Introduction
Missed calls are more than just annoying – they can mean losing important opportunities in both your professional and personal life. Unfortunately, many smartphone owners will occasionally encounter the dreaded problem of a phone that suddenly stops receiving incoming call alerts and cannot be reached by any number.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 97% of smartphone owners say they use their phone to make/receive calls, with 92% considering this an "important" function. With our increased reliance on mobile devices for communication, a phone that isn‘t reliably receiving calls can feel catastrophic.
If you‘re a Verizon customer experiencing this issue, don‘t panic! As a leading wireless carrier with over 142 million subscribers, Verizon has a wealth of resources available to help you start troubleshooting right away. I‘ll walk you through the most common reasons a Verizon handset may stop getting calls and the step-by-step solutions you can try to get your phone ringing again.
Understanding Why Your Verizon Phone May Not Receive Calls
Pinpointing the exact cause of missed calls can be tricky, as the issue may originate from different sources such as the device itself, your account/service status, or even the Verizon network. Let‘s investigate the typical culprits:
Software Malfunctions
By far the most common factor behind a phone not receiving calls is a software glitch. Whether due to a botched update, application conflict, or random bug, software issues can arise suddenly and wreak havoc on a phone‘s ability to function normally.
Operating system errors and app crashes were ranked as the "most prevalent" smartphone problem in a 2022 survey of U.S. smartphone users conducted by market research firm Statista. These software troubles often prevent a phone from registering on the cellular network correctly and notifying you of incoming calls.
Network Outages and Service Disruptions
Although Verizon has been named the most reliable U.S. wireless network in RootMetrics‘ biannual network performance report for 17 consecutive periods, that doesn‘t guarantee 100% uptime. Occasional service outages can occur in any area for various reasons like severe weather, equipment failure, or even network upgrades.
When the local Verizon network experiences problems, you may see your phone stuck on "No Service" or "Searching…" in the upper corner where the signal bars are usually displayed. Your device will be unable to make or receive calls until it can reestablish a stable connection to the nearest working Verizon tower.
Accidental Call Blocking and ‘Do Not Disturb‘
A lesser-known feature on Verizon phones is the ability to block specific numbers from reaching you. You can maintain a personal block list through your handset settings or the free Call Filter app that screens suspected spam and fraudulent calls.
However, numbers can sometimes be added to your block list accidentally – potentially during a pocket dial or after an app update resets the list. Any caller on this list will automatically be prevented from contacting your phone.
Additionally, both Apple and Android phones include a "Do Not Disturb" mode that silences all incoming call notifications when active. If this setting was recently switched on without your knowledge, you likely wouldn‘t hear the phone ringing for actual calls.
SIM Card Problems
Every Verizon phone uses a physical SIM card to securely store your subscriber data and allow the handset to connect to the Verizon network for calls, texts, and mobile data. A SIM that is damaged, improperly installed, or simply old and worn out may have difficulty maintaining a reliable network connection.
Without the SIM operating optimally, your phone could unexpectedly drop off the network, fail to notify you of waiting calls and messages, or prevent the device from booting up entirely.
Out-of-Date Carrier and PRL Settings
Behind the scenes, your Verizon phone is regularly communicating with Verizon‘s servers to receive updated carrier and preferred roaming list (PRL) settings. These settings contain important network information that ensures your device can locate and connect to the best available towers in any location.
From time to time, Verizon will push out mandatory carrier setting updates to your phone. If one of these updates fails to install automatically, your phone‘s network configuration can become outdated, causing voice/data issues and inconsistent service.
Poor Signal Strength
Have you ever tried to make a call from a parking garage or elevator only to hear that frustrating "Call Failed" message? Certain structures and materials like concrete, metal, and even foliage can impede your phone‘s ability to send/receive a strong signal.
Known as "dead zones," these areas of low signal strength often cause dropped calls, failed call alerts, and excruciatingly slow data speeds as your phone struggles to maintain a stable tower connection.
Whenever your signal drops to one bar or "No Service," you likely won‘t receive any call notifications until the phone moves back into an area with better Verizon coverage.
How to Troubleshoot Your Verizon Phone Not Receiving Calls
While there‘s unfortunately no singular fix for missed calls, following a logical troubleshooting process will resolve the issue more often than not. Work through these steps in order until your Verizon phone starts receiving calls normally again.
1. Restart Your Phone
When all else fails, reboot! As cliché as it may sound, restarting a misbehaving phone can work wonders on a variety of software issues, including problems with calls coming through.
The forced fresh start gives your phone a chance to ditch any stalled processes or memory glitches that may be interfering with network connectivity. Simply hold down your phone‘s physical power button until you see the option to restart/reboot on the screen, then tap to confirm.
After the phone fully powers off and back on, try calling it from another number to test if your handset now rings as expected for incoming calls.
2. Verify There‘s No Verizon Service Outage
Visit Verizon‘s Network Outage Information page where you can search by city/ZIP to pull up any recent outage reports in your area. Alternatively, you can sign into your Verizon account and navigate to the Support tab to check your local service status.
If an outage is identified, the only solution is to wait for Verizon‘s technicians to resolve the network issue, which usually happens within a few hours at most.
Note: If you don‘t have access to the internet at the moment, you can still report/inquire about an outage by dialing 1-800-922-0204 from any working landline or mobile phone.
3. Disable Any Call Blocking and ‘Do Not Disturb‘
Open your phone app and look for a "Call Blocking" or "Call Filter" option within the menu. Ensure that no important numbers have been inadvertently blocked. You‘ll want to disable blocking entirely when troubleshooting missed call issues.
