How to fix iPhone not making calls after iOS 18 update

Key Takeaways:

• A network outage, buggy software, or a damaged SIM card might be stopping your iPhone from making calls after the iOS 18 update.
• To fix an iPhone that won’t make calls after iOS 18 update, check your cell-signal, toggle Airplane Mode, and restart your phone.
• If the above don’t work, update your iPhone, reinsert the SIM, or reset network settings. If nothing help, call your carrier.

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Your iPhone’s main purpose is pretty straightforward—making and receiving calls. But what happens if, after updating to iOS 18, your iPhone stops making calls altogether? Let’s figure out what’s going on and, more importantly, how to fix it.

Why Won’t My iPhone Make Calls After iOS 18 update?

There could be a few things causing the problem: a local network outage, a glitch with your carrier, a corrupt SIM card, or even a software glitch. Since it’s not easy to pinpoint the exact reason, you’ll need to try a few solutions and see what works for you. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Pro tip: If you can’t call one specific person and keep seeing “Call Failed” error, the issue probably lies on their end, not yours. Share this troubleshooting guide with them.

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How to Fix iPhone Not Making Calls After iOS 18 Update issue

Here are some simple steps to troubleshoot the issue. Try them in order and see what works for you.

1. Check the Number (Seriously)

Before you try other fixes in this guide, make sure you’re calling the right number. Maybe you typed it wrong, or your contact got a new number and forgot to tell you. If the number is wrong, you’ll probably notice the call drops off right away or returns a “Call Failed” message. Double-check and try again. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off

If the number isn’t the problem, your next course of action should be to toggle Airplane Mode on and off. This basically forces your iPhone to reset its connection to the network, and it’s so easy to do:

1. Open Settings.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode.
3. Wait a few seconds.
4. Turn Airplane Mode back off.

This simple trick often fixes call related issues!

3. Try calling in a Different location

You could be in a dead zone—basements, tunnels, or even rural areas can interfere with your cell-signal. Check the signal bars at the top-right corner of your screen. Even one bar should be enough to make a call, but if your iPhone says “No Service,” try moving somewhere with better reception and see if that helps.

4. Give Your iPhone a Quick Restart

Sometimes your phone just needs a little break. A restart can refresh its memory and clear out any glitches. Here’s how to do it:

1. Head to Settings.
2. Tap General, then Shut Down.
3. Drag the slider and wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely power off.
4. Press the side button to turn it back on.

5. Update Your Carrier Settings

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your carrier settings, this could be the culprit. Updating them could fix your issue:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General and then About.
3. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to install it. Tap Update and you’re good to go.

6. Make Sure You’re Running the Latest iOS 18 version

If there’s a bug in iOS 18 causing call problems, Apple may have already released a fix. Here’s how to check for updates:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then Software Update.
3. Tap Update Now if an update is available.

7. Reinsert the SIM Card

If you dropped your iPhone recently, the SIM card could’ve shifted. Grab a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) and pop the SIM card out. Reinsert it and see if you can make calls again. If your SIM card is damaged, it might be time to get a replacement from your carrier.

8. Reset Network Settings

If none of the above works, resetting your network settings might do the trick. Please note that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Select Reset, then choose Reset Network Settings.

9. Check with Your Carrier

If nothing helps, check with your carrier. Maybe you’ve depleted your call minutes, or your prepaid balance has run out. It’s also worth checking if there’s an outage in your area. Sites like Downdetector can help you with this.

Can’t make outgoing calls still? If none of these steps work, it might be time to reach out to your carrier or Apple Support to get to the bottom of things.