Samsung Galaxy Can’t Make Calls? 10 Fixes That Work (2026)
Your Samsung Galaxy won’t place calls, and the Phone app either fails, drops the call or shows an error.
This is usually a signal, SIM, call-setting or software problem, and most of those are fixable at home.
The steps below follow the order Samsung’s own support pages use, from the quickest checks to the network resets, and the menu names can differ slightly by model and One UI version.
Why your Samsung Galaxy can’t make calls: quick answers
| What you see | Most likely cause | Try this first |
|---|---|---|
| “No service” or “Emergency calls only” | No carrier connection (signal, SIM or network setting) | Fix 2, then Fix 3 |
| Calls fail only to some numbers | Call blocking or a carrier restriction | Fix 4 |
| Calls fail only at home | Weak indoor signal | Fix 6 (Wi-Fi Calling) |
| Calls worked until a recent update | Software bug or changed network settings | Fix 5, then Fix 7 |
| Calls fail after you add or swap a SIM | Seating problem or inactive line | Fix 3 |
| Calls work in Safe mode only | A third-party app is interfering | Fix 8 |
Work down the fixes in order and test a call after each one.
1. Restart the phone and turn off Airplane mode
A restart clears a stuck radio connection, and Airplane mode left on blocks calls completely.
- Restart the phone.
- Open Settings > Connections and make sure Airplane mode is off.
- Wait a few seconds and look for your carrier name and signal bars at the top of the screen.
If bars are weak, move to a better-covered spot before trying anything else.
2. Check coverage and your carrier account
Samsung’s support page tells you to confirm that your carrier account is active before you change settings.
A suspended line, an unpaid bill or a recent carrier switch that was never activated all stop outgoing calls.
Contact your carrier if the line was recently changed or if a friend on the same network has the same problem.
3. Reseat the SIM card
A badly seated or dirty SIM is a common reason a Galaxy loses the network.
- Power the phone off.
- Open the SIM tray with the eject tool or a paperclip.
- Check the SIM for damage, dirt or bending.
- Seat it firmly, close the tray and power on.
If the problem stays, test the SIM in another compatible phone to see whether the SIM or your Galaxy is at fault.
On dual-SIM models, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager and make sure the SIM you want to call with is switched on.
4. Turn off call blocking
An active filter in the Phone app can stop or hide calls.
- Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Settings, then Block numbers.
- Turn off Block calls from unknown numbers and check the blocked list for the number you are dialing.
5. Update the software
Samsung lists a software update as an early fix for calling problems.
- Open Settings > Software update.
- Tap Download and install (some versions say Check for updates).
- Follow the prompts and let the phone restart.
Keep the phone plugged in or above half battery while it installs.
6. Try Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling is both a test and a workaround when cellular signal is poor.
- Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling.
- Switch it on and save your emergency address if asked.
- Connect to a strong Wi-Fi network and place a call.
It needs an active plan on a SIM or eSIM and is not offered by every carrier or on every device.
On AT&T phones, Samsung says VoLTE has to be on before Wi-Fi Calling will activate.
7. Reset mobile network settings, APN and network mode
Samsung’s network guidance lists three network resets, from mildest to broadest.
| Step | Menu path | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Network mode | Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode | Lets you try another mode (for example Auto connect) and re-test |
| Reset APN | Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > three dots > Reset to default | Restores the carrier data settings |
| Reset mobile network settings | Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings | Resets mobile, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth network settings |
Reset mobile network settings does not erase photos or apps, but you will have to re-enter saved Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair Bluetooth devices.
For data-specific symptoms, see our guide to Samsung Galaxy mobile data not working.
8. Test in Safe mode
Safe mode turns off apps you installed, so it shows whether one of them is blocking calls.
- Press and hold the Side and Volume down buttons, or swipe down and tap the Power icon.
- Touch and hold Power off, then tap the Safe mode icon.
- Try a call and look for “Safe mode” at the bottom-left of the screen.
If calls work there, uninstall recently added apps one at a time, then restart normally to leave Safe mode.
9. Clear the Phone app cache
Samsung also suggests clearing the Phone app’s cache.
- Open Settings > Apps > Phone > Storage.
- Tap Clear cache and test a call.
Clear data only if cache alone does not help, because it resets the app’s own settings.
Our explainer on clear cache versus clear data shows the difference.
10. Run Samsung Members diagnostics
If you have the Samsung Members app, it can run a mobile network test.
- Open Samsung Members and tap Support.
- Tap Get Started, then select Mobile network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
What to do if nothing works
Calls that still fail after every step point to your account or to hardware.
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Calls fail on another phone with the same SIM | Contact your carrier about the line or SIM |
| Calls work with another SIM in your Galaxy | Ask your carrier for a replacement SIM |
| Phone has been wet or the port is damaged | Check the liquid damage indicator in the SIM slot and contact Samsung Support |
| Problems began after a drop or crack | Contact Samsung Support for a hardware check |
Back up your data before any repair, and if the phone keeps losing signal, read our guide to Samsung Galaxy no service or signal problems.
If the phone also restarts on its own, see how to fix a Galaxy that keeps restarting.
Official sources: Samsung call and network troubleshooting, Safe mode and Wi-Fi Calling.
my galaxy A15 does not allow me to reset my network settings
Thanks, this was very helpful.
I must admit that i am getting pissed of with Samsung. Every time there is a software update, it screws my settings and things stop working.
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I’m very thankful for your help. I recommend this website to anyone with an Android phone!!
So happy to have found your post. I couldn’t make phone calls until I reset the network settings. I also appreciate the help you have offered through this post.
Thank you so much! I thought I had to buy a new phone but when I reset my network settings I could make calls again. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge like this.