How to fix iPhone XS that cannot receive phone calls after iOS 13 update

Phone calls are often used during emergencies or urgent matters. However, this feature is not always available as there are issues surrounding its usability. One common problem is the inability to receive phone calls. This could be due to weak signal coverage, service outage, accidental call routing or forwarding, software glitches, or worst, a hardware crash. 

If you own an iPhone XS and is dealing with an issue that cannot receive phone calls after iOS 13 update, then we got you covered through the contents of this article. We have considered all possibilities and the procedures here will help you rule out one possibility after another, until you can determine what the problem is and hopefully be able to fix it. So, if you’re an owner of this device and are currently having a problem like this, continue reading as we may be able to help you. 

Before we move on to our troubleshooting, 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.

First solution: Restart your iPhone XS. 

Software errors and minor firmware crashes caused by the recent software update can be fixed easily with a restart. Doing so allows your system to re-calibrate and implement necessary changes with the new software version. This will also clear dump cache that may have been affecting your phone’s overall performance. 

Here’s how a soft reset is performed: 

1. Press and hold the Power/Side button and either of the Volume buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. 
2. Release both buttons once you see the Slide to Power off message on your screen.
3. Drag the power off slider to the right to turn off your phone. 
4. Wait for at least 30 seconds then press and hold the Power/Side button again until the Apple logo appears. 

Another way to reset your phone is through force restart. This works the same as a soft reset but provides higher success rate when dealing with stubborn glitches. Also, this process will clear all apps that might have been causing conflict with your phone’s system. Here are the steps:

1. Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.
3. Lastly, press and hold the Power/Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Allow your phone to complete the restart process and once a good signal has been established, perform a test call using a different phone to check if the issue has been resolved. 

Second solution: Toggle Airplane mode On/Off. 

A simple yet effective solution when it comes with dealing network-connectivity errors is to enable and then disable Airplane mode on your iPhone XS. Enabling airplane mode on your iPhone will disable all radio connections while disabling airplane mode will resume the connections. Thus, when you turn this feature off and on, it allows a quick refresh that might help in eliminating glitches that causes phone call issues. If you’re unaware about this method, here’s how it’s done: 

1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
2. Check Airplane mode. If toggle is currently turned on, tap on it to switch it off. If not, tap the toggle to turn it on.
3. While the Airplane mode is enabled, perform a soft reset on your device. 
4. Wait for your phone to go back online after the reset then access Settings > Airplane mode. Tap the switch to disable the feature. 

Just allow your phone to re-establish all connections and check if you’re able to receive a phone call this time. 

Third solution: Check and manage DND features and call forwarding option. 

DND or Do Not Disturb is a feature that can let you stop notifications, alerts or calls from making any noise, vibration, or prevent your iPhone screen from lighting up when the phone is locked.  You can configure DND based on your preference. You can allow your phone to receive calls from Everyone, No One, Favourites, All Contacts, or a specific group. To make sure that you have the right settings on your DND, check and manage it to resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
2. Tap Do Not Disturb.
3. To enable Do Not Disturb feature completely, simply toggle the switch to turn it on. Notifications for incoming calls, messages and some apps are now muted.

Make sure that the Allow Calls option has been set properly to your desired group of call. If all numbers cannot make a phone call to your iPhone XS, check if you allowed All contacts to make a call. 

On the other hand, call forwarding option allows you to route calls to a different number. There’s a tendency that this option has been configured incorrectly or has been overridden with the recent software update. To ensure that this is not the reason why you’re unable to receive calls, follow these steps to disable it: 

1. From the Home screen, access Settings. 
2. Scroll down to and tap Phone. 
3. Toggle switch beside call forwarding option to enable it, if necessary. 
4. Perform a soft reset while call forwarding is enabled. 
5. Once the phone is up and running, head back to Settings > Phone and then toggle switch to disable call forwarding option. 

Once disabled, perform a test call to check if it pushes through successfully. 

Fourth solution: Perform a reset network settings on your iPhone XS. 

Major iOS update like iOS 13 can override settings automatically. This might result to invalid settings on your device, causing cannot receive phone calls issue. If this is the thing that’s preventing your iPhone XS to receive calls, performing reset network settings can help. Doing so will wipe out customized settings and revert to the default configurations. Simply follow the steps below: 

1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
2. Scroll down to and select General. 
3. Tap Reset then select Reset network settings option.
4. Enter your device passcode if prompted. 
5. Tap Reset network settings again to confirm. 

Your iPhone will reboot automatically after reset network setting is completed and then apply default values and options. Once your device has booted up, check if you can now receive phone calls on your iPhone XS. 

Fifth solution: Remove then re-insert your SIM card on your iPhone XS.

Minor firmware crashes brought by the iOS 13 update, and might be the cause why your iPhone XS cannot receive phone calls can be rectified by removing then re-inserting the SIM card on your device. This process allows a quick refresh on the hardware part of your phone. Here’s how to correctly remove and re-insert the SIM card: 

1. Turn off your iPhone completely.
2. Get the SIM ejector tool then insert it into the small hole on the SIM tray. The SIM tray is found on the side of your iPhone.
3. Gently push the ejector tool until the tray pops out.
4. Remove the SIM card from the tray and inspect it for any signs of damage like liquid traces and scratches. If there’s none, place the SIM card back into the tray in the same position and orientation before it was removed.
5. Push the SIM card tray back into the phone until it’s locked.

Turn on the phone and wait for the signal to re-establish perform performing a test call. 

If the problem persists after exhausting all solutions listed above, then your next option is to contact your carrier for additional information. They can advise you if there’s a service outage in the area that’s affecting phone calls. You can also ask for additional tips and recommendations about the issue. If you have a suspicion that this issue is caused by a hardware malfunction, you can visit the nearest Apple service center or authorized center in your area, and have it checked by their technician. 

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