Ideally, iOS 13.2.3 update is designed to provide relevant fixes for the messes left from the previous iOS updates. But instead of pacifying the exasperated end-users, here comes these additional post-update errors in which users have no option but to deal with the problems. Among the issues iOS users reported after installing iOS 13.2.3 on their iOS devices is not being able to receive calls. To address this issue, we have lined-up potential solutions that users can refer to. Read on if you are among the hapless iPhone X users who is experiencing cannot receive phone calls after iOS 13.2.3.
Also read: Dealing with Calling Problems after iOS 13.2.3 on iPhone X
Troubleshooting iPhone X that cannot receive phone calls
Cannot receive phone calls is among the calling problems end-users get frustrated the most, especially in times when they are expecting important calls. Normally, poor network coverage can trigger this problem to come out. But minor software glitches, invalid network configuration, and SIM card problems are among the underlying cause. Hence, iOS bugs are more likely to blame if the cannot receive phone calls problem becomes visible after an iOS update. Before you start troubleshooting your phone, make sure that you haven’t blocked unknown callers or any contacts on your device as this could be the reason why you aren’t receiving phone calls. Head to Settings->Phone->Silence Unknown Callers and make sure that it is disabled. Then still under the same path, you will see Blocked Contacts. If the recent iOS update automatically altered this option and somehow put some or all your contacts under Block list, then all you need to do is to tap Unblock This Contact option. However, if none of your Contacts are blocked nor Silence Unknown Callers is enabled, start troubleshooting your iPhone X device.
First solution: Restart (soft reset) your iPhone X to fix cannot receive phone calls issue after iOS 13.2.3.
In most cases, cannot receive phone calls problem is likely triggered by minor software glitches rather than iOS bugs. This can happen when your phone’s internal memory has been overwhelmed with cache files from possible corrupted apps. Hence, refreshing your phone’s system can help fix the inbound calling issue. To do so, simply restart your phone using these steps:
- Simultaneously press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume button for a few seconds.
- Release both buttons when the Slide to Power Off command appears on the screen.
- Then drag the power off slider to the right to turn off the phone.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side/Power button again and release once the Apple logo appears.
Wait until your phone re-established its cellular network connection. Once your phone shows at least 2 or more signal bars, try to make a test call from your phone. If the outbound calling feature works perfectly fine, ask some to call your number or use another phone to call your iPhone X and see if you are already able to receive phone calls. If not, make another attempt to fix the cannot receive phone calls issue on your device using the next solution.
Second solution: Toggle the Airplane Mode on and off again.
Your phone’s calling features like incoming calls won’t work as intended once your phone’s network system has been flawed after the iOS update. To fix network-related errors, the Airplane Mode trick is the simplest but effective solution users must try. All you need to do is to launch the Control Center and tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn the feature on and off again. Alternatively, you can also manage this feature through your phone’s settings menu. Here is how:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Select Airplane Mode. Toggle the switch to turn the feature on. Once your phone is on Airplane Mode, the wireless radios will be temporarily deactivated as the signal transmission is currently suspended.
- While your phone is still on Airplane Mode, perform a soft reset.
- Then head back to Settings->Airplane Mode and toggle the switch to turn off the feature again. Your phone’s wireless radios will now be restored.
Technically, this tweak is intended to refresh your phone’s wireless radios including the cellular networks and boost the signal strength that your phone should be getting from your network tower. Once your phone has been reconnected to the network, try to call your iPhone X using another phone to see if the cannot receive phone calls problem is fixed by the process. If not, continue troubleshooting your device.
Third solution: Update carrier settings on your iPhone X to fix cannot receive phone calls issue after iOS 13.2.3.
Carrier settings updates are rolled out by the network carriers to improve or enhance network connectivity performance on user’s respective devices. Supposedly, these updates are implemented automatically but sometimes can be interfered due to unknown factors. Being said, a manual carrier update should be carried out. To install carrier settings update, connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network or turn on cellular data and follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app from the Home screen.
- Select General.
- Then tap About. Your phone will then scan for available updates. Once you are prompted with an option to update carrier settings, follow the onscreen prompts to download and install the update.
Don’t forget to check if your phone is already receiving phone calls update installing the carrier settings update.
Fourth solution: Reset network settings.
Saved network settings on your iOS device might have been compromised during the iOS update. If the automatic alternation of the network settings somehow established conflict that leads your phone not being able to receive phone calls, then restoring the network settings to default may help fix the issue. Note that this reset will delete all your saved network’s password including Wi-Fi so make sure to jot down this information as you will need this once you set-up your Wi-Fi network again. If you are ready to reset your phone’s network settings, here are the steps:
- Open Settings from Home.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and tap Reset.
- Enter your device passcode when asked to continue.
- Then select the option to confirm network settings reset.
Your phone will initiate an automatic restart after the reset and restores the default network values and options. By then, you can set-up your Wi-Fi network again. Don’t forget to give your phone another test call to make sure that it is already receiving calls. If your iPhone X still cannot receive phone calls, move on to the next solution.
Fifth solution: Remove and reinstall SIM Card.
Remove your SIM card to verify if it has been dislodged, needs to be cleaned up, or replaced. If the underlying cause is with the SIM card itself, sometimes phone functions don’t get totally deactivated. The phone’s performance will start deteriorating from the calling features down to its very last function, until the phone is completely dysfunctional. To rule this out, check the status of your SIM card by removing it using these steps:
- Turn off your iPhone X.
- While it is off, use a SIM eject tool or a paperclip to remove the SIM card.
- Insert the tool into the small pinhole of the SIM tray and put a little force until the tray pops out.
- Gently pull out the tray and remove the SIM card.
- Check for scratches on the gold part, clean it if needed. If there are no signs of physical damage on the SIM card, put it back on the tray and make sure that it is laid down properly.
- The gently push the SIM tray back into the compartment until it’s locked up. Then turn your phone back on.
Wait for the phone to acquire signal from the network. When it does, have someone call your phone to see if the problem has already been addressed.
Still not receiving phone calls on your iPhone X device?
If your phone shows sufficient signal bars and the rest of the features are working fine, it is possible that the incoming call function has been inflicted by tough iOS bugs and requires more-advanced solutions. If you are still determined to fix the problem, you can carry out a factory reset, recovery mode restore and DFU mode restore via iTunes. Hence, if you feel like the problem is no longer rectifiable on your end, you can escalate the issue to your network service provider. Alternatively, you can also contact Apple Support for further assistance and recommendation. Hopefully, this will be included in the fixes they will have on their next beta testing.
