How to Fix Phone Not Ringing: Causes, Fixes & Guide

Introduction

Is your phone not ringing when someone calls? This is one of the most common smartphone problems we diagnose at our repair centres – and in most cases, it’s caused by a simple settings issue that takes less than 5 minutes to fix.

After repairing over 2,000 smartphones across the UK, our senior technician has identified the exact causes behind this problem and put together this step-by-step guide to help you fix it yourself – without spending money on unnecessary repairs.

Whether you use an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another Android device, this guide covers every possible cause – from Silent Mode and Do Not Disturb settings to Bluetooth conflicts, SIM card issues, and hardware faults.

Quick Answer: Why Is My Phone Not Ringing?

If your phone is not ringing when someone calls, the most common causes include:

• Silent mode enabled
• Do Not Disturb activated
• Ringtone volume turned down
• Bluetooth devices connected
• Airplane mode enabled
• Software glitches
• Damaged phone speaker
• Call forwarding settings
• Network or SIM card issues
• Third-party app conflicts

Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved in just a few minutes.

Common Reasons a Phone Is Not Ringing

If your phone is not ringing during incoming calls, several different factors could be responsible. Some issues can be fixed within seconds, while others may require more advanced troubleshooting or professional repair. The table below highlights the most common causes of phone ringing problems, along with the difficulty level and typical time needed to resolve them.

Cause	Difficulty Level	Typical Fix Time
Silent Mode Enabled	Easy	1 Minute
Do Not Disturb Mode Active	Easy	1 Minute
Low Ringtone Volume	Easy	1 Minute
Bluetooth Device Connected	Easy	2 Minutes
Airplane Mode Enabled	Easy	1 Minute
SIM Card or Network Issue	Medium	5 Minutes
Incorrect Call Settings	Medium	5 Minutes
Software Glitch or Bug	Medium	10 Minutes
Damaged Phone Speaker	Difficult	Professional Repair Required
Water Damage or Hardware Fault	Difficult	Professional Diagnosis Required

Signs Your Phone Has a Ringing Problem

Before troubleshooting, it helps to identify exactly how the issue is occurring.

Common symptoms include:

• Incoming calls appear on screen but no ringtone plays
• Phone only vibrates during calls
• Certain contacts cannot trigger a ringtone
• Notification sounds work but calls remain silent
• Calls go directly to voicemail
• Ringtone sounds distorted or unusually quiet
• Phone rings intermittently
• No sound comes from the speaker during incoming calls

Understanding these symptoms can help narrow down the root cause much faster.

1. Check Whether Your Phone Is in Silent Mode

One of the simplest explanations is also one of the most overlooked.

Modern smartphones allow users to quickly switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. It is surprisingly easy to activate silent mode accidentally while carrying your phone in a pocket or bag.

For iPhone Users

Most iPhones include a physical Ring/Silent switch on the side of the device.

To check:

1. Locate the switch above the volume buttons.
2. If you see an orange indicator, silent mode is active.
3. Move the switch toward the display.
4. Test incoming calls.

For Android Users

Android devices use software controls instead of a physical switch.

To verify:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Sound & Vibration.
3. Ensure Ring Mode is selected.
4. Disable Vibrate or Silent settings.

Many users discover that their phone simply switched into silent mode without them noticing.

2. Increase Your Ringtone Volume

Another extremely common cause is ringtone volume being set too low.

Many smartphone users accidentally reduce ringtone volume while adjusting media playback or notification settings.

How to Check Ringtone Volume

On iPhone

• Open Settings
• Tap Sounds & Haptics
• Locate Ringtone and Alerts
• Move the slider to increase volume

On Android

• Open Settings
• Select Sound & Vibration
• Tap Volume
• Increase Ring Volume

Once adjusted, ask someone to call your number to verify whether the ringtone is now audible.

Why This Happens

Some phones separate:

• Media volume
• Notification volume
• Alarm volume
• Ring volume

Users often increase media volume while leaving ring volume muted.

