Solved: How to fix Cellular Network Not Available For Phone Calls error?

A rising issue for smartphone users is the frustrating “cellular network not available for voice call” error. Imagine being unable to connect during an important call due to your phone refusing to latch onto cellular towers. This problem affects both Android and iOS devices.

This error points to issues with your cellular service, software, or possibly hardware glitches. It’s a hot topic online, with users desperately seeking solutions.

Understanding the Error

This error disrupts phone calls, stemming from SIM carrier issues, software glitches, or hardware problems. It blocks connection to your SIM card’s cell tower, caused by factors like network range or carrier outages.

Causes of the Error

• Limited Coverage: Remote areas or obstacles can cut off cellular signals.
• Region-Wide Outage: Check for carrier outages in your area.
• Network Detection Issues: Even with networks available, this error occurs.
• Hardware or SIM Card Problems: Damage or faulty SIM cards might be the culprit.
• Software or Configuration Issues: Incorrect settings can trigger the error.

Once you identify the cause, take steps to fix it. These solutions apply across carriers and various phone brands and models.

To fix this issue, start by checking your cellular network:

Solution 1: Assess Cellular Network Availability

Inspect Network Icon: Look at the cellular network icon on your device’s Status bar. If it shows stable networks, proceed to troubleshooting. No Networks Available: Weak or no signal indicates a network issue, often requiring your service provider’s intervention. Wait for network restoration.

Verifying network availability is crucial for a reliable voice call connection.

Solution 2: Check Area Network Coverage

To resolve the error, assess your network coverage:

1. Signal Strength: Check your phone’s signal bar. Low signal may cause call issues.
2. Carrier Coverage: Confirm if your carrier covers your area for calls.
3. Reboot Phone: Try a restart to potentially improve the connection.
4. Network Maintenance: Temporary disruptions due to tower maintenance might occur. Wait an hour for it to resolve.

Knowing your coverage helps find alternatives or consider a carrier with better regional coverage.

Solution 3: Check Carrier’s Coverage Map

Ensure your area is covered by your carrier:

1. Carrier’s Map: Access your carrier’s coverage map online to check if you’re within their coverage.
2. Google Search: Quick access via Google for carrier coverage maps like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile.

Checking the map helps plan for better network reception or explore alternative communication options if you’re in an uncovered area.

Solution 4: Check Mobile Network Maintenance

To confirm if maintenance affects your connection:

1. Social Media: Check your carrier’s Twitter or Facebook for updates on maintenance or outages.
2. Downdetector: Visit Downdetector’s website to track reported network issues for your carrier.

Staying informed helps manage expectations during maintenance, allowing you to wait it out or use Wi-Fi for communication during the outage.

Solution 5: Check Mobile Plan Status

To resolve billing-related issues:

1. Payment Status: Ensure your phone plan payments are up to date. Overdue bills might cause this error.
2. Renew Your Plan: Contact your carrier or use their online platform to make payments and renew your plan.

Maintaining a current and paid-up plan prevents service disruptions like the inability to make voice calls.

Solution 6: Check SIM Card Status

To investigate SIM-related issues:

1. Contact Provider: Reach out to your service provider’s customer support using their helpline numbers.
   • AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
   • Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
   • T-Mobile: 1-800-937-8997
2. Report the Issue: Explain the problem and ask if there are any restrictions on your account or ongoing outages.
3. Tax or Regulatory Compliance: Some regions require specific taxes or compliance for cellular services. Test by using your SIM card in a different phone.

If there are no blockages or compliance issues, continue with troubleshooting.

Solution 7: Disable Airplane Mode

Ensure Airplane Mode isn’t causing connectivity issues:

1. Go to your smartphone’s Home screen.
2. Swipe down from the top to access Quick Settings.
3. Look for the airplane silhouette icon.
4. If it’s highlighted, tap to turn off Airplane Mode. Wait for network reconnection.

Disabling Airplane Mode should restore network connectivity. If the error persists, proceed with further troubleshooting.

Solution 8: Enable Data Roaming

To enable Data Roaming on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app from the Home screen or App Drawer.
2. Look for “Mobile Network” or “Network & Internet” in the Settings menu.
3. Tap on your phone number or SIM card within the Mobile Network settings.
4. Find and switch on “Data Roaming.”
5. After changing settings, restart your smartphone for them to take effect.

Enabling Data Roaming allows your phone to connect to other networks, helpful when in areas with weak coverage or while traveling. If this resolves the issue, great. If not, continue troubleshooting.

