How to fix Galaxy Note 8 "process.com.android.phone has stopped" error, other issues

We know that there’s a number of Android users who experiences “process.com.android.phone has stopped” error so we hope that this #GalaxyNote8 post will help in fixing it. We also cover 2 other networking problems in this one so keep reading and let us know in the commends below if we’re of help.

If you are looking for solutions to your own #Android issue, you can contact us by using the link provided at the bottom of this page.

When describing your issue, please be as detailed as possible so we can easily pinpoint a relevant solution. If you can, kindly include the exact error messages you are getting to give us an idea where to start. If you have already tried some troubleshooting steps before emailing us, make sure to mention them so we can skip them in our answers.

Problem 1: How to troubleshoot Galaxy Note 8 “process.com.android.phone has stopped” error

I followed all the steps on for the “the process com.android.phone has stopped” message and still my phone stops when I receive a text message. The odd part about this is my phone can receive a text from one user ONLY and no one else, including myself. It was working fine until Tues morning 1.16.18 and then it stopped receiving text messages. I can use my phone, the internet, facebook, facebook messenger. I can send text messages. I can’t receive them though. I really need help here! Straight Talk is the carrier and they told me I need to get a new phone. This one isn’t that old and I’m not buying a new one. HELP please! — Afescobedo90

Solution: Hi Afescobedo90. “the process com.android.phone has stopped” error can be triggered by a number of scenarios. So far, the only possible causes that can result to it includes the following:

corrupted Phone and/or Contacts app
SIM toolkit issue
possible custom ROM bug
unknown Android glitch

Clear data of Phone and/or Contacts app

The best way to deal with possible app-specific bugs is by wiping the said app’s cache and/or data. Since the error specifically mentions a phone function, we recommend that you delete your phone app data first. If that won’t work, try clearing the Contacts app data.

Here are the steps on how to clear an app’s data in your Note 8:

Open the Settings menu either through your notification shade (drop-down) or through the Settings app in your app drawer.
Navigate down to Apps. This may be renamed to something like Applications or Application Manager..
Once in there, look for the Phone application and tap it.
You’ll now see a list of stuff that gives you information about the app, including Storage, Permissions, Memory Use, and more. These are all clickable items. You’ll want to click on Storage.
Tap Clear Data button.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Clearing data of Phone and Contacts apps will reset their settings and stored data back to defaults. Make sure that you back them up if you want to keep their logs or history. You can either use Samsung cloud or Smart Switch to create your backup.

Force Stop the SIM Toolkit

In some devices, the SIM card application, also known as SIM toolkit, is often left unutilized so you won’t be able to clear its cache and data. The most that you can do is to Force Close it. Here’s how to do that:

Open the Settings menu either through your notification shade (drop-down) or through the Settings app in your app drawer.
Navigate down to Apps. This may be renamed to something like Applications or Application Manager..
Once in there, look for the Phone application and tap it.
Tap Force Stop button.

Alternatively, you can turn off your device and physically remove the SIM card from the phone. After a few seconds, insert the SIM card again and see how your Note 8 works when you receive a text message.

Use third party File Manager

If the steps above won’t work at all, you should consider wiping the temporary folder of Phone app and your SIM toolkit via other means. The easiest way to do that is by booting your Note 8 to Recovery and start managing files from there. To do this task you need to install a good file manager app that can work in Recovery. AROMA file manager app is so far the only app we’ve tried to do this job. You can get it by visiting its XDA Developer page.

Perform a factory reset via Recovery [master reset]

A more drastic solution that anyone who is experiencing the error can do is by returning the phone’s software settings back to their defaults. This is definitely not a hassle-free solution but we know for a fact that a factory state Note 8 won’t show this error it will most likely fix your problem. To master reset your Note 8, follow these steps:

Create a backup of your important files.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key until Yes — delete all user data is highlighted.
Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
When the master reset is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

Flash the firmware back to stock (optional)

If you happen to be running a custom ROM in your Note 8, we suggest that you flash the original stock firmware and see what happens. If your Note 8 is running stock firmware all along, simply ignore this suggestion.

Problem 2: Galaxy Note 8 voice calls via cellular network not working properly

Hi. My Note 8 has a strange issue. Appreciate helping me to figure out the reason. My phone makes and receive calls through the internet perfectly, however through the SIM network makes and receives calls with no sounds (speakers, microphone) in both sides of the conversation. I mean since hitting on the call button there is no ringing sounds and when the other party answers neither he can hear me nor I can hear him. This also happens while connecting the wired and bluetooth headsets. Internet data is working fine as well as the network signal. I have changed the SIM card with another but the same problem occurred. I don’t know what is the problem, some said that the audio IC is defective. i am not convinced as the speakers and the microphones work perfectly with any other application except network calls. Please help me. Thanks. — Robert

Solution: Hi Robert. If calls via wifi calling or any other apps work normally, then it’s not a phone defect at all. It’s most probably due to the quality of your network service. For this reason, we suggest that you talk to your carrier so they can guide on how to narrow down the real reasons. Your area may be in a poorly covered location, or there might be a network outage going on. Changing a SIM card may also be a good troubleshooting step in this case but if you continue to experience poor network service while doing voice calls, it’s your carrier’s responsibility to figure out a solution. Third party support sites like us can’t help so much in this case because there are a lot missing technical details.

Problem 3: Galaxy Note 8 voicemail app not showing notifications for incoming calls

My voicemail app never shows the notifications that I have a voicemail. I get phone calls, they leave a voicemail, and when I look at the voicemail icon on my phone, there is no number above it showing that I have a voicemail. The only way for me to check for voicemails is to go into the app, click “refresh” and wait a minute. Then all the voicemails appear. Is there a way for me to have the number show above the voicemail app button on my home screen so I know that voicemails are there that I need to listen to? — Kendra Fletcher

Solution: Hi Kendra. Depending on the voicemail app you’re using, you may need to contact its developer to see if they’re aware of the problem. Carriers often add their own voicemail app to their branded phones so you may have to contact your carrier for this. If you’re using a third party voicemail app, you may still need to contact them after doing our suggestions below.

Turn on master sync

Apps that require push notifications or new content regularly has to have uninterrupted access to the internet. If your phone’s master sync feature is turned off, your voicemail app may not be able to fetch your messages from your carrier’s network all the time. Ensure that you have this feature turned on first. Here’s how:

Go to the Home screen and pull down the notification bar.
Look for the Sync button and make sure that it’s on.

Clear your voicemail app’s cache and data

Before you decide to clear your app’s cache and data (steps provided above) make sure to ask your carrier if your calls are backed up somewhere, and whether or not you’ll be able to recover them later on. If you have no important voice calls to keep, just go ahead and perform the clear cache and data procedure.

Clear data of BadgeProvider app

Another app that may be causing your voice mail app to not show notifications is the BadgeProvider app. BadgeProvider app is one of the default apps in Android that alerts users of new things that they may want like new versions of apps, new missed call alerts, new messages, among other things.

Check notification settings of your voicemail app

One good troubleshooting step that you can do in this case is to ensure that your voicemail app is set to show notifications. Here’s how to do that:

Open Settings app.
Tap Apps.
Find your voicemail app.
Tap Notifications.
Move slider for Allow notifications to the right.
If you want the app to show notifications even when the screen is locked, pick Show content under On lock screen section.

Reinstall app

If you happen to be using a non-carrier provided voicemail app, consider reinstalling it to see what happens. Many app issues are fixed by simply reinstalling them so hopefully you’ll also experience it.

How to fix Galaxy Note 8 “process.com.android.phone has stopped” error, other issues