3. Turn Off Do Not Disturb Mode

Do Not Disturb (DND) is designed to silence calls, alerts, notifications, and messages. Many users enable it temporarily and later forget that it remains active.

How to Disable Do Not Disturb on iPhone

1. Open Settings
2. Select Focus
3. Tap Do Not Disturb
4. Turn the feature off

How to Disable Do Not Disturb on Android

1. Open Settings
2. Select Notifications
3. Tap Do Not Disturb
4. Disable the setting

Check Scheduled DND Settings

Many phones automatically activate Do Not Disturb during:

• Night-time hours
• Work schedules
• Driving mode
• Sleep mode

Review your schedules carefully to ensure calls are not being silenced automatically.

4. Disconnect Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth accessories can redirect incoming call audio away from your phone.

If your smartphone is connected to:

• Wireless earbuds
• Bluetooth headphones
• Smart speakers
• Vehicle infotainment systems

your ringtone may be playing through that device instead of the phone speaker.

How to Check Bluetooth Connections

1. Open Bluetooth Settings
2. Review connected devices
3. Disconnect active accessories
4. Call your phone from another number

If the ringtone returns, the Bluetooth connection was likely causing the issue.

5. Restart Your Smartphone

Restarting your device remains one of the most effective troubleshooting methods for smartphone issues.

Temporary software bugs can affect:

• Audio services
• Notification systems
• Call handling processes
• Background applications

A simple restart clears temporary system errors and often restores normal functionality.

How to Restart Your Phone

iPhone

• Press and hold the side button and volume button
• Slide to power off
• Wait 30 seconds
• Turn the device back on

Android

• Hold the power button
• Tap Restart
• Wait for the phone to reboot

If your phone has recently shown other unusual behaviour, such as charging problems, our guide on Why Is My Phone Not Charging? Common Causes, Fixes, and iExpert Repairs Guide may help identify related software issues.

6. Check Airplane Mode Settings

Airplane Mode disables your phone’s ability to connect to mobile networks. While this feature is useful during flights, accidentally enabling it can prevent incoming calls from reaching your device.

How to Check Airplane Mode

On iPhone

1. Open Control Center.
2. Look for the airplane icon.
3. If highlighted, tap it to disable Airplane Mode.

On Android

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
2. Locate the Airplane Mode icon.
3. Turn it off if enabled.

After disabling Airplane Mode, wait a few moments for your phone to reconnect to the network and then test incoming calls.

7. Inspect SIM Card and Mobile Network Connection

Your smartphone relies on a stable network connection to receive calls. If your SIM card is damaged, loose, or experiencing network registration issues, your phone may not ring when someone tries to contact you.

Signs of SIM or Network Problems

• Calls go straight to voicemail
• No signal bars displayed
• Frequent network disconnections
• “No Service” message appears
• Incoming calls fail intermittently

Basic SIM Troubleshooting

• Power off your device
• Remove the SIM card
• Check for dirt or visible damage
• Reinsert the SIM correctly
• Restart the phone

If network problems continue, contact your mobile provider for further assistance.

Related Reading

If your device has recently suffered liquid exposure, network-related problems can sometimes develop alongside other hardware faults. Our Water Damaged Phone Repair – What To Do and How To Fix It guide explains the warning signs to watch for.

8. Check for Blocked Numbers and Call Settings

Many smartphones allow users to block specific contacts or filter suspected spam calls. In some cases, legitimate callers may accidentally be added to blocked lists.

Review Blocked Contacts

Check your settings for:

• Blocked numbers
• Call screening features
• Spam protection filters
• Contact-specific notification settings

Removing incorrect restrictions may immediately restore normal incoming call alerts.

Call Forwarding Issues

If call forwarding has been enabled, incoming calls may be redirected to another number before your phone has a chance to ring.

Verify that:

• Call forwarding is disabled
• Conditional forwarding settings are correct
• Voicemail forwarding is functioning properly

9. Update Your Phone Software

Software updates frequently include bug fixes that resolve call, notification, and audio-related issues.

