Calling issues in smartphones are usually attributed to network problems like unstable cellular signal, poor reception, or no service. Account-related issues, bad updates, messed up settings, and corrupt SIM card are also among other possible causes. There are also some cases where the phone is unable to make or receive calls, experiencing call delays or static sound during phone calls due to hardware damage.
Tackled in this post is a similar issue transpiring on some iPhone XR variants. While this isn’t by far a widespread issue, the fact that it’s encountered by some people makes it among other iOS problems to watch for. To give you some inputs on how to deal with this issue, I have lined up some of the highly recommended and most effective solutions. Keep reading to learn what to do in case you will experience incoming call delays and other calling problems on the same iOS device.
How to troubleshoot iPhone XR with delayed incoming calls
Before troubleshooting, check and ensure that your iPhone is getting a strong and stable network connection. The signal indicator on the upper-left of the status bar will let you know whether or not your device has strong network reception. It should have at least 2 bars for network functions to work as intended. If not, then you need to deal with signal issues first. If your iPhone XR is getting good network reception but still manifesting adverse symptoms with calls, then try to apply the following solutions.
First solution: Restart the Phone app and your iPhone (soft reset)
Random problem including those affecting the phone’s calling functions are usually tied to minor app glitches. Thus you need to start working on the Phone app and eliminate all possible triggers. To get started, force close then restart the phone app with these steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the Home screen and then pause slightly in the middle of the screen .
- Then swipe right or left to navigate through the app previews.
- Swipe up on the Phone app card/preview to close it.
After closing the Phone app, soft reset or restart your iPhone XR to clear out junk files cached on the internal memory. The standard soft reset procedure in iOS 12 devices is carried out this way:
- Press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
- Release the buttons when the Slide to Power Off command appears and then drag the power off slider to the right.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Power/Side button again until the phone reboots.
Wait until the phone is finished booting up. Then open the Phone app and place a test call to see if the problem is gone or not. Proceed to the next applicable solutions if needed.
Second solution: Toggle Airplane Mode on and then on again
Another effective solution to minor problems affecting the phone’s cellular functions is the Airplane Mode trick. It’s done by enabling the feature shortly and then disabling it again. If you wish to give it a shot, then here’s how the Airplane Mode trick is done on an iPhone XR:
- From the Home screen, navigate to Settings-> Airplane Mode menu.
- Then toggle the switch to enable Airplane Mode. All wireless radios including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions are then disabled.
- While Airplane Mode is enabled, restart your iPhone XR (soft reset).
- As soon as the phone boots up, then go back to Settings-> Airplane Mode menu.
- Then toggle the Airplane Mode switch to turn the feature OFF again.
All wireless radios of your iPhone will be re-enabled. Wait for your device to establish network connections then launch the phone app to place a test call.
Third solution: Install new carrier updates and iOS version available
Carrier updates often contain important features, network system enhancements and fix patches. Thus, installing carrier updates is also imperative. Some carrier updates are mandatory or automatically installed while others are optional. To check for new carrier updates on your iPhone XR, just follow these steps:
- Tap Settings from your Home screen.
- Select General.
- Tap About.
Stay on the About page for a few seconds and wait for the information to populate in the Carrier section. If new carrier settings update is available, follow the given instructions to download and install the update on your phone.
Installing the latest iOS version available for your iPhone may likewise be the key to fixing the problem if bugs and malwares are to blame. Here’s how to check and install new iOS update wirelessly:
- From the Home screen, tap on Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
An update message will show up if a new update or iOS version is available. Before updating, read and review the update information then back up your iPhone data for safekeeping. Whenever you’re all set, select the option to Download and Install new update on your phone.
Software updates usually embed fix patches to get rid of certain bugs that caused stubborn issues on the phone system. A stable and fast Wi-Fi internet connection, sufficient memory/storage space, and at least 50 percent battery life are among other key requisites to comply before updating your device.
Fourth solution: Reset all settings on your iPhone XR
To rule out incorrect settings that might have triggered unusual symptoms to occur during phone calls, performing software resets is also recommended. In this case, try to erase all customized settings by resetting all settings on your iPhone XR with these steps:
- From your Home screen, tap on Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and then tap on Reset.
- Select the option to Reset all settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.
- Tap the option to confirm all settings RESET.
After the reset, your phone reboots automatically and then loads the default options and values. Should you wish to use features that are disabled by default, then you have to turn them on first. Once your iPhone re-established a stable network reception, try to place a phone call using another phone and see if the problem is gone.
Fifth solution: Erase and restore default settings on your iPhone XR (factory reset)
A factory reset wipes everything from your phone system including customized settings, downloaded apps, contacts, and other files. It is often used to resolve major system issues that could not be remedied by the initial workarounds. This can be regarded among the last options if your iPhone XR is still showing the same symptoms, particularly incoming call delays and relevant issues. But before you proceed, don’t forget to back up all your valuable files so you can still recover them later. You can back up your files to iCloud or iTunes on computer. Once you’re all set, follow these steps to factory reset your iPhone XR through settings:
- From your Home screen, tap on Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and then tap on Reset.
- Select the option to Erase all content and settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.
- Tap the option to confirm factory reset.
After the reset, the phone will restart. Wait until it boots up and then you can proceed to the initial setup process and set up your iPhone as new.
Other options
- System restore. The problem you’re dealing with could be due to some tough bugs and therefore requires more advanced solutions. A recovery mode restore and DFU mode restore are among the last options you can try on if you wish to troubleshoot further and rule out major system errors that might have inflicted incoming call delays and other calling problems on your iPhone XR. To get this done, you will need to secure a compatible computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
- Reinstall the SIM card. Removing and re-inserting the SIM card on your iPhone is also a potential solution to network-related errors including calling issues that are attributed to a bad or corrupted SIM card. It also allows you to check the SIM card for any visible signs of damage like scratches or liquid traces. You need to use the SIM eject tool to open the SIM card tray. But before you do so, be sure to power off your iPhone completely.
- Service/iPhone repair. If all else failed to fix the problem, then the next thing you should rule out is hardware damage. At this point, visiting the nearest Apple service center would be necessary. Alternatively, escalate the problem to your network service provider so they can also check your account and network services status on their end.