Here’s what it means when your call ends without ringing and might say call ended: A call ends without ringing because your phone fails to connect directly to the phone you called.
This can be from a problem with your phone, the carrier network, or the phone you are calling.
So if you want to learn all about what it means when your call ends without ringing, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in!
Why Can’t the Phone Connect to the Carrier Network? (4 Factors)
This issue often arises because your phone is not establishing a direct connection with the dialed number. There could be several reasons for this to occur.
One possibility is that your phone is struggling to connect to the carrier network. If this is the case, you will experience this problem with any number you call. It’s usually easy to determine if you have a decent signal, but sometimes the signal strength can fluctuate or be inaccurate.
I recommend attempting to call another number to see if it connects properly. If the issue only occurs with one phone number, then you can be sure that your phone’s connection is not the problem.
#1 Phone Registration
If you’ve recently acquired a new phone or a new SIM card, phone registration becomes particularly important. This process, which involves pairing the identification numbers of both the phone and the SIM card, enables the carrier network to correctly identify and connect your device during phone calls.
In the event of phone registration issues, you’ll be unable to establish a direct connection during phone calls, and you won’t hear any ringing when you dial a number. However, Wi-Fi calls or calling apps may still function.
To resolve phone registration problems, especially after getting a new phone or SIM card, it’s crucial to contact your carrier.
They can assist you in troubleshooting the issue and, if necessary, fix your phone registration. Even if you’re unsure whether registration is the cause, reaching out to your carrier can help you find a solution to the problem.
#2 SIM Card
The primary function of both SIM cards and eSIMs is to link your phone hardware to your carrier account, essentially serving as an ID chip for your device. If there’s an issue with your SIM card or eSIM, it may hinder your phone’s ability to communicate with the carrier network.
Usually, such problems prevent you from registering any carrier signal, and you’ll find no network connection when checking your signal strength. In some cases, SIM-related issues can be more subtle.
You might be able to connect to the carrier network but still experience call failures. While it’s less common, problems with SIM cards or eSIMs can contribute to calls ending without ringing. To test this, if you have access to a functioning phone, try swapping SIM cards and see if you can establish a connection.
This will help you determine if the SIM card or eSIM is the root cause of the issue. Note that not all phones have traditional SIM cards; many newer models, such as the iPhone 14, use eSIMs instead.
#3 Phone Has Been Blacklisted
Dealing with a blacklisted phone is undoubtedly one of the most challenging issues to tackle. But what does blacklisted mean?
In the context of phones, being blacklisted means that the device has been reported stolen and subsequently added to a list maintained by carriers, effectively rendering the device inoperable. The intent is to discourage theft and, in some cases, facilitate the recovery of the stolen device.
Carriers frequently share these blacklists with one another, which can complicate matters. While it’s rare, carriers may occasionally place a phone on the blacklist that wasn’t actually stolen. However, this topic isn’t widely discussed among carriers.
It’s essential to understand that having a blacklisted phone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being accused of theft. In many instances, stolen phones are sold to unsuspecting buyers. If you purchased your phone second-hand and encounter this issue, you might have unknowingly bought a stolen device.
To determine whether your phone is blacklisted, it’s best to contact your carrier. Explain the situation, and they will likely request one of the phone’s identifying serial numbers. They can then use this information to verify if your device is on the blacklist.
If it turns out that your phone is blacklisted, the carrier will discuss resolution options with you. Bear in mind that the process may vary on a case-by-case basis.
#4 Technical Glitches
Sometimes, the issue might be due to a technical glitch, either on your device or the recipient’s. Software bugs, outdated firmware, or hardware problems can cause calls to fail or end without ringing. In such cases, try restarting your device, updating your software, or even resetting your network settings. If the problem persists, it might be worth consulting a professional or contacting your carrier for assistance.
It’s relatively rare, but this issue could be linked to hardware or software problems affecting your phone. Let’s consider hardware first. Hardware issues seldom cause a call to end without ringing.
The hardware associated with this function primarily involves the antenna and signal processing components. If they aren’t working, you likely cannot get any signal at all.
A straightforward way to see if this is the problem is to try using the internet through your carrier. If it works fine, it’s highly unlikely that you have a hardware problem.
If you believe you have a hardware issue, your carrier or the phone’s manufacturer can help you resolve it.
Software issues are more likely, but they are still uncommon.
Some software problems can interfere with the phone’s ability to communicate and prevent the phone from connecting on calls.
It’s possible that third-party apps could also disrupt calls. Troubleshooting software related to this issue is challenging. It’s usually best to contact tech support for help.
What if Call Ends Without Ringing and Only Happens With One Number? (3 Issues)
So far, we’ve been looking at possible reasons for this issue, but everything above is built on the assumption that this issue happens when you dial different numbers.
If only one number is ending calls without ringing while other numbers work normally, then the issue isn’t with your phone.
Instead, there are a few things that might be preventing you from connecting to this one particular number, and none of them involve troubleshooting your phone or carrier account.
#1 Number Has Been Blocked
One possible reason for the call ending without ringing, especially when dialing a specific number, is that your number has been blocked by the recipient.
In this case, your call will be automatically rejected without connecting or ringing. Blocked numbers can manifest in various ways; sometimes, the phone will just ring and never pick up, while other times, the line will disconnect without ringing.
This depends on how the phone handles call blocking and its interaction with the carrier network.
How to tell if someone blocked your number?If you suspect that your number has been blocked, try reaching the person through alternative means, such as messaging apps or email.
You can also call from a different phone to see if it rings. Another option is to put your number in private mode by dialing *67 before the number, which will temporarily hide your caller ID, allowing you to check if your call goes through.
#2 Call Forwarding or Do Not Disturb On
Call Forwarding or Do Not Disturb Another potential reason for this issue is that the recipient’s phone might be set to “Do Not Disturb” mode or have call forwarding activated.
In “Do Not Disturb” mode, incoming calls are either silenced or directed straight to voicemail. On the other hand, call forwarding transfers incoming calls to a different number, often without ringing the initial device. In both instances, the call will terminate without ringing from your perspective.
#3 Issues With the Other Phone
If you try calling from a different number and still don’t experience any ringing, it’s likely that the issue lies with the recipient’s phone.
The other person’s phone and account may be experiencing a variety of problems, such as issues with their SIM card, difficulty connecting to the carrier, or hardware or software issues.
If this problem occurs only for a limited amount of time, it’s possible that the phone was simply out of signal range.
Numerous factors could be causing issues on the other end. If you encounter calls ending without ringing for only one specific number and the issue persists when dialing from different numbers, it’s safe to assume that the problem is on the recipient’s end.
- FaceTime: Calls Automatically End?
- Someone Hangs Up on You: What to Do?
- Phone Calls: Automatically End After Certain Time?
- Calling & Hanging Up Before Rings: Seeable?
- Your Phone Rings Once or Twice: Then Hangs Up?