Using outdated software may cause:

• Incoming call glitches
• Notification failures
• Audio service errors
• Network communication problems

How to Check for Updates

iPhone

• Settings
• General
• Software Update

Android

• Settings
• System
• Software Update

Installing the latest updates can often resolve ringing problems without additional troubleshooting.

10. Check for Third-Party App Conflicts

Certain applications can interfere with your phone’s ability to handle calls and notifications correctly.

Apps that commonly cause issues include:

• Call blockers
• Battery-saving apps
• Security software
• Notification management tools
• Device optimization applications

What to Do

If the problem started after installing a new app:

1. Uninstall the app.
2. Restart your phone.
3. Test incoming calls.

You can also boot your device into Safe Mode to determine whether a third-party application is responsible.

11. Test the Phone Speaker

If all settings appear correct but no ringtone is audible, the problem may involve the speaker itself.

Speaker failures are more common than many users realise and can occur due to:

• Accidental drops
• Water damage
• Dust accumulation
• Internal component failure
• Long-term wear

Signs of Speaker Damage

• No ringtone sound
• Distorted audio
• Crackling noises
• Low call volume
• Speakerphone issues

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may benefit from reading our How to Fix Phone Speaker Issues: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide for more detailed diagnostics.

Quick Speaker Test

Try:

• Playing music
• Watching a video
• Using speakerphone during calls

If all audio functions are affected, professional speaker repair may be necessary.

12. Perform a Factory Reset

If you have exhausted every troubleshooting option and your phone still does not ring, a factory reset may resolve deep software corruption.

Before You Reset

Always back up:

• Photos
• Videos
• Contacts
• Messages
• Documents
• App data

Why Factory Resets Work

A factory reset removes:

• Corrupted settings
• Software conflicts
• Persistent system bugs
• Misconfigured applications

However, because it erases all user data, it should only be attempted after all other solutions have failed.

13. How to Fix Phone Not Ringing on iPhone

At iExpert Repairs, we regularly help customers whose iPhones fail to ring during incoming calls. In our experience, the most common causes include Silent Mode being enabled, Focus or Do Not Disturb settings, low ringtone volume, Bluetooth connections, and software-related issues.

Start by checking the Ring/Silent switch on the side of your iPhone. If the orange indicator is visible, silent mode is active. Next, go to Settings > Focus and ensure that no Focus Mode is blocking incoming call alerts. You should also verify your ringtone volume under Settings > Sounds & Haptics and disconnect any Bluetooth devices that may be redirecting audio.

If your iPhone is still not ringing, install the latest iOS updates and restart the device. Based on our repair experience, persistent ringing issues that remain after troubleshooting may indicate speaker damage, water-related audio faults, or internal hardware problems that require professional diagnosis.

14. How to Fix Phone Not Ringing on Android

Android phone ringing problems are among the most common issues our technicians diagnose. Whether you own a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, or another Android device, the cause is often related to sound settings, software conflicts, network issues, or audio hardware faults.

Begin by checking whether Silent Mode, Vibrate Mode, or Do Not Disturb settings are enabled. Then open Settings > Sound & Vibration and confirm that ringtone volume is turned up and Ring Mode is selected. You should also disconnect Bluetooth accessories, review blocked number settings, and ensure Airplane Mode is turned off.

If your Android phone is not ringing after completing these checks, restart the device and install any available software updates. From our experience repairing smartphones, unresolved ringing issues are often linked to faulty speakers, water damage, SIM card problems, or motherboard-related faults. Professional diagnostics can help identify the exact cause and prevent unnecessary repairs.

15. When a Phone Not Ringing Problem Indicates Hardware Damage?

Sometimes the issue extends beyond software settings. Professional diagnostics may reveal faults involving:

• Internal speakers
• Audio IC chips
• Motherboard components
• Charging circuits
• Water damage corrosion
• Power management systems

If your phone is also experiencing charging issues, overheating, or touch-screen problems, these symptoms may indicate a deeper hardware fault.

