AT&T Calls Not Going Through?- (Proven Solutions)

Why are my AT&T calls not going through? Let’s discuss the ways to fix it!

Some users encounter issues like hearing a busy signal, a recorded message, or nothing when making a call.

The error indicates SIM or account issues and outdated settings. 

To fix your AT&T calls not going through, start by restarting your phone. If that doesn’t work, check your account and make sure to pay off your outstanding balance or update your carrier settings.

Awesome, let’s dig deeper into the solutions. 

AT&T Calls Not Going Through – 8 Solutions to Fix this Error

Before diving into the advanced solutions, perform these basic troubleshooting steps to fix your AT&T call issues. 

Perform Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Performing basic troubleshooting steps is worth trying when experiencing common issues with your phone and network.

They often resolve the problem quickly and don’t need special tools or skills.

These include:

• Restarting your phone
• Checking your service coverage
• Toggling the Airplane Mode
• Updating your phone

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, proceed to the following proven solutions. 

1. Check the Condition of Your SIM Card

Your SIM card stores your phone number and connects to your network.

If it’s not working well, it affects your ability to make and receive calls.

To ensure it’s not the reason you’re having AT&T call issues, check your SIM for damage, dirt, or incorrect placement.  

Here’s how to check the condition of your SIM:

1. Power off your phone. 
2. Remove the SIM card using a pin or an ejector tool. 
3. Inspect the SIM for damage or dirt.
4. Clean it with a soft cloth or cotton swab if necessary. 
5. Realign and insert the SIM card into the tray. 
6. Push the tray until it clicks into place. 
7. Power on your phone and test the call function. 

Note: If the SIM is damaged or faulty, replace it with a new one. Contact AT&T customer service or visit an AT&T store for a new SIM card. 

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Balance or Pay Off Outstanding Bills

Another reason your AT&T calls are not going through is insufficient balance or outstanding bills.

If you have a prepaid plan, ensure sufficient balance for calls. For a postpaid plan, clear your overdue bills to prevent service disruption. 

To check your  balance or pay off overdue bills, follow these steps:

1. Go to the AT&T website and sign in to your account. 
2. Navigate to My Account.
3. Select Billing & Payments.
4. Check your current balance, due date, and payment history. 
5. Pay your bill online. 
6. Test the call function. 

To add money to your account, follow these steps:

1. Go to AT&T Prepaid and sign in to your account.
2. Click on the Add Money button.
3. Enter the amount you want to add (at least $10).
4. Select a payment method (credit or debit card, PayPal).
5. Enter your payment information.
6. Click on the Add Money button again.  

You will see a confirmation message once your payment has been processed, and the money will be added to your account immediately.  

Alternative: Use the AT&T app on your phone to check your balance and pay your bill. 

3. Turn Off Call Forwarding

Call forwarding allows you to redirect your calls to another number or voicemail.

If enabled, you won’t be able to receive calls on your phone. Ensure it is turned off if you want to receive calls directly.

Here’s how to do this:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Select Call Forwarding.
4. Toggle off the switch next to Call Forwarding. 

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Call Settings.
3. Select Call Forwarding.
4. Tap on each option:

• Always forward
• When busy
• When unanswered
• When unreachable

5. Select Disable. 
6. Test the call function. 

Note: Ensure you want to turn off call forwarding, as you will receive calls directly to your phone. You don’t want to miss any important calls. 

4. Check for Blocked Calls and Numbers

Blocking calls or numbers prevents unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, and harassers.

If you have blocked any phone number or contact on your device, you won’t be able to make or receive calls from them until you remove them from the block list. 

To check for blocked calls and numbers, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Select Blocked Contacts.
4. You will see a list of blocked numbers on your phone. 
5. Swipe left on the name to unblock a contact.
6. Tap on Unblock.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Call Settings.
3. Select Blocked Numbers.
4. You will see a list of blocked numbers on your phone.  
5. Tap on the trash icon to unblock a contact. 

Pro Tip: Unblock only numbers you trust or want to communicate with, as it will result in unwanted calls or messages.  

5. Disable Call Blocking Apps You Have Installed

The Call Blocking apps are another reason for phone calls not going through AT&T.

These third-party applications help block unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, or harassers.

However, some interfere with your normal calls and prevent them from going through. 

To fix this, turn off the Call Blocking apps with the following steps:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Select Call Blocking & Identification.
4. You will see a list of call blocking apps installed on your phone.
5. Toggle off the switch of the app you want to disable. 

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Apps & Notifications.
3. Select See All Apps.
4. You will see a list of call-blocking apps installed on your phone.
5. Tap on an app and select Disable. 

Pro Tip: Check and revoke any permissions you granted the app, especially those that involve managing calls or messages on your device. 

If you no longer need the app, consider uninstalling it from your device to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your calls in the future. 

6. Use the WiFi Calling Feature on Your Phone

Another possible solution to fix your AT&T call issue is to use WiFi calling.

WiFi calling enables you to make and receive calls with your WiFi network instead of your mobile network.

It’s a useful tool if you are in an area with poor or no service coverage or want to save on your data usage. 

To use this feature on your phone, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Select WiFi Calling.
4. Toggle on the switch next to WiFi Calling on this iPhone.
5. Enter or confirm your emergency address for 911 calls. 

Android

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Tap on Network & Internet.
3. Click Mobile Network.
4. Tap Advanced.
5. Select WiFi Calling. 
6. Toggle on the switch next to it. 
7. Enter or confirm your emergency address for 911 calls.

Tip: Ensure you are connected to a WiFi network and test the call function again to see if the call goes through. 

7. Update Your Carrier Settings

Your carrier settings contain information about your carrier’s network and features.

Your AT&T call won’t go through if it’s corrupted or outdated.

Update your carrier settings to improve your phone’s performance, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with the network. 

Here’s how to do this:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Select About.
4. You’ll see a prompt to update your carrier settings. 
5. Tap on Update.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on System.
3. Click System Update.
4. Select Carrier Settings Update.
5. You’ll see a prompt to update your carrier settings. 
6. Tap on Update.

Pro Tip: Before making any updates, back up your device’s data and ensure a stable WiFi connection. You don’t want any interruptions or data overages during the update process. 

8. Set Your Network Type to 4G or Lower to Make Calls

Some AT&T phones support 5G, the latest and fastest network technology.

However, 5G is only available in some places and causes compatibility issues with your calls.

If 5G is the culprit for your AT&T calls not going through, set your network type to 4G or lower. 

Here’s how to set your network type to 4G or lower:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Cellular. 
3. Select Cellular Data Options.
4. Click on Voice & Data.
5. Choose 4G, LTE, or 3G as your preferred option. 

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Network & Internet.
3. Select Mobile Network.
4. Click on Preferred Network Type.
5. Choose 4G, LTE, or 3G as your preferred option.

After setting your network type to 4G or lower, test the call function again and see if it goes through.

If your AT&T calls are still not going through, contact AT&T’s customer support for assistance. 

Quick Recap

The most common reasons for AT&T calls not going through are network issues, SIM or account problems, or outdated settings.

To fix this, restart your phone, verify network coverage, inspect your SIM card, and settle any unpaid bills. 

Find additional troubleshooting resources on our blog!