iPhone XS Can’t Make Phone Calls? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your iPhone XS refusing to make outgoing calls? Whether it’s showing “Call Failed” or simply not connecting, it’s a frustrating issue—especially when you rely on your phone for everyday communication. The good news? If the problem is software-related or due to incorrect settings, you can often fix it yourself without needing a trip to the Apple Store.

Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix calling issues on the iPhone XS.

1. Check Account & Carrier Status First

Before digging into your phone’s settings, contact your carrier to:

Make sure your account is active and in good standing
Confirm no unpaid bills or temporary suspensions
Check for any local outages affecting call services
Confirm your SIM is fully activated and not restricted

If your account and service are good, proceed with the steps below.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

This quick trick can reset your iPhone’s connection to the cellular network.

Go to Settings > Airplane Mode
Toggle it ON, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it OFF
Restart your phone
Try making a call again

3. Update Carrier Settings

Carrier updates improve connectivity between your phone and your provider’s network.

Go to Settings > General > About
Stay on this screen for a few seconds
If an update prompt appears, tap Update

No prompt? That means your carrier settings are already up to date.

4. Install the Latest iOS Update

A software bug might be interfering with calls. Updating to the latest iOS version could help.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Tap Download and Install if an update is available
After installing, restart your iPhone and try placing a call

5. Reset Network Settings

This will reset your Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth settings without erasing personal data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
Enter your passcode and confirm

Reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward and test calling again.

6. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card

A dislodged or faulty SIM card can prevent your iPhone from connecting to the network properly.

Turn off your iPhone
Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to remove the SIM tray
Check the SIM for dust, damage, or water marks
Reinsert the SIM card securely and power on your device

Still not working? Try a different SIM card (from the same or another carrier) to rule out SIM issues.

7. Test Other Call Scenarios

Ask yourself:

Are you unable to call all contacts, or just one number?
Can you receive calls, but not make them?
Are you getting “Call Failed” or no dial tone at all?

If it only happens with one contact, their number may be blocked, or they might be unreachable.

8. Perform a Full Restore (Advanced)

If everything else fails, you may be dealing with a more serious software bug.

Back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes
Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder
Choose Restore iPhone (this will erase everything)
Set it up as new and test calling before restoring your backup

Still Can’t Make Calls?

If none of the above solutions work, your iPhone XS may have:

A hardware issue (antenna or modem)
A faulty SIM tray or damaged internal component

Next steps:

Contact your carrier to escalate the issue
Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center for diagnosis