Solution 9: Auto-Select Network Operator

For most Android devices, here’s how to enable auto-selection:

1. Open the Settings app from the Home screen or App Drawer.
2. Look for “Mobile Network” or “Network & Internet” in Settings.
3. Tap your phone number or SIM card in Mobile Network settings.
4. Find “Operator” or “Network Operator” and tap it.
5. Toggle on “Auto-Select” or “Select automatically.”

Enabling this setting lets your SIM automatically connect to the best nearby network. This might resolve the error, especially in areas with multiple network options. After making changes, consider restarting your phone for the settings to apply.

Solution 10: Switch to “Automatic” Network Selection

For Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap “Network & internet.”
3. Under “Calls & SMS,” select “Calls.”
4. Choose “Ask every time” for preferred network.

For iOS (iPhone):

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap “Mobile Data” or “Cellular.”
3. Select “Network Selection.”
4. Toggle on “Automatic” for network selection.

Setting to “Automatic” allows your phone to pick the right network for calls, especially helpful with dual SIMs or network selection issues. If “Automatic” isn’t available, choose “Ask every time” for manual selection when needed.

Solution 11: Check Verizon APN Settings

For Verizon users experiencing network issues, update APN settings:

1. Open Settings on your smartphone.
2. Find “Network & internet” or similar.
3. Tap “Mobile network” or “Cellular.”
4. Look for “Access Point Names” or “APN” and select it.
5. Edit existing Verizon APN or add a new one with these values:
   • Name: Verizon
   • APN: internet
   • Proxy, Port, Username, Password, Server: Not set
   • MMSC: http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms
   • MMS proxy: Not set
   • MMS port: 80
   • MCC: 310
   • MNC: 012
   • Authentication type, APN type, Bearer: Not set
   • APN Protocol: Default
6. Save changes and restart your phone.

Verifying or updating these settings may resolve network availability issues for Verizon voice calls.

Solution 12: Install OS Software Updates

For iPhone (iOS):

1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update’s available, select Download and Install.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > “About device” or “About phone.”
2. Find “Software update” or similar under “System.”
3. Select “Check for updates” and follow prompts to install.

Installing OS updates resolves bugs and enhances performance, potentially fixing network-related issues like the “cellular network not available for voice calls” error. Restart your phone after updating for changes to take effect. If updates aren’t immediately found, try restarting without the SIM card and using Wi-Fi to check again. Re-insert the SIM card after updating.

Solution 13: Remove and Re-Insert SIM Card

To ensure proper network connectivity:

1. Find the SIM card tray using a pin or tool.
2. Gently eject the tray and remove it.
3. Clean the SIM card and tray from debris.
4. Check the tray and phone slot for obstructions.
5. Reinsert the SIM card securely into the tray.
6. Slide the tray back in until it clicks.
7. Restart your phone to check for changes.

Reseating your SIM card can fix network connection issues. If the error persists, contact your service provider for further assistance.

Solution 14: Check for SIM Card Damage

1. Eject the SIM card and inspect it for damage like scratches or cracks.
2. Gently clean any dirt using a soft, lint-free cloth.
3. If possible, test your phone with a known-good SIM card from the same carrier.
4. Restart your phone to check for network connection.
5. If the issue persists with another SIM, contact your carrier for a replacement.

This process helps identify SIM card damage as a potential cause and guides you in getting a replacement to resolve the issue.

Solution 15: Restart Your Phone

Restarting your phone can resolve network issues:

For iPhone:

1. Hold the power button.
2. Swipe the slider to power off.
3. Hold the power button to restart.

For Android (Samsung example):

1. Hold the power button.
2. Choose “Restart” or “Reboot.”
3. Wait for the phone to restart.

After the restart, check if the error persists. Restarting often clears temporary glitches affecting network connectivity. If the problem remains, explore additional solutions.

Solution 16: Power Cycle Your Phone

Performing a power cycle can reset your phone’s connection with the network provider. Here’s how:

1. Power off your phone using the power button.
2. If possible, remove the battery and SIM card.
3. Wait for 2-3 minutes.
4. Reinsert the SIM card and battery.
5. Power on your phone.

This process can resolve network-related glitches. After the power cycle, check if the error persists. If it does, continue with additional troubleshooting steps.

