Is your iPhone sending all calls directly to voicemail without ringing? Maybe a friend attempts to call you, and while they hear the phone ringing on their end, yours remains silent. This article addresses why your iPhone might be forwarding calls straight to voicemail without ringing and suggests solutions to resolve the issue.
1. Inspect for a Software Update
One of the initial steps to take when your phone calls are directly routed to voicemail is to inspect whether your iPhone requires a software update. Updating serves not only as a proactive measure for potentially resolving minor software glitches but also guarantees optimal security provided by Apple.
To look into an update, just proceed to Settings > General > Software Update and search for Download Now or Install Now. If an update is accessible, proceed with the installation.
2. Check for Airplane Mode
Another straightforward solution is to look into whether Airplane Mode is activated. It’s quite easy to overlook this setting, especially for frequent travelers. Airplane Mode disables cellular services, leading to all incoming calls being directed to voicemail.
Activation of Airplane Mode can hinder call reception.
To deactivate Airplane Mode, access the Control Center. Simply swipe down from the top-right corner of your device and tap the Airplane icon. Allow a few seconds before toggling it off. Note that on older devices, i.e., those without Face ID, you can access the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom.
Alternatively, you can locate the Airplane Mode switch within the Settings app.
3. Verify if Focus / Do Not Disturb is Activated
Do Not Disturb / Focus is a feature designed to temporarily mute all phone calls, notifications, and alerts on iPhones. Even though phone calls technically come through when Do Not Disturb is enabled, you might miss them because your phone doesn’t ring or light up, often leading them to go to voicemail. Similarly, Focus mode may direct calls straight to voicemail.
You can look into whether Focus / Do Not Disturb is activated on your device by accessing the Control Center. Look for the “Focus” button and toggle it off, or locate the crescent moon icon in the iOS Control Center, depending on the system software version running on your iPhone.
4. Inspect Cellular Connectivity
As soon as you notice your phone calls going directly to voicemail, the first step is to check your cellular connectivity. Ensure you’re connected to your cellular network and have sufficient signal strength for receiving calls. Additionally, look into whether Airplane mode is accidentally enabled on your iPhone by navigating to Settings.
5. Verify the Correct Ringer Volume
You can increase the ringer volume either by utilizing the physical Volume buttons located on the side of your device or by navigating to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and adjusting the slider under Ringer and Alerts. Ensure to look into whether the physical switch on the side of your device is not set to silent.
6. Focus Mode Might Direct iPhone Calls to Voicemail
Another aspect to examine is Focus Mode. Accessible from the Control Center, this feature offers a serene environment, but it can lead to missed calls if left enabled. Don’t fret, as it’s easy to overlook its activation.
If your iPhone calls are routed directly to voicemail, check if Focus Mode is activated.
Simply access your Control Center and search for the Moon icon. Focus Mode and/or Do Not Disturb will indicate its status. However, toggling it off and on could be beneficial if call reception issues persist.
Users can also navigate to Settings > Focus to review any configured profiles, such as during sleep hours. These settings might inhibit incoming calls. Note that the availability of this option depends on your iOS version.
7. The Announce Calls Feature
Users might also want to consider looking into the Announce Calls feature. Although usually set to off by default, enabling it could potentially assist users experiencing the issue of calls consistently going to voicemail.
Just navigate to Settings > Phone > Announce Calls and choose Always from the menu. Test if this adjustment resolves your issue.
8. Update Provider Settings
Another issue users might encounter is the need to update their provider settings. Outdated carrier settings can lead to calls going straight to voicemail. Additionally, you might experience other minor issues if your carrier settings are not up to date.
To look into this, simply navigate to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is required, your iPhone will display a notification banner at the top.
9. Disable Silence Unknown Callers
If you’re not receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, it could be because you have “Silence Unknown Callers” enabled. To look into and disable this feature, navigate to Settings -> Phone and select “Silence Unknown Callers,” as demonstrated in the screenshot below. Test whether you can now receive calls from unknown numbers.
10. Maximize the Ringer Volume
Your iPhone’s ringer might be muted, leading you to believe that calls are going directly to voicemail because you can’t hear them. Try increasing your ringer volume to its maximum level to see if this resolves the issue you’re facing.
Access Settings and select Sounds & Haptics. Slide the slider under Ringers and Alerts all the way to the right. Once you’ve adjusted the slider, you’ll hear the maximum ringtone volume your iPhone will produce.
11. Turn off or Uninstall Your Spam-Blocking Apps
Consider removing spam-blocking apps, which can be highly beneficial. However, at times, they may block calls that you genuinely wish to receive. Try uninstalling any spam-blocking apps on your iPhone to determine if that resolves the issue.
Press and hold the app icon until the quick action menu appears. Then, select Remove App -> Delete App -> Delete.
12. Disable Call Forwarding
Call Forwarding redirects your calls to another phone number if you’re unable to answer them. There’s also call forwarding unconditional, which forwards your calls without ringing your iPhone or giving you the chance to answer. Your iPhone may be going directly to voicemail due to Call Forwarding.
Navigate to Settings and select Phone -> Call Forwarding. Toggle off the switch next to Call Forwarding.