In an age where connectivity is indispensable, receiving phone calls on your device is a necessity. However, if you’re a Galaxy S7 user and find yourself struggling with missed calls or a complete lack of incoming calls, this can be incredibly frustrating. This article delves into the potential reasons behind this issue while providing practical solutions that you can apply to get your Galaxy S7 back in action.
Understanding the Importance of Phone Call Functionality
In today’s digital world, smartphones have evolved into more than just communication tools; they are our lifelines for social interaction, business transactions, and emergency contacts. With features like text messaging, social media, and instant messages, it can be easy to overlook the critical function of voice calls.
However, if you find that your Galaxy S7 is not receiving calls, you must address the situation promptly. Even a temporary lapse in this functionality can lead to missed opportunities, important conversations, and urgent notifications. Thus, understanding why this issue occurs is crucial for resolving it effectively.
Common Reasons for Not Receiving Phone Calls
There can be a multitude of reasons why your Galaxy S7 is not receiving phone calls. Here, we explore the most common culprits that may be interfering with your call functionality.
1. Network Issues
One of the primary reasons why you might not be receiving calls is network-related issues. Consider the following aspects:
No Signal or Weak Signal
A weak or nonexistent signal can prevent calls from coming through. Check to see if you are in a location with good reception. If you’re indoors, moving closer to a window can sometimes help. You can also try to restart your phone to refresh the connection to your carrier.
Carrier Problems
Sometimes, there may be issues with your network provider that you’re not aware of. They may be undergoing maintenance, or there could be a temporary outage in your area. Check your provider’s website or contact their support to confirm whether there are ongoing network issues.
2. Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb
Check if your Galaxy S7 is in Airplane Mode. This mode disables all wireless communications, including phone calls, texts, and data.
How to Disable Airplane Mode
To disable Airplane Mode:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the quick settings menu.
- Look for the airplane icon and tap on it if it’s activated.
Additionally, ensure that “Do Not Disturb” settings are not preventing incoming calls. This feature silences notifications and calls that may interrupt your peace.
3. Call Forwarding Settings
Sometimes, you might mistakenly set your device to forward calls elsewhere, preventing your phone from ringing.
Checking Call Forwarding
To check your call forwarding settings:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Settings.”
- Look for “Call Forwarding” and ensure it’s set to “Forwarding Off.”
4. Software Issues
Your phone’s software plays a significant role in how it functions day-to-day.
Outdated Software
An outdated operating system might cause various issues, including problems with receiving calls. Always ensure that your device is running the latest software version.
To check for the latest software updates:
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Scroll down and select “About Phone.”
- Tap on “Software Update” and follow the prompts to update.
Corrupted Phone Apps
If specific applications on your phone are malfunctioning, it might affect your calling features. Uninstall any questionable apps or clear the cache of the Phone app to see if this resolves the issue.
5. SIM Card Issues
Your SIM card is vital for receiving calls and texts. An improperly installed or damaged SIM card can prevent your phone from working correctly.
Checking Your SIM Card
To check your SIM card:
- Power off your Galaxy S7 and remove the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip.
- Inspect the SIM card for any signs of damage or wear.
- Reinsert the SIM card carefully and power your device back on.
Troubleshooting Steps for Galaxy S7 Not Receiving Calls
If you have gone through the common reasons mentioned above and are still facing issues, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to rectify the problem.
Restart Your Device
It may sound simple, but restarting your Galaxy S7 can resolve minor glitches in the system, including call reception issues. To restart:
- Press and hold the Power button until the “Power Off” screen appears.
- Tap “Restart” to reboot your device.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can often resolve connectivity problems without erasing any personal data. This action will, however, remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so make sure you have that information handy.
Instructions for Network Reset
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap on “General Management.”
- Select “Reset.”
- Tap on “Reset Network Settings.”
- Confirm your action.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If all else fails, performing a factory reset can help. However, this will erase all your data, so ensure you back up all important files, contacts, and documents before proceeding.
How to Factory Reset Your Galaxy S7
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “Backup and Reset.”
- Choose “Factory Data Reset.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Preventive Measures for Future Calls Issues
After addressing the current issue with your Galaxy S7 not receiving calls, it’s beneficial to implement some preventive measures to avoid similar situations down the line.
Regular Software Updates
Always ensure that your device is up-to-date with the latest software versions. Regular updates not only improve performance but also patch known issues.
Check Phone Settings Regularly
Get into the habit of periodically going through your phone’s settings. Ensure features like call forwarding, Do Not Disturb, and Airplane Mode are set according to your preferences.
Maintain Your SIM Card
Inspect your SIM card regularly, especially if you have repeated connectivity issues. If you notice damage or wear, consider getting a new SIM card from your carrier.
