Wondering – Why my Internet doesn’t work during call? Well, it can be a nightmare when the Internet won’t work during a call.
Luckily, we have all the information you need to get around the issue. Either you have an outdated Android version or incorrect phone settings.
You may not have updated your mobile OS, or your APN configuration may not be set to LTE by default. Another possible culprit is a disabled VoLTE.
Change your phone settings to get the Internet to work while you are on a call. Go to Access Point Names under SIM cards & Mobile Networks and set the Bearer to LTE. Reboot your handset and see if this works. If this does not work, check for new software updates.
Before we look at the fixes for your Internet not working during a call, let us discuss the possible reasons for the issue. Let’s get stuck into it!
Reasons Why My Internet Doesn’t Work During Call
If your Internet is not working while you are on call, it may be due to hardware restrictions.
Your handset may have a sole radio interface, which blocks mobile Internet until your phone call ends.
Other causes of the issue include:
1. SIM Issue
Your phone may support dual SIM. For instance, SIM1 is your data SIM, and someone calls you through SIM2. SIM1 will deactivate during a call.
2. VoLTE Not Enabled
If VoLTE is disabled, you can’t access the Internet during a call. Your phone switches from 4G to 3G or 2G, causing the Internet to disconnect.
3. Not Supported by Carrier
If your carrier network is CDMA-based, voice and data communication cannot work simultaneously.
4. Outdated APN Settings
Your phone uses APN settings to connect to the Internet. The bearer settings in the current configuration may not be set to LTE.
These are the main reasons your Internet is not working during a call. Now that you understand them, we can move on to fixing the issue.
How to Enable Internet While On Call
If your Internet doesn’t work during call, restart your phone. It’s always a good idea to start with basic troubleshooting steps to rule out temporary glitches in your phone.
To restart an Android phone, press and hold the Power button until you see the power options.
Then, tap Restart. Wait for your phone to boot again and see if it clears the issue.
Suppose you still cannot access the Internet while on a call; you can turn to more advanced solutions listed below.
Solution #1: Remove and Insert Your SIM Cards
If restarting your phone does not work, remove and reinsert your SIM cards.
It will prompt your carrier to send your phone certain configuration settings. Don’t worry! It will not affect your messages.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on removing and inserting SIM on your Android device:
- Turn off your phone completely.
- Using your SIM-eject tool, push firmly into the hole of your SIM tray.
- Slide the tray out and remove your SIM card.
- Clean your SIM card with a microfiber cloth.
- Place your SIM into the tray and reinsert the tray.
Note: If your phone has a removable battery, you may need to remove the back cover to access your SIM card.
Solution #2: Enable Voice Over LTE or VoLTE
Today, you can access the Internet during a VoLTE call. But, you need to activate the service for your SIM card.
This keeps the mobile Internet from disconnecting during calls and ensures you enjoy a clear call experience.
Here’s how to enable VoLTE on your Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Under Network & Internet, select Mobile Network.
- Look for your service provider settings.
- Toggle on 4G calling or HD Voice.
Tip: Under the VoLTE menu, switch on Voice and Data mode. This ensures that your LTE will support both calls and data simultaneously. It should solve the issue you are having.
Solution #3: Set Your SIM Cards to LTE
Another troubleshooting step to fix the issue is setting your SIM to enable LTE. This will allow your data SIM to access the Internet while you are on a call.
For most phones, this should be automatic. However, there are cases when it’s not enabled, and you’ll need to do it.
Follow these steps on your Android device:
- Go to Settings and tap Network & Internet.
- Select Mobile Network and tap Access Point Names.
- Choose the APN for the SIM you use for data.
- Tap Internet and scroll down to Bearer.
- Set the bearer to LTE and click OK.
Tip: Don’t forget to reboot your phone to save the settings.
Note: Handsets that support LTE only consume data. The voice communication remains on 3G or 2G.
Solution #4: Update Your Phone’s APN Settings
In most cases, your phone’s APN settings are pre-configured. You don’t have to add extra information to connect to your network.
But, if you are having problems with your mobile data during a call, you may need to update your phone’s APN settings.
Here’s how to manually change it:
- Open your Settings app.
- Go to Network & Internet and select Mobile Network.
- Tap Advanced and select Access Point Names.
- Tap the three-dot menu and choose your existing APN.
Note: Once you access your phone’s APN settings, enter the correct information specific to your carrier.
Solution #5: Enable Advanced Calling Features
If your Android phone does not support LTE, there is another setting that lets you use the Internet during a call.
Most phones have Advanced Calling features, but they need to be set up correctly to work.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings menu and go to Advanced Settings.
- Enable the Advanced Calling feature.
- When enabled, check HD Voice and Voice Calling.
Note: Ensure you disabled Wi-Fi calling under 4G LTE Network Extender Coverage.
Solution #6: Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings
If you are still struggling to access the Internet during calls, reset your phone’s network settings.
It will not erase other data, only your wireless, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.
Follow these steps to reset your phone’s network settings:
Android
- Go to Settings.
- Under System, select Advanced, then Reset Options.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
iPhone
- From the Home Screen, go to Settings.
- Switch on Cellular Data under Cellular.
- Tap Cellular Data Options.
- Tap Enable LTE.
- Enable Voice and Data.
Tip: Once Voice and Data is enabled, all voice calls between compatible devices will be carried over a 4G LTE data network.
Note: Keep in mind that you need to reconnect to your saved networks, configure your VPNs, and redo similar network tasks.
If none of the above solutions work, chances are you can’t fix the problem yourself. At this point, you have already configured your settings to allow data and calls to work simultaneously.
But, there may be an issue with the network settings of your carrier. Take this one up to the experts and contact your network provider.
Read Next: How to Forward Calls Without Having the Phone?
Bottom Line
When your Internet doesn’t work during call, it may be due to a SIM issue, an outdated OS version, or incorrect APN settings.
Once you figure out the cause, you can easily clear the issue with our straightforward solutions. You don’t need technical experience to perform the troubleshooting steps above.
But, if the problem persists, we recommend you call your network provider. The issue may be due to an error in their network settings and not on your end.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.