You may also find these guides helpful:

16. Why Choose iExpert Repairs?

At iExpert Repairs, we help customers across the UK diagnose and repair a wide range of smartphone faults, including incoming call and audio problems.

Our technicians regularly repair:

• iPhone repairs
• Samsung Galaxy repair
• Google Pixel phone repairs
• Huawei smartphones
• iPad repairs
• Tablet repairs

Our Repair Services Include

• Speaker replacement
• Audio diagnostics
• Water damage assessment
• Software troubleshooting
• Battery replacement
• Charging port repairs
• Device health checks

Whether the issue is caused by a faulty speaker, damaged motherboard component, or software malfunction, our experienced technicians can identify the problem quickly and recommend the most effective solution.

17. What Our Technicians Commonly Find

After diagnosing hundreds of “phone not ringing” cases at our UK repair centres, here is what we actually find:

Root Cause	% of Cases	DIY Fix?	Avg Fix Time
Silent Mode / DND / Volume	45%	✅ Yes	Under 2 min
Bluetooth audio redirect	15%	✅ Yes	Under 2 min
Software bug or glitch	10%	✅ Yes	5–10 min
SIM / Network issue	10%	⚠️ Sometimes	5–15 min
Third-party app conflict	5%	✅ Yes	10–15 min
Speaker hardware damage	25%	❌ No	Professional repair
Water damage (audio circuit)	15%	❌ No	Professional repair
Motherboard / IC fault	5%	❌ No	Professional repair

---

Key finding: 7 out of 10 phones that come to us with a “not ringing” complaint are fixed completely free – just by adjusting settings.

The remaining 3 in 10 require professional repair, most commonly due to speaker damage or water corrosion that developed silently over time.

James Mitchell, Senior Technician: “Most people assume their phone is broken. In reality, the majority of ringing problems are settings issues that take less than 2 minutes to fix. Always check Silent Mode and Bluetooth first.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my phone not ringing even though the volume is turned up?

If your ringtone volume is already set to maximum, the problem may be caused by Silent Mode, Do Not Disturb settings, Bluetooth devices, call forwarding, software glitches, or a faulty speaker. It is important to check all sound-related settings before assuming there is a hardware problem.

2. Why does my phone vibrate but not ring?

This usually happens when the device is set to Vibrate Only mode. Some smartphones automatically switch to vibration mode through Focus Modes, scheduled Do Not Disturb settings, or custom sound profiles. Checking your sound settings can often resolve the issue quickly.

3. Can a damaged phone speaker stop my ringtone from working?

Yes. A damaged speaker can prevent your phone from playing ringtones, notifications, alarms, videos, and speakerphone audio. If multiple sound functions are affected, the speaker may require professional repair or replacement.

4. Why do incoming calls go straight to voicemail without ringing?

Calls may go directly to voicemail if your phone has no network signal, Airplane Mode is enabled, Do Not Disturb is active, call forwarding is configured incorrectly, or your carrier is experiencing network issues.

5. Can Bluetooth headphones stop my phone from ringing?

Yes. When Bluetooth devices are connected, incoming call audio may be routed through wireless headphones, earbuds, speakers, or your vehicle’s infotainment system. Disconnecting Bluetooth accessories can help determine whether they are causing the issue.

6. Why is my iPhone not ringing when someone calls?

Common reasons include the Ring/Silent switch being enabled, Focus Mode settings, low ringtone volume, Bluetooth connections, software bugs, or speaker damage. Reviewing these settings often resolves the problem.

7. Why is my Android phone not ringing?

Android phones may stop ringing because of Silent Mode, Do Not Disturb settings, app conflicts, notification restrictions, Bluetooth devices, or operating system glitches. A full settings review can help identify the cause.

8. Can software updates fix phone ringing problems?

Yes. Software updates frequently include bug fixes that address issues affecting calls, notifications, audio services, and network communication. Installing the latest operating system version is always recommended.