Solution 17: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your phone’s network settings might resolve the “cellular network not available for voice calls” issue. Here’s a general guide:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Look for the “System” or “General Management” section.
3. Find and tap on “Reset.”
4. Look for an option to reset network settings.
5. Confirm and proceed with the reset.
6. Restart your phone.

This process clears network configurations, potentially fixing the issue. After resetting, check if the error persists. If it does, you might need further assistance from your carrier or more advanced troubleshooting steps.

Solution 18: Perform a Factory Reset (Use with Caution)

If you’ve tried everything and still see the “cellular network not available for voice calls” error, a factory reset might help, but be cautious—it erases all your phone’s data. Before starting, back up important info.

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset.
2. Look for “Factory Reset” or “Erase all data” and select it.
3. Confirm the reset; you might need a PIN or password.
4. Your phone will erase everything and restart.
5. Afterward, set up your phone like new, including Wi-Fi and Google account.

Remember, a factory reset should be your last option. It erases everything, so back up your data first. If the error persists, contact your carrier or get professional help.

Solution 19: Contact your Carrier Network Provider for Support

Contacting your carrier is your next step if previous fixes haven’t resolved the “cellular network not available for voice calls” issue. Here’s how:

1. Carrier’s Website: Head to your carrier’s official site and look for their support or contact section.
2. Live Chat: Check if they offer live chat support for immediate assistance.
3. Customer Support Helpline: Dial your carrier’s support number to speak with a representative.
4. In-Person Visit: If possible, visit a physical store for face-to-face help.

When you contact them, explain the issue, what you’ve done so far, and any account/device details. They’ll guide you through more troubleshooting or address network-specific problems. They can also check for area outages or account configurations causing the issue.

Your carrier’s support team is there to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with network-related issues.

Solution 20: Hardware Solutions for ‘Mobile Network Not Available’

If software fixes haven’t resolved the “mobile network not available” issue, hardware might be the culprit. Consider these hardware solutions:

1. Antenna Switch: Faulty switch? Replace or repair it.
2. PFO Issues: Trouble detecting your home network? Check the Power Amplifier and Frequency Oscillator (PFO). Repair or replace it.
3. Network Disconnects: Network drops during calls? It could be the Network IC. Try repairing or replacing it. Clean antenna connections too.
4. 26 MHz Crystal Oscillator: Still seeing the error? Heat or replace this component.
5. Jumper for Antenna Switch: Use a jumper to bypass a faulty switch if you can’t replace it.
6. IC Repairs: For components like PFO, Network IC, Power IC, and CPU, consider re-soldering or replacing these integrated circuits if needed.

Remember, hardware fixes should be done by pros or those familiar with phone hardware. Doing it yourself, without know-how or tools, can cause more harm. If unsure, seek help from a qualified technician or repair service. Also, back up data and check your device’s warranty before attempting any fixes, as self-repairs might void the warranty.

Solution 21: Seek Professional Hardware Inspection

If you’ve exhausted software and hardware fixes for the “mobile network not available” error, consider these steps:

1. Expert Inspection: Visit a qualified hardware professional or certified technician. They have the expertise and tools for in-depth hardware diagnosis and repairs.
2. Carrier Advice: If advised by your carrier’s support team, visit their recommended service center or technician for inspection.
3. Independent Repair: Find reputable independent repair services specializing in smartphone hardware.
4. Warranty Check: Verify your device’s warranty status before attempting any DIY repairs. Non-authorized repairs might void the warranty.
5. Data Backup: Backup important data before any repair attempts to prevent potential data loss.
6. Cost Consideration: Be ready for repair costs, especially if out of warranty or if the issue isn’t covered.

Remember, complex hardware issues need expert attention. DIY attempts without expertise can worsen problems. Seeking professional help is usually the safest solution.

Conclusion

If software and hardware fixes haven’t solved the “mobile network not available” issue, seeking professional assistance is crucial. Whether it’s Samsung, Huawei, AT&T, Verizon, Sony, T-Mobile, Motorola, HTC, Xiaomi, Apple, or any other brand, these tips generally apply.

If your carrier suggests in-person inspection, there might be a significant issue needing expert attention. Be it an official service center or a reputable technician, professional repair is often the most effective.

Check warranties, back up data, and be aware of potential repair costs. Professional inspections can resolve complex network issues, ensuring your phone’s full functionality.

Read more

• Why Can’t I Make Calls After Traveling?
• What’s the Best Way to Make Emergency Calls If I Encounter This Error?
• What Should I Do If the Issue Is with the Cell Towers and Not My Phone?