Monitor Network Strength
Be aware of your network’s coverage in areas you frequent. If you’re consistently having trouble in specific locations, consider reaching out to your carrier for a possible solution.
Conclusion
A Galaxy S7 that won’t receive phone calls can undoubtedly be a source of frustration. However, as outlined in this extensive guide, understanding the various reasons items may be amiss empowers you to tackle the issue methodically. Through checking network connections, settings adjustments, and possibly professional assistance, you can restore the functionality of your device.
While technology can sometimes be unpredictable, clear steps can make the process manageable and straightforward. By following the given tips and solutions, you should be well on your way to ensuring your Galaxy S7 remains a reliable communication tool. Always remember that your connectivity is important, not only for daily communication but for your peace of mind as well.
What are the common reasons for not receiving calls on my Galaxy S7?
There are several common reasons why you might not be receiving calls on your Galaxy S7. One of the most frequent issues is airplane mode being activated. When airplane mode is on, it disables all wireless communications, including calls and texts. To verify if airplane mode is on, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings and look for the airplane icon. If it’s blue, it means the mode is activated, and you will need to turn it off.
Another potential reason is network issues or poor signal reception. If you are in an area with limited service, calls may not connect. Ensure that you have a good signal, or try moving to a different location. Additionally, your device may need a restart to re-establish a connection with your carrier’s network.
Is my Galaxy S7 set to Do Not Disturb mode?
Yes, if your Galaxy S7 is set to Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, you will not receive any phone calls or notifications. DND mode allows users to mute calls, alerts, and notifications, which can lead to missed calls. To check if DND mode is enabled, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings and look for the crescent moon icon. If it’s highlighted, tap it to disable DND mode.
If DND is turned off, you might consider checking the settings for allowed contacts and exceptions. Sometimes, only certain contacts are allowed to bypass DND mode, so make sure your contact is not accidentally blocked from calling through this setting.
How can I check if my phone number is blocked?
If you’re not receiving calls from a specific number, it’s possible that you have blocked that number. To check for blocked numbers on your Galaxy S7, open the Phone app, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner, and select “Settings.” From there, look for the “Blocked numbers” option to view the list of blocked contacts.
If you find that the number in question is on that list, you can unblock it by tapping the X next to the number. After unblocking, ask the caller to try reaching out to you again to see if the issue is resolved.
Could my phone have a software issue?
Software issues can also lead to problems with receiving calls on your Galaxy S7. If your phone’s operating system is outdated or has become corrupted, it might result in call-related malfunctions. To check for updates, go to Settings, scroll down to “Software update,” and select “Download Updates Manually.” If an update is available, install it and restart your device.
If you’re still experiencing issues after updating, you may want to consider performing a factory reset, which can resolve deeper software problems. Remember to back up your data before performing a factory reset to avoid losing important information.
How can I reset my network settings?
Resetting network settings can often help resolve connectivity issues that prevent calls from coming through. To reset your network settings on the Galaxy S7, go to Settings, tap on “General management,” and then select “Reset.” Here, you will find an option for “Reset network settings.” Keep in mind that this will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections.
After resetting your network settings, reconnect to your Wi-Fi, and ensure your cellular data is turned on. This step can help reacquaint your device with your carrier’s network and address any call-related problems you might be experiencing.
What if my SIM card is faulty or damaged?
Sometimes, a faulty or damaged SIM card can hinder your ability to receive calls. If you’re suspecting this might be the issue, you can start by removing the SIM card from your Galaxy S7 and inspecting it for any visible damage, such as scratches or corrosion. If it appears to be in poor condition, you might need to replace it.
To check if your SIM card is functioning, you can also insert it into another phone. If calls are received correctly in the other device, the SIM card is likely not the problem. However, if issues persist, consider visiting your carrier’s store to get a new SIM card or troubleshoot further.
Could my carrier be causing the issue?
Yes, your mobile carrier can also be a source of the problem if there are service outages or network maintenance in your area. To check for any reported service issues, you can visit your carrier’s website or contact customer service. They will have the latest updates on whether there are outages affecting calls in your region.
If you’ve ruled out issues with your device but are still not receiving calls, it may be wise to confirm that your account with the carrier is in good standing. Ensure that your plan is active and that there are no restrictions or holds on your account that could affect your ability to receive calls.
What are the troubleshooting steps I can take?
To troubleshoot calls not coming through on your Galaxy S7, begin by checking the basic settings such as airplane mode, DND, and any potential call blocking. If everything appears fine there, try restarting your device to refresh its connection to the network. Additionally, perform a network settings reset, as described earlier.
If the problem continues, ensure that your software is up to date, check the status of your SIM card, and explore any potential carrier issues. As a last resort, consider reaching out to Samsung support for further assistance or taking your device to a certified repair center for a comprehensive check.