How to Fix Android Phone Stuck on “Emergency Calls Only” Issue

Quick Tips

• Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > three-dot icon > Show system > SIM Toolkit > Force stop > Storage and cache > Clear cache.
• Open Network and internet Settings > Internet > mobile network settings > enable the Allow 2G toggle.
• Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators > turn off Select automatically toggle > select the mobile network.

Why Does Your Android Phone Say “Emergency Calls Only”?

Before we get started on fixing this issue, let us have a brief look at why this error might be occurring on your Android phone.

• The area you’re currently in has poor network connectivity.
• Your network provider is currently facing a temporary outage, causing issues when placing calls.
• Your mobile plan might have expired or become inactive.
• A temporary device or software glitch might be causing your phone to show “Emergency calls only”.
• The currently selected network provider is incorrect, causing your phone to not connect to your network.
• Insufficient network speeds are causing your phone to not connect to active 5G networks.
• Issues with the SIM Toolkit app is causing your Android phone to go into the “Emergency calls only” mode.

Basic Fixes:

• Ensure your mobile plan is active: If your mobile service provider has suspended calling and messaging services for your phone, you might not be able to receive or make calls from your Android phone. So, check and ensure your mobile plan is active.
• Enable and disable Airplane Mode: Airplane Mode helps disable all radio communications on your phone, effectively rebooting all the network connections. To do this, enable Airplane Mode and wait a while. Disable it and, once the network bars are visible, try making a call to check.
• Re-insert the SIM: Use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card from the phone. Wait for a few seconds and restart your phone. Reinsert the SIM in its place. After a minute or two, your phone should latch on to an appropriate network, and you can start making calls.
• Check for software updates: If the “Emergency calls only” error is due to a network bug, installing the latest software updates might help fix it. You can open the Settings app and check if your phone is up-to-date.

Fix 1: Force Stop and Clear Cache SIM Toolkit

SIM Toolkit is a system app that handles your phone SIM. If it’s acting up, your phone may get stuck on an emergency calls only error. It’s time to force stop it and clear the cache from the Settings menu. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Tap on See all apps.

Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu icon and select Show system. Tap on SIM Toolkit.

Step 3: Tap on Force stop. Then, tap Storage and cache and select Clear cache.

Fix 2: Enable Data Roaming

You can enable data roaming and enjoy flawless calling functionality on your Android phone. This can help ensure your calls don’t get restricted when you’re traveling. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and select Network and internet. Tap Internet.

Step 2: Select mobile network settings and enable the Roaming toggle.

Fix 3: Allow 2G

While 2G is less secure, it may improve your connection in some locations. Here’s how to enable the option on your Android phone.

Step 1: Open Settings and select Network and internet. Tap Internet.

Step 2: Select mobile network settings and enable the Allow 2G toggle.

Fix 4: Change the Network Mode

While the 5G mobile network sounds exciting with blazing-fast speeds, it’s often unreliable. You have the option to change the network mode on your Android phone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Connections. Select Mobile networks.

Step 2: Tap on Network mode and select 2G only or 3G only.

Also Read: How to fix “Cellular network not available for voice calls” error on your phone

Fix 5: Manually Select the Network Operator

If your phone is unable to connect to the right network operator, it might cause your calls to not go through. To fix this, manually select the relevant network operator from the settings menu using the below steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Connections. Tap on Mobile networks.

Step 2: Tap on Network operators and turn off the toggle for Select automatically.

Once the list of network operators is available, select the relevant one. Wait for the network bars to stabilize and try placing a call to check.

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

Some Android-based phone makers offer an option to reset network settings. Samsung is one example that allows users to reset network settings on Galaxy phones. Resetting network settings doesn’t delete personal data and only clears the network settings. Use the steps below to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and search for Reset network settings.

Step 2: Tap on the search suggestion and tap on Reset network settings.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process. Once done, restart your Android phone and wait for the network bars to appear. Then, try placing a call to check if the issue has been resolved.