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Phone Support: Why can’t I make calls, but I can receive them?

Phones have become central to our day-to-day communication. Like with any tech, it can have its hiccups. One thing that can be frustrating is discovering that your phone won't allow you to make outgoing calls while incoming calls work perfectly fine. If you find yourself in this puzzling situation, don’t worry as this can be resolved with some simple steps.  

In this article, we have highlighted some common reasons why you might be unable to make calls on your phone and how to solve them. 

Network connection issues

The first thing to check when you can't make calls is your network connection. You should check that your phone has a stable and active signal. If you're in an area with poor network coverage, you may struggle to initiate outgoing calls.  

You can contact your network provider or visit their website to check the signal coverage in your area in case there is any disturbance. To rectify, try moving to a different location or toggling airplane mode on and off to reset your connection. 


Blocked outgoing calls


It might seem obvious, but it's worth checking if you accidentally activated any call restrictions on your device. To do this, navigate to your phone settings and look for call barring or call restrictions. You should ensure that outgoing calls are not restricted, and if they are, disable any call-blocking features that might be causing the issue. 


Check for sufficient balance


If you're using a prepaid mobile plan, insufficient balance could be the reason behind your inability to make outgoing calls. To combat this, confirm that your account has enough credit or that you're within the allocated minutes if you're on a limited plan. If required, consider topping up your balance. 


Roaming settings


If you're in an area where you should be roaming, check if your roaming settings are enabled. Some phones have specific settings for roaming, and if they're not configured correctly, it could impact your ability to make calls outside your home network. 


Call settings and VoLTE


You should check your phone's call settings and verify if Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is enabled. In some cases, VoLTE may be necessary for making calls, especially on modern networks. If your device supports VoLTE, ensure it's turned on. We recommend that if you ever encounter issues with VoLTE, try disabling it to see if that resolves the problem. 


Update network settings


Outdated network settings can sometimes interfere with your phone's ability to make calls. To resolve this, check if there are any network updates available for your phone. These updates often include improvements can address connectivity issues. 


SIM card issues


Your SIM card might be the culprit behind the one-way calling scenario. Ensure that your SIM card is properly inserted into the phone and does not show any signs of damaged. If possible, try using the SIM card in another compatible device to see if the issue persists. If the problem seems to be with the SIM card or it is visibly damaged, contact your network provider for a replacement. 


Software and operating system updates


Another step to try is checking that your phone’s operating system and software are up to date. This is because updates can include bug fixes and improvements. Outdated software could contribute to call-related issues, so check for and install any available updates. This can usually be done via the Settings menu so that your phone can search for and install updates. 


Support summary

By troubleshooting the potential causes, you can identify and resolve calling issues on your phone. Whether it's a network problem, a settings issue, or a simple lack of balance, these steps should guide you toward making outgoing calls again. If the problem persists, get in touch with the relevant support team or your network provider further assistance.