Next, pull down the notification shade from the top of your screen and check if Do Not Disturb is toggled off (no purple half-moon icon). If the icon is on, tap it once to disable the feature.
Still not receiving calls? Try resetting both these functions to default:
iOS – Settings app > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification > toggle off all entries
Android – Settings app > Sound > Do Not Disturb > toggle off and delete any schedules
4. Update Your Phone‘s Operating System and Apps
Open your phone settings and navigate to the "System Update" or "Software Update" menu. Wait for the phone to check for new updates – if any are found, tap to download/install and reboot the phone after.
Next, open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) and check that all your installed apps are running the latest version as outdated apps can sometimes conflict with the phone‘s ability to make/receive calls.
5. Reset Your Network Configuration
If your Verizon phone is still not alerting you to incoming calls, refreshing the network configuration is often an effective fix. This will clear out any saved Bluetooth pairings, Wi-Fi passwords, and VPN settings, but it can help eliminate any network connectivity bugs caused by corrupted old data.
Open your phone settings, go to the "System" menu, and look for a "Reset Options" entry (may be called "Reset Network Settings" on some Android devices).
The reset will take a few minutes and automatically reboot your handset after. Once it powers back on, the phone will need to rebuild all network and tower connections from scratch which can take several minutes.
6. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
Power your phone fully off, then locate your SIM card tray (usually on the right side of the device). The SIM tray will have a tiny pinhole – insert the included SIM ejector tool or an unfolded paperclip into this hole and push firmly to pop out the tray.
Once the tray opens, gently remove the visible SIM card inside. Inspect the card for any cracks, discoloration, or obvious damage. As long as the SIM looks okay physically, carefully guide it back into the empty tray with the gold contacts face down.
Slide the SIM tray closed, making sure it‘s fully inserted flush with the device edge. Power your phone back on, wait for it to reconnect to the Verizon network, and then try a test call to confirm you‘re receiving calls again.
7. Factory Reset Your Phone
If you‘ve exhausted all other troubleshooting but still can‘t seem to resolve your missed call issue, a factory reset is the last step you can attempt on your own.
Please be aware that this process erases all user data from the phone including your installed apps, photos/videos, contacts, and message history. If possible, backup your important data to a computer or the cloud before resetting.
To factory reset most phones:
- Open the Settings app and go to "General Management" (may be listed as "System" on some devices.
- Look for a "Reset" option and tap it.
- Select "Factory Data Reset" then "Delete All" to complete the reset.
When to Contact Verizon Support
Completed all the basic troubleshooting but your Verizon phone still refuses to receive any calls? It may be time to contact Verizon support directly for more advanced technical assistance.
Start by dialing 611 from your Verizon mobile phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any other working phone. If you‘re able to sign into your online account, you can also initiate a support request via live chat on Verizon‘s Contact Us page.
Be prepared to provide your account details and a thorough description of your ongoing issue to the support agent. They will likely attempt to walk you through more detailed troubleshooting over the phone.
If the support agent determines your phone or SIM card may be defective, you‘ll need to visit your local Verizon store for professional hardware diagnostics. Depending on your warranty/insurance status and the cause of damage, you may end up having to file an insurance claim or purchase a replacement phone at a discounted cost.
Optimize Your Phone to Prevent Future Missed Calls
While not all causes of failed incoming calls are avoidable, these simple best practices will give your Verizon phone the best chance at staying reliably reachable:
• Upgrade your phone‘s operating system, carrier settings, and apps regularly to minimize bugs and glitches. Turn on auto-update if available so you never miss a critical patch.
• Proactively monitor your phone‘s battery health and consider a replacement if you‘re experiencing unexpected shutdowns or severely reduced charge capacity.
• Avoid signal dead spots whenever possible, especially if you‘re anticipating urgent calls. You can check Verizon‘s coverage map to identify locations with weaker reception.
• Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your phone (Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling) as a backup method to send/receive calls over a wireless internet connection when the regular cell network is unavailable.
• Set up Verizon Visual Voicemail so you can still check any missed calls and messages even if your phone fails to ring or notify you.
Frequently Asked Questions
To conclude, let‘s go over some common questions Verizon customers have when troubleshooting missed call problems:
Q: What do I do if my phone says it‘s not registered on the Verizon network?
A: First, double-check that your device is compatible with and approved for use on Verizon‘s network. Then, try manually updating your PRL and carrier settings by dialing *228 and selecting option 2. If the phone still won‘t register, contact Verizon support for further assistance.
Q: Why does my phone ring once then go to voicemail?
A: This usually indicates the phone is having difficulty maintaining a steady network connection. Try restarting your device, resetting network settings, or updating the OS. You should also ensure there are no outages in your area by checking Verizon‘s outage status page.
Q: Will Verizon replace my phone if it‘s not receiving calls?
A: Possibly, if the issue is determined to be caused by a manufacturer defect and your device is still under the 1-year warranty or covered by an active Verizon insurance plan. If no longer under warranty, Verizon may offer a discounted replacement, but you‘ll likely have to pay out of pocket.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a Verizon phone not receiving calls is definitely a frustrating issue, but one that can usually be remedied in a few simple troubleshooting steps. Rule out a widespread service outage first, then work through common fixes like restarting your device, removing any accidental call blocks, updating your software, and refreshing the network settings.
If your handset still won‘t alert you to incoming calls, don‘t hesitate to contact Verizon support for a deeper diagnosis. Chances are a quick trip to the local Verizon store will get your phone back in working order so you can feel confident you‘ll never miss that important call again!