9. How do I know if a third-party app is causing my phone not to ring?

If the problem started after installing a new application, the app may be interfering with notifications or call settings. Booting the device into Safe Mode can help determine whether a third-party application is responsible.

10. Can water damage affect my phone’s ringtone?

Yes. Water damage can impact speakers, microphones, audio circuits, and motherboard components. Even if the phone appears functional, hidden corrosion may cause sound-related issues over time.

11. Why does my phone ring for some contacts but not others?

Certain contacts may have custom ringtone settings, notification preferences, call screening restrictions, or may accidentally be blocked. Reviewing contact-specific settings can often solve the problem.

12. Can a faulty SIM card stop my phone from ringing?

A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can prevent your device from connecting correctly to the mobile network. This may result in missed calls, poor signal strength, or calls going directly to voicemail.

13. Why is my phone not ringing after a software update?

Although updates are designed to improve performance, occasional software bugs can cause unexpected issues. Restarting the device, checking sound settings, and installing any available patches may resolve the problem.

14. Does Airplane Mode stop incoming calls?

Yes. Airplane Mode disables cellular communication, preventing your phone from receiving calls, text messages, and mobile data connections until the feature is turned off.

15. Can low battery mode affect my ringtone?

In most cases, Low Power Mode does not disable ringtones. However, some battery-saving applications and aggressive power management settings may interfere with notifications and call alerts.

16. Should I factory reset my phone if it is not ringing?

A factory reset should only be considered after all other troubleshooting methods have failed. Since this process erases all data and settings, backing up important files beforehand is essential.

17. How can I test whether my phone speaker is working?

You can test your speaker by playing music, watching videos, using speakerphone during calls, or listening to notification sounds. If no audio is heard, the speaker may be damaged.

18. Can overheating cause a phone not to ring?

Yes. Excessive heat can affect smartphone performance, including audio systems and background processes. Severe overheating may also indicate deeper hardware issues requiring professional attention.

19. When should I seek professional phone repair?

If you have checked all settings, updated the software, tested the speaker, verified the SIM card, and restarted the device without success, professional diagnostics are recommended. Hardware faults often require specialist tools and expertise to identify accurately.

20. How can iExpert Repairs help with phone not ringing issues?

iExpert Repairs provides professional diagnostics and repair services for a wide range of smartphone problems, including speaker failures, audio faults, software issues, water damage, charging problems, and motherboard repairs. Our technicians can quickly identify the root cause and recommend the most effective solution.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to fix phone not ringing issues starts with identifying the underlying cause. In many cases, simple troubleshooting steps such as checking ringtone settings, disabling Do Not Disturb mode, disconnecting Bluetooth devices, reviewing network settings, or updating your software can restore normal call alerts within minutes.

However, if your phone continues to miss calls after trying all recommended solutions, the issue may be related to speaker failure, SIM card problems, software corruption, water damage, or more complex hardware faults. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to additional performance issues and may result in more expensive repairs if left unresolved.

Regular maintenance, software updates, and prompt attention to audio-related problems can help keep your device operating reliably and ensure you never miss important calls from family, friends, customers, or colleagues.

Get Your Phone Ringing Again with iExpert Repairs

If you have followed every troubleshooting step in this guide and your phone still is not ringing, professional diagnostics may be the fastest and most cost-effective solution.

At iExpert Repairs, our experienced technicians specialise in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of smartphone issues, including:

• Speaker and audio system faults
• Software and notification problems
• Water-damaged devices
• SIM and network-related issues
• Motherboard-level repairs
• Battery and charging faults

We repair all major smartphone brands, including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, and many others. Using professional diagnostic tools and years of hands-on repair experience, our team can accurately identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most effective repair solution.

Whether your device requires a simple software fix or an advanced hardware repair, iExpert Repairs is committed to providing expert advice, transparent pricing, and high-quality workmanship.

Book your repair today or contact the iExpert Repairs team for a professional diagnosis and reliable smartphone repair service anywhere in the UK.

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