Driving, or Sleep can silence your ringer.
- Go to Settings > Focus.
- Tap each active Focus mode and turn it OFF.
- Or swipe down from the top-right of the screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center and disable Focus.
3. Raise the Ringtone Volume
If the ringer volume is low or muted:
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
- Drag the Ringer and Alerts slider to the right to increase the volume.
- Toggle Change with Buttons OFF so you don’t accidentally lower it later.
4. Try a Different Ringtone
It’s possible your ringtone is silent or corrupted.
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
- Tap through the list to preview tones.
- Select one that’s loud and distinct.
5. Check Ringtones for Specific Contacts
If your phone won’t ring for just one person:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap the contact, then Edit > Ringtone.
- Choose a new ringtone from the list and save.
6. Confirm You Have Cellular or Wi-Fi
No service means no incoming calls.
- Check the top-right of your screen for signal bars or a Wi-Fi icon.
- If you’re in a low-signal area, connect to a Wi-Fi network and enable Wi-Fi Calling (Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling).
7. Disconnect Bluetooth Devices
Your iPhone might be routing call audio to a Bluetooth device.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” next to any connected device.
- Choose Disconnect or Forget This Device.
8. Unblock Contacts
Blocked contacts won’t ring through.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
- Swipe left on anyone you want to unblock and tap Unblock.
9. Turn Off Call Forwarding
Calls may be redirected to another number.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
- Make sure the toggle is OFF.
10. Disable Silence Unknown Callers
This feature blocks calls from numbers not in your contacts.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
- Turn the switch OFF to allow all calls to ring.
11. Update iOS
A bug could be interfering with notifications.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, Download and Install.
12. Reset All Settings
If nothing else has worked:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This resets system settings like network, sound, and display without deleting your data.