Can’t Make Calls? Diagnosing Phone Signal Problems Step-by-Step

In today’s world, staying connected is a necessity, and a functioning mobile phone is at the core of that connection. However, there are moments when you can’t make calls despite your phone appearing to be in working order. This can be frustrating and disruptive, especially in emergencies. Signal problems are often the culprit behind such issues, but diagnosing and solving them can be straightforward if you know where to start. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting phone signal problems using phone diagnostic software and identifying common software glitches that might be hindering your device.

1. Check Signal Strength

The first step in diagnosing phone signal problems is to check the signal strength on your device. Signal strength is usually displayed as bars in the corner of your phone screen. Fewer bars indicate weaker signals, which may lead to call failures.

Steps to check signal strength:

  • Go to your phone’s settings.
  • Look for “About Phone” or “Status.”
  • Locate the “Signal Strength” option, often measured in dBm (decibels relative to a milliwatt). Lower numbers like -90 dBm or -100 dBm indicate weaker signals.

If your signal is weak, move to a different location, such as closer to a window or outdoors, to see if it improves.

2. Restart Your Device

Many software glitches can be resolved with a simple restart. When your phone is restarted, it refreshes its connection to the network. This clears temporary bugs that might prevent calls.

Steps:

  • Turn your phone off completely.
  • Wait 10-15 seconds before turning it back on.
  • Attempt to make a call.

A restart can also resolve minor software glitches that aren’t immediately visible.

3. Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is a feature that disables all wireless connections on your phone. Turning it on and off can help reset your phone’s network connection.

Steps:

  • Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the quick settings menu.
  • Tap on the “Airplane Mode” icon to enable it.
  • Wait for about 30 seconds, then disable Airplane Mode.

This quick reset often resolves temporary network-related software glitches.

4. Check Network Settings

Sometimes, the issue lies within the network settings of your phone. Incorrect configurations can cause call failures.

Steps to reset network settings:

  • Open the Settings menu.
  • Navigate to “System” or “General Management.”
  • Select “Reset” and choose “Reset Network Settings.”
  • Confirm the action and restart your phone.

This will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and APN settings, so be prepared to re-enter them after resetting.

5. Inspect the SIM Card

A faulty or improperly inserted SIM card can result in signal problems. Remove the SIM card and inspect it for physical damage or dirt.

Steps to troubleshoot:

  • Power off your phone.
  • Remove the SIM card using the ejector tool.
  • Clean it gently with a soft cloth.
  • Reinsert the SIM card securely into the tray.

Turn your phone back on and test if the issue persists.

6. Use Phone Diagnostic Software

If manual troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, specialized tools like phone diagnostic software can be a game-changer. These applications provide a detailed analysis of your device’s hardware and software, pinpointing potential issues.

Top phone diagnostic software tools:

  • Phone Doctor Plus: Offers tests for connectivity, hardware, and performance.
  • TestM: Provides a comprehensive report on network and signal issues.
  • Diagnoser Apps by Manufacturers: Brands like Samsung and Huawei often include built-in diagnostics in their devices.

Using these tools, you can identify whether the issue is related to hardware damage, such as a malfunctioning antenna, or software glitches causing disruptions.

7. Update Your Software

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with your carrier’s network. Always ensure your device’s operating system is up to date.

Steps to update your software:

  • Go to “Settings.”
  • Navigate to “System” or “Software Update.”
  • Check for updates and install if available.

Updates often include fixes for software glitches that can improve connectivity.

8. Reset APN Settings

Access Point Name (APN) settings dictate how your phone connects to your carrier’s network. Incorrect or outdated APN settings can lead to signal problems.

Steps to reset APN settings:

  • Open the Settings menu.
  • Go to “Mobile Network” or “Cellular Network.”
  • Select “Access Point Names.”
  • Tap the menu icon and choose “Reset to Default.”

Resetting APN settings will ensure that your phone uses the correct configurations for your carrier.

9. Test Another SIM Card

To rule out issues with your carrier, try inserting another SIM card from a different carrier into your phone. If the new SIM card works, the problem likely lies with your carrier’s service. Contact your carrier to report the issue or request a replacement SIM card.

10. Inspect for Software Glitches

Modern smartphones rely heavily on software, and software glitches can interfere with your phone’s ability to make calls. Common signs of such glitches include:

  • Dropped calls.
  • No audio during calls.
  • Inconsistent signal bars.

Steps to address software glitches:

  • Clear the phone cache by going to “Settings > Storage > Clear Cache.”
  • Perform a factory reset if the problem persists (backup your data first).

11. Hardware Troubleshooting

If none of the above steps work, the issue might be hardware-related. Problems like a damaged antenna or internal circuitry require professional repair. Visit an authorized service center for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing phone signal problems can be inconvenient, but with a systematic approach, you can identify and fix the issue. Start with simple steps like restarting your phone, checking network settings, and resetting the SIM card. If problems persist, leverage phone diagnostic software to pinpoint the root cause. These tools are invaluable for identifying both hardware failures and software glitches.

By following this guide, you can regain control over your device and ensure uninterrupted communication. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed.

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