It can be frustrating when you need to make an important call and your Verizon network doesn’t work. You may be asking why won’t my Verizon phone make calls?
While Verizon is the biggest mobile network in the United States, sometimes problems happen.
However, when something goes wrong with your Verizon phone and it stops making calls, there are many reasons this may happen.
It could be a problem with the Verizon or even your smartphone. To solve the issue, you will need to understand why the problem is happening and then be able to fix it.
In the post below, we will walk you through the most common reasons why your Verizon phone may have a problem making calls.
We will also give you all the details on how to fix these issues and get your device working properly again.
Why My Verizon Phone Won’t Make Calls?
There could be several reasons why your Verizon phone is failing to make calls. We will cover both problems with Verizon itself and potential issues with your device.
Let’s start with the mobile network. You know there is a problem related to Verizon if you hear the following message (or similar) when trying to make a call:
This message usually means the problem is with Verizon because the network is telling you there was a problem when connecting the call.
The first thing you should do is dial the number again just to see if the problem was temporary. If the call still won’t connect, the following common problems and solutions can help:
Method #1. Check Signal or Coverage
Verizon boasts its cellular network covers most of the United States, reaching 98% of the people in the country. Still, there minor gaps in coverage that could lead to calls failing to connect.
Verizon calls these “variable coverage areas” and they happen if your device is too far away from a cell tower.
If you cannot place a call, it could be because your signal is low. Are you in dense foliage, in a basement, or just not in a network location? Check your network connection to see it is properly working.
Fix
Move to a place where you can get phone signal or use the 4G/5G Verizon network to place a call on an internet-based service like WhatsApp or Skype.
Method #2. Solve Network Problems
Even if you are within a zone that has Verizon signal, you may find that sometimes it is hard to place calls. If this happens, you should once again check you have phone signal because Verizon’s network could be down in your location.
Verizon has a solid track record for network uptime, so it is rare that the company is without service.
Still, sometimes it can happen if there has been bad weather and infrastructure has been damaged. Power outages can also cause the network to go down temporarily.
Fix
Use an internet-based call solution such as Google Voice or Skype until network coverage in your area is restored.
Method #3. Check for any Account Problems.
Many people with a Verizon SIM card buy a monthly plan, while others take the prepaid route and top up their credit when they need. If you pay as you go or pay monthly, you will need a Verizon account.
One of the most common reasons for a Verizon phone not making a call is problems with the customer account.
There are many factors why Verizon may be blocking calls related to your account. Most obvious is a failed payment that you still owe the company.
In this instance, Verizon may decide to suspend your account until you are up to date with payments.
Fix
Contact Verizon about any missed payments. You will have to pay your outstanding balance to have your call facility restored.
Method #4. Verify your Verizon Bill
You should also check your Verizon bill for any discrepancies. Each bill you receive has a group of service codes that cover different aspects of you account.
If you have requested a service change of some sort, it may have inadvertently removed an important service from your account.
Sometimes, Verizon will accidentally drop a service code through internal adjustments.
Fix
Contact a Verizon representative to discuss any changes to your account that could be causing call problems.
Method #5. Recently Switching Carriers?
Have you recently moved to Verizon from another carrier? When you port a phone number from one network to another, it can take some days for the number to become active.
This usually takes around 72 hours, so you may notice your calls are not working during this time.
Fix
Verizon will sometimes issue a temporary number for you to make calls with, but if not, you must wait for your normal number to be activated.
Method #6. Fix your Device Problems
While a problem preventing you making calls can often be caused by an issue on Verizon’s end, it can also be related to your smartphone.
This means your account is set up properly, you have network connection, but still cannot make a call.
If this is happening to you, use these troubleshooting tips and fixes:
1. Restart Your Phone
You would be amazed at how many general smartphones problems can be solved by simply restarting the device.
Think of a mobile phone as a handheld computer, which can become cluttered and unresponsive.
Restarting the device can declutter data and make apps that were not working function again.
2. App Settings
Speaking of apps, sometimes an application will cause basic phone functions to misbehave. A good example is being able to make calls on Skype but not on the phone app.
Can you send texts to a number but not call it? Maybe you delete the contact and reinstall, or even dial the number manually.
You can also try force stopping the phone app and restarting it.
3. Update
While it is uncommon, phone software updates can cause apps and services to malfunction.
Similarly, if you have not updated your software for some time, apps may be less compatible with the aging software and not perform as they should.
Check your update history to see if you either need an update or may have to remove a faulty patch.
4. Factory Reset
If all else fails and the problem is not on Verizon’s end, you should factory reset your phone. This is a frustrating step because it means you need to ensure all important files are properly backed up.
Still, a factory reset will almost certainly solve the unknown problem your phone has that stops it making calls.
As the name suggests, you will be resetting your device back to its factory settings. In other words, the same state as when you first took it from the box.
5. Verify Network Functionality
Even if the Verizon signal is firing on all cylinders in your area, you may still not because to make a call due to network issues.
However, this could be because of a local issue on your device. Head to your phone settings and check you have not accidentally put the handset into Airplane Mode or turned off the network connection.
Read Next: Can I use my Verizon phone in Mexico?
Conclusion
If you are wondering “why won’t my Verizon phone make calls” the information above can help.
Whether it is a problem caused by Verizon or an issue on your device, the steps above can help you find out what is wrong and fix it within minutes.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.