Fix iPhone Can’t Make Calls on iOS 11 Public Beta

If you installed the iOS 11 public beta on your iPhone and suddenly can’t make calls, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step fixes to get your phone dialing again, from quick carrier resets to more involved network settings changes.

What You’ll Need

• Your iPhone (any model that supports iOS 11)
• A computer with iTunes (optional, for a full restore)
• Your Apple ID password (for signing back in after a reset)
• Your carrier’s voicemail number or account info (if you need to re-register)

Step-by-Step

1. Check for Carrier Settings Update. Go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier update is available, a pop-up will appear. Tap Update and wait for it to finish. This often fixes call issues after a beta install.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode. Open Control Center (swipe up from the bottom) and tap the airplane icon to turn it on. Wait 10 seconds, then tap it again to turn it off. This forces your iPhone to re-register with the cellular network.
3. Restart Your iPhone. Press and hold the power button (and either volume button on iPhone 7 or later) until the slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches that can block calls.
4. Check Call Settings. Go to Settings > Phone and verify that Call Waiting and Call Forwarding are set correctly. If call forwarding is on, turn it off. Also ensure Do Not Disturb is not enabled (Settings > Do Not Disturb) — it can send calls to voicemail.
5. Reset Network Settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode and confirm. This clears Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular settings. Your iPhone will restart, and you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.
6. Re-insert the SIM Card. Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to pop out the SIM tray. Remove the SIM, inspect it for damage, and re-insert it firmly. Then restart your iPhone.
7. Update to the Latest Beta. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple frequently releases beta updates that fix known bugs. Install any available update — this may resolve the call issue.
8. Restore from a Backup (Last Resort). If nothing works, connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes, and select Restore. This reinstalls iOS 11 beta from scratch. Afterward, restore from your most recent backup (or set up as new).

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the carrier update check. Many users miss the automatic prompt; manually checking in Settings > General > About can save you a lot of trouble.
• Forgetting to turn off Do Not Disturb. If DND is scheduled or manually enabled, calls go straight to voicemail. Check the moon icon in Control Center.
• Not backing up before resetting. A network reset won’t erase data, but a full restore will. Always have a fresh backup before resorting to that.
• Assuming it’s a hardware problem. Beta software glitches are far more common than hardware failures. Try all software fixes before visiting a repair shop.
• Using a damaged SIM. A bent or scratched SIM can cause intermittent call failures. Inspect it under good light.

Tips

• Keep your beta updated. Apple releases new betas regularly; each one fixes bugs. Enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
• Test with a different SIM. If possible, borrow a SIM from a friend on a different carrier. If calls work, the issue is with your carrier or SIM, not the beta.
• Use Wi-Fi Calling as a temporary workaround. If your carrier supports it, enable Wi-Fi Calling in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. This lets you make calls over Wi-Fi when cellular is glitchy.
• Report the bug to Apple. Use the Feedback Assistant app (preinstalled on beta) to report the issue. This helps Apple fix it in the next beta.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t restore calling, try these additional checks:

• Check if your carrier is having an outage. Call a friend from another phone or check your carrier’s website/social media for status updates.
• Try a different location. Move to an area with known good signal. Sometimes the beta misreads signal strength, so you might be in a dead zone without realizing it.
• Disable VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and select 4G instead of VoLTE. This can help if the beta’s VoLTE implementation is buggy.
• Check if the issue is specific to certain contacts. If only some calls fail, the problem might be with those contacts’ numbers or your call blocking list (Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts).
• Reset All Settings. If network reset didn’t help, try Settings > General &em; Reset > Reset All Settings. This doesn’t erase your data but resets all system preferences (including privacy and location settings). You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and re-configure some settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my iPhone stop making calls after installing the beta?

Beta software often has bugs that affect cellular functions, such as carrier detection or call routing. Apple’s beta is not fully optimized, so glitches like this are expected.

Will I lose my data if I reset network settings?

No. Resetting network settings only clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular settings. Your photos, apps, and messages remain untouched.

Can I downgrade back to iOS 10 to fix the issue?

Yes, you can downgrade to the last public iOS release (iOS 10.3.3 at the time of iOS 11 beta). Download the IPSW file and restore via iTunes. This will erase your data, so back up first.

Why does my iPhone show “No Service” even after trying these fixes?

This could indicate a SIM issue or a carrier outage. Try the SIM in another phone, or contact your carrier to check if your line is active. If the SIM works elsewhere, the problem is with your iPhone’s radio.

Is it safe to keep using the beta if calls are broken?

You can, but you’ll be without reliable calling. If you rely on your phone for work or emergencies, consider downgrading to the stable iOS version until the beta matures.

Will Apple fix this in the next beta?

Apple actively fixes bugs reported by beta testers. The issue is likely to be addressed in a future beta update. Make sure you report it via the Feedback Assistant app.

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