8 Ways to Fix iPhone Phone App Not Working

Staying in touch with others is easier now, thanks to our mobile phones. With the tap of a button, we can place and receive calls, regardless of where they are. However, this might become an issue if iPhone’s Phone app is not working. If you’re also facing this issue, this guide is for you. Here’re eight ways to fix it.

From the software of your device that helps in placing the call request to your mobile carrier that helps connect the call, several variables make the Phone app work. This also means that if any of these services glitch, it will prevent iPhone’s Phone app from working properly. So, let’s show you how to fix this issue.

Note: Before proceeding, eject and re-insert the SIM card to ensure it is properly inserted.

1. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your device comes first and foremost when solving any app-related issue. This way, you can turn off and restart all device functions. This can also help you fix temporary issues with the iPhone’s Phone app. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Depending on your device model, follow the below steps to turn off your iPhone.

• For iPhone SE 1st gen, 5s, 5c, and 5: Long-press the top button.
• For iPhone SE 2nd gen onwards, 7, and 8: Long-press the side button.
• For iPhone X and above: Long-press the power and either of the volume buttons simultaneously.

Step 2: Then, hold and drag the slider till the end.

Once your device’s screen turns off, long-press the power button to turn it back on. Then, enter your password and finish restarting the device. Now, open the Phone app and see if it works as expected.

2. Force Close and Restart Phone App

Like restarting your device, you can also turn off and restart certain apps that might be causing issues. Do this if the Phone app keeps freezing on your iPhone. Here’s how.

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or, if available, double-press the Home button.

Step 2: Once the background apps open, press and swipe up on the Phone app.

Now, tap on the Phone app icon again to reopen the app. If the issue persists, continue to the next fix.

3. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

As the name suggests, Airplane Mode helps make your device flight-ready by turning off all communications. Enabling and disabling Airplane Mode can also help you turn your mobile network off and on. This might get the Phone app up and running again, especially if this issue concerns your mobile network. Follow the below steps to do it.

Tip: Check out all the ways you can use and customize iPhone’s Control Center

Step 1: Pull down from the top right corner of your device (or swipe up from the bottom) to open Control Center.

Step 2: Tap on the Airplane icon to enable it.

Step 3: Wait a few seconds and tap on the Airplane icon again to turn it off.

Now, wait for your carrier information to load. Then, open the Phone app and see if it works as expected.

4. Enable Cellular Data and Data Roaming

Mobile Data connects your device to the internet by using your device’s cellular services. In certain instances, turning on Mobile Data has helped fix the issue of the freezing Phone app on iPhone. Additionally, you can also enable Data Roaming to ensure a smooth data experience regardless of your location. Here’s how.

Note: You might incur extra charges when using Data Roaming depending on your mobile plan and location.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Mobile Data/Cellular Data.

Step 2: First, turn on the toggle for Mobile Data/Cellular Data.

Step 3: Once the options appear, tap on Mobile Data Options//Cellular Data Options.

Step 4: Turn on the toggle for Data Roaming.

Now, try opening the Phone app and see if it works as expected. If the Phone app stops responding, crashes, or won’t open on your iPhone, continue to the next fix.

5. Disable DND on iPhone

Do Not Disturb helps keep your calls, notifications, etc., at bay so that you can enjoy some time off. However, this might inadvertently cause the Phone app not to work properly. To fix this, turn off Do Not Disturb on your iPhone. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Pull down from the top-right corner of your device’s screen.

Step 2: Once the Control Center opens, long-press on Focus.

Step 3: Tap on Do Not Disturb to disable it.

Once the Do Not Disturb option turns off, DND will be disabled on your iPhone. This should probably get the Phone app up and running.

6. Check for Carrier Updates

Carrier updates help enhance the quality of service, introduce new features, and keep your cellular services compatible with your device’s software. And while carrier updates are usually automatically installed, you can manually check and install them as well. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2: Here, tap on General.

Step 3: Tap on About.

If a Carrier Settings Update dialogue box appears, tap on Update. Once the updates finish installing, check and see if you can use the Phone app on your iPhone.

7. Check for Software Update

Regular iOS updates help fix most glitches and bugs that caused issues in the previous version. So, if the Phone app has not been working correctly due to a software issue, chances are an update has already been released. To manually check for it, follow the below steps.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on General.

Step 2: Here, tap on Software Update.

Step 3: If an update is available, tap on Download & Install.

Once the update is installed, open the Phone app and check again. If the issue persists, move on to the next method.

Also Read: How to fix iPhone stuck on preparing update

8. Reset Network Settings

If you tried all the aforementioned fixes and the Phone app still doesn’t respond, crashes, or won’t open on your iPhone, resetting your device’s network settings might help. This way, you can fix any network-related issues preventing the Phone app from working.

Note: Doing this will wipe your device’s network-related data like Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, mobile network settings, etc. So, ensure to save your Wi-Fi passwords before following the below steps.

Step 1: Open the iPhone Settings app.

Step 2: Here, tap on General.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.

Step 4: Tap on Reset.

Step 5: Once the options appear, tap Reset Network Settings and enter the iPhone passcode.

This will reset your device’s network settings. Now, try opening the Phone app again and see if it works as expected. This should fix the issue for you.

FAQs for Fixing Phone App Freezing on iPhone

Make Calls Worry-Free

The Phone app on your iPhone not only helps you place calls but also saves and checks contact information. We hope the methods mentioned in this article helped you fix the issue of the iPhone Phone app not working. Do let us know in the comments which fix worked for you!