Why is Cricket Wireless Not Receiving Calls? (Fix Fast!)

Whenever you start to experience Cricket Wireless not receiving calls, you know there’s something wrong and needs fixing!

You might have noticed that you are not receiving any calls for some time now. It does not mean that you will not receive anything.

However, if you only get two or three a day when you usually get ten, something is certainly up.

If your Cricket Wireless phone is not receiving calls, it’s an indication that the network is not working properly. A SIM malfunction will prevent your phone from getting inbound calls. Additionally, some phone settings can cause this issue like when Do Not Disturb mode and Call forwarding are turned ON.

Let’s first learn about the different causes of this problem before moving on to the troubleshooting steps that will help you fix it.

Causes of Cricket Wireless Not Receiving Calls

When your phone is not receiving any calls, the problem could stem from several sources.

It’s mostly related to your network, so you want to make sure that this is sorted out. Some of your phone settings can also cause this, so we recommend checking those out.

Here are the problems that could have occurred on your phone, causing this frustrating issue:

1. SIM Issue

It doesn’t happen very often, but your SIM could malfunction and not link to your network.

When you start experiencing this issue, you want to eliminate the root cause, whether from your phone, SIM, or network.

2. Interference with Data

LTE signals can sometimes interfere with regular GSM types. You will have to watch out if you’re always connected to your mobile data.

3. Phone Settings

There are a few settings that can affect incoming calls. Whether you have call forwarding activated or other modes on your phone, you want to ensure these are deactivated.

4. Service Outage

There are instances when not getting calls can be as simple as Cricket Wireless’ service is down. There’s nothing you can do here but wait for them to restore it.

Alert: Cricket Wireless may be down, so make sure to check on it before anything else.

This way, all you really need to do is be updated on when the service will return.

How to Fix Cricket Wireless Phone Not Calling or Receiving Calls

Now, we can go ahead and start actually fixing this issue. However, before you do anything else, we want you to do a couple of things so you don’t waste time.

You want to make sure you are getting excellent reception. You might be in a dead spot or zone.

Also, try restarting your phone and calling yourself using a different number to confirm you can receive calls.

Solution #1: Swap Your SIM to a Different Device

If restarting it does not help with the issue, you want to make sure the source is either your SIM or phone.

It’s usually the first step you want to take to figure out how to tackle this problem.

Finding out the issue is due to your phone means that your next steps would be to look at the settings.

However, if it’s a SIM issue, it’s likely your network, and there are a couple of steps that you can take to resolve this issue.

Here’s how to swap out your SIM to a different device:

1. Remove your SIM from your phone’s SIM tray.
2. Get a different phone.
3. Open the SIM tray of your other phone and insert your Cricket SIM.
4. Call your Cricket number to see if it receives it.

Note: You don’t generally need to turn off your phone when swapping SIMs out. However, you will need to wait a couple of seconds after inserting it.

Solution #2: Switch Off Mobile Data on Your Phone

Having internet readily available on your phone is certainly an excellent way to be connected.

However, there are instances when it can interfere with your phone’s other functions like calls.

High-speed internet signals from LTE can disrupt those that bring calls. To start receiving calls again, you want to switch off mobile or cellular data on your phone.

There are a couple more steps that will ensure you start getting calls, and here’s how you do it:

1. Open your phone’s Control Center or Quick Settings.
2. Turn OFF Mobile Data by tapping it once.
3. Turn ON Airplane Mode and wait for at least 30 seconds.
4. Turn OFF Airplane Mode.
5. Call your Cricket number to see if the call goes through.

Tip: Alternatively, you can restart your phone rather than switching it in and out of Airplane Mode.

Solution #3: Turn off Do Not Disturb Mode on Your Phone

One particular phone setting that can prevent you from receiving calls is Do Not Disturb.

It’s a handy feature that’s useful when you don’t want distractions at work or during intense gaming sessions.

Here’s how to turn off Do Not Disturb mode on your phone:

On your iPhone:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Select Focus.
3. Tap on Do Not Disturb.
4. Toggle the switch to the ON position.

Note: You can also turn it on using your phone’s Control Center by tapping on Focus and Do Not Disturb.

On your Android device:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Notifications or Sound & Vibration
3. Tap on Do Not Disturb.
4. Turn it ON by pressing the button or toggling the switch.

Tip: You can configure Do Not Disturb mode by pressing and holding on the icon on the Quick Settings menu.

Solution #4: Check Your Call Forwarding Settings

Call forwarding is another phone setting that can prevent you from receiving important calls.

You can activate or deactivate this feature with your carrier. However, there is a way to control this on your device. It’s possible that you have turned this on and forgot to switch it off.

Here’s how to disable your call forwarding settings on your phone:

On your iPhone:

1. Launch the Settings app on your phone.
2. Select Phone.
3. Go to Call Forwarding.
4. Toggle the switch to the OFF position.

On your Android device:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap on the three dots to open the menu.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click on Calls and then choose Call Forwarding.
5. Turn OFF the options that are enabled.

Pro Tip: You can also turn off call forwarding with your carrier. Dial *73 for Verizon, *72 for Sprint, and *21* for AT&T.

Solution #5: Ask Cricket Wireless for a Network Refresh

After checking your SIM and phone settings and are still experiencing this problem, you will need to reconnect your number to the network.

You will not be able to do this on your own, though. However, it’s still straightforward enough that all you need to do is call Cricket Wireless.

How to ask for a network refresh:

1. Call Cricket support by dialing 611.
2. Talk to a customer support representative to ask for a network refresh.
3. After confirming, wait for at least an hour or two.
4. Check by calling your phone.

Tip: We recommend calling from a different phone to avoid network issues.

Solution #6: Make Sure Your Account is in Good Standing

Finally, if you feel you have done everything, maybe you have a billing issue that’s causing this issue.

An unpaid bill perhaps that has slipped your mind. Of course, this will not be the cause most of the time, but it’s worth looking into just in case.

1. Open your MyCricket account on the website or app.
2. Review your account’s Billing History.
3. Check on the Payments tab if you have a bill due.

If none of these troubleshooting steps help, you can always reach out to Cricket support to request assistance.

It could be something with your billing, or you have a defective SIM that needs replacement.

Read Next: How to Fix Cricket Wireless Hotspot Not Working?

Bottom Line

Now that you know the causes and fixes to Cricket Wireless not receiving calls, you will be able to perform the correct troubleshooting steps.

These should help you resolve this issue so you can use your Cricket phone in no time.