It seems that right after the iOS 26 update, many users notice that their iPhone stopped making or receiving calls. I experinced this as well. At first, I thought it was just me and a glitch or maybe my network acting weird. But then it happened again… and again. Suddenly, I couldn’t make calls. My friends said they tried calling me, but my phone never rang. Sometimes, even FaceTime and WhatsApp calls would fail showing signs of a network-related issue. Restarting the phone seemed to help–but only for a few hours. It further seems that many people experienced the similar issues.
I checked the Apple Forums and the Forums showed hundreds of other iPhone users were saying the same thing and these themes start to emerge: "call failed", "call ended errors", "no missed call logs," or "calls just disappear". And this isn’t limited to older models. From iPhone 11 Pro to 16 Pro Max, this problem is affecting a wide range of devices.
What Exactly Is the Issue?
These are the most common symptoms reported by users:
- You can’t make or receive regular phone calls over cellular.
- Incoming calls go straight to voicemail without ringing.
- You miss calls, but they don’t show up in the call log, indicating no calls reached your phone.
- FaceTime, WhatsApp, and even Teams calls drop suddenly or fail to connect. WhatsApp will say calling if the other party is not ringing].
- SMS messages may not send, though iMessage continues working if it is turned on.
- Restarting the phone temporarily fixes it–but only for a few hours or a day.
Some users also reported that even when calls do go through, they drop as soon as the screen lights up or when switching from Wi-Fi to cellular.
If this has happened to you, we’ve put together an outline of things you can try when your iPhone is not making or receiving calls after iOS 26 update.
What Fixes Have Worked for Some Users?
None of these are guaranteed, but users have reported temporary or partial success with the following steps:
1. Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling and Wi-Fi Assist
- Head to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling and turn it off. Also head to Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Disable Wi-Fi Assist.
This workaround helped many users on AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers.
2. Reset Network Settings
You should try resetting your network settings if you can’t make or receive calls after iOS 26 update. This clears your iPhone of any stored data that might potentially interfere with its functioning.
- Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.
3. Switch to LTE Instead of 5G
- Some users said the problem went away when they changed their network settings: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data → Choose LTE instead of 5G.
4. Restarting Your Phone Frequently
While annoying, many users found that rebooting the iPhone every few hours helped calls temporarily go through.
5. Use Speakerphone or Bluetooth Devices
It sounds odd, but some people reported that using speakerphone or connecting AirPods helped reduce the number of dropped calls.
6. Contact Your Carrier
One reason why your iPhone can’t make calls may be that there’s a problem with your carrier. For example, your phone contract may be for only a limited amount of minutes per month, and you may have previously set a block on going beyond that limit (so that you’re not charged). As such, you may need to contact your carrier in order to change your monthly limit and/or block.
Much the same goes if you’re using some kind of prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM, which limits calls in terms of how much credit you’ve purchased. Check how much credit you have left, and if you’re fresh out, buy some more if you need to make a call.
The above causes usually prevent you from making calls. However, in rare cases, your SIM can be deactivated or blocked, particularly if you’ve repeatedly failed to pay monthly bills on time. You may therefore have to contact your carrier in order to resolve any issues.
Even if you don’t have any issue with your contract or SIM, it may still be worth contacting your carrier in case there are any network outages. Alternatively, you can check sites such as Downdetector for third-party updates on network statuses.
Some carriers were able to push network resets or updates to individual accounts, which fixed the issue for a few users–especially with AT&T.
7. Install the Latest iOS 26 Update
Some people said the issue disappeared after updating to the latest version of iOS 26, while others said it made no difference or even worsened the problem.
- Head to Settings > General > Software Update. Your phone will then tell you if an update is available.
8. Check for a Carrier Settings Update
Carrier settings updates help your iPhone connect better to your mobile network and enable features like 5G and Wi-Fi Calling. If an update is available, you’ll usually see a prompt–just follow the instructions to install it. It only takes a minute.
To check manually:
- Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- If an update is available, you’ll be prompted to install it.
- Updating these settings can help fix calling issues.
9. Disabled Call Screening
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone. If Screen Incoming Calls is on, any caller who is not in the list of your contacts will be required to provide their name and reason for calling before iPhone rings.
- Turning this setting off can help avoid missing important calls.
10. Disable Send to Voicemail
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone. If Send to Voicemail is on, any number not in your contacts will go straight to voicemail.
- If you choose to keep this setting enabled, make sure Dial Assist is turned on. This helps your iPhone match incoming numbers with contacts correctly.
- Tip: Doctors, banks, and delivery services may not call from their listed numbers. Keeping this setting off can help avoid missing important calls.
- Some users report that toggling this setting off and back on again can resolve call issues.
11. Disabled Move to Unknown Callers
- Go to Settings > Apps > Phone. If Move to Unknown Callers is on, any call from a number not in your contacts will be silenced and moved to Unknown Callers list.
- Turning off Move to Unknown Callers setting can fix iPhone not receiving calls after iOS 26 update issue.
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