If your iPhone XS Max cannot make phone calls after iOS 13.2, this article will provide you detailed information to address the issue. Read on and learn.
iOS 13.2 offers plenty of new stuff that Apple has delayed to offer from the previous iOS version. It also provides bug fixes for various post-update errors from the preceding iOS like for iCloud backup error and the like. As iOS 13.2 clears out old bugs, it also brings newly discovered bugs affecting phone’s functions and performance. As per reports, some users are occasionally experiencing cellular network connectivity issues like being unable to make phone calls. Network connectivity issues can be easily rectified by resetting the network settings. Yet there are still other factors like iOS bugs, random software glitches, and SIM card errors that can cause the phone’s outbound calling feature to fail after iOS 13.2. Thus, a series of fixes should be carried out.
Before we start troubleshooting your device, if you happen to find this post while looking for a solution to a different problem, then visit our iPhone XS Max Help Guides page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. We may have already published articles that could help you fix your problem. Find issues that are similar to yours and feel free to use our solutions.
Troubleshooting iPhone XS Max that cannot make phone calls after iOS 13.2
Prior to carrying out troubleshooting techniques to fix cannot make phone calls issue on your iPhone XS Max, see to it that you are acquiring a stable cellular network signal in your area. If needed, move to an area free of signal barriers like trees, walls, and buildings. If your phone is still having issues in making phone calls, start troubleshooting your iPhone device.
First solution: Toggle the Airplane Mode to fix iPhone XS Max that cannot make phone calls after iOS 13.2.
Random software glitches affecting your wireless radios and services can be eliminated by simply turning the Airplane Mode on and off again. This can be done on the Control Center or through the phone’s menu settings. If you opt to do it on the menu settings, here’s how:
- Go to Settings from the Home screen.
- Select Airplane Mode.
- Toggle the switch to enable the feature.
- Restart (soft reset) while your phone is on Airplane Mode.
- To soft reset your iPhone, press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume button simultaneously.
- Release both buttons when the Slide to Power Off command appears and then drag the power off slider to the right to turn off your device.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side/Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
Once your phone finished booting up, head back to Settings->Airplane Mode and then toggle the switch to turn off Airplane Mode again. Wait until your phone recovers cellular network connection, and then make a test call.
Second solution: Check for and install carrier settings update.
If you still cannot make phone calls after performing the Airplane Mode trick, install carrier settings update on your device. Network carriers often send automatic carrier settings update to devices, but system glitches on their end might have hindered the update to be spontaneously implemented. Thus, a manual install of carrier settings update might be needed. Here is how:
- From Home, launch the Settings apps.
- Select General.
- Tap About.
It may take a couple of minutes for your phone to check for available updates. When available, a message regarding the carrier settings update will pop out on your screen. Follow the onscreen prompts to download and install the update. Don’t forget to check if you are already able to make phone calls afterwards. Otherwise, continue troubleshooting your device.
Third solution: Reset network settings on your iPhone XS Max.
Corrupted preferred networks, Wi-Fi network, VPN settings, and all current saved settings may have caused your phone not to be able to make phone calls. This is possible if the recently installed iOS version altered your phone’s current settings and caused system conflicts. To rule this out, simply delete all saved networks on your device by doing a network settings reset. Here’s how:
- From the Home screen, tap Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and select Reset.
- Then select the option to Reset network settings.
- Enter your device passcode when prompted to continue.
- Then tap the option to confirm network settings reset.
Wait until your phone completely boots up after the reset. Once it is back on, re-enable all necessary features. Then make a phone call from your device to see if the outbound calling feature is already working.
Fourth solution: Remove and reinsert your SIM card to fix cannot make phone calls issue on your iOS 13.2 iPhone XS Max.
If your SIM card has been dislodged, tendency is your phone’s functions will be disrupted. If the underlying cause is the SIM card not properly installed, remove the SIM card from the slot, examine for possible scratches or any signs of physical damage, and then reinstall. Here’s how:
- While your iPhone XS Max is turned off, gently insert the SIM eject tool or a paperclip into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.
- Push a little until the SIM tray pops out.
- Then pull the SIM tray out and remove the SIM card.
- Check the gold part on the SIM card to see if there are scratches or debris. Wipe it using a clean cloth when necessary.
- If the SIM card doesn’t show any physical damage, put the SIM card back into the tray and ensure that it is properly installed.
- Then gently push the SIM card try into your phone.
Once the SIM tray is re-inserted, press the Wake (Power button) to turn your phone back on. Wait for your phone to re-establish network connection. Then make a test call.
Fifth solution: Perform a factory reset on your iPhone XS Max device.
If your iPhone XS Max still cannot make phone calls after exhausting the given solutions, delete everything that is saved on your phone’s memory and set your device as new again. Doing so will also eliminate tough and complex iOS bugs affecting your phone’s system, giving your phone a clean and fresh setup. Make sure to back-up your saved files beforehand. Then follow these steps to restore your phone to factory default settings:
- Go to Settings from the Home screen.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and tap Reset.
- Select Erase all content and settings from the options.
- If prompted, enter your device passcode to continue.
- Then select the option to confirm factory reset.
After the factory reset has been completed, follow the onscreen prompts to set up your device as new again. Once done, you can customize the phone’s settings and functions according to your preference. Afterwards, check if your phone is working properly including the outbound calling feature.
Contact network service provider
Contacting your network service provider could be the best option to do if your iPhone XS Max still cannot make phone calls after exhausting the above-mentioned guides. This is to check whether there are on-going outages in your area, the phone calling feature has been suspended due to account-related block, or any system updates from their end is needed. Alternatively, you can also contact Apple Support for further assistance and recommendations.
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