Why is my phone not ringing even though ringer is on?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

There can be several reasons why your Android phone is not ringing even though the ringer is on. Let’s explore some of the potential causes and solutions:

1. Ringer Volume: One common reason for your phone not ringing is that the ringer volume may be turned down or muted. To check this, press the volume up button on the side of your phone to increase the volume. You can also go to the Settings menu and adjust the volume under the “Sound” or “Sounds & vibration” section. Ensure that the ringer volume is turned up and not set to silent or vibrate only.

2. Do Not Disturb Mode: Your phone may be in Do Not Disturb mode, which can silence incoming calls and notifications. To disable Do Not Disturb mode, swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification panel and look for the Do Not Disturb icon (usually shaped like a circle with a line through it). If it’s enabled, tap on it to turn it off. Alternatively, you can go to the Settings menu and search for “Do Not Disturb” or “Sound & vibration” to disable this feature.

3. Airplane Mode: If your phone is in Airplane mode, it will not receive any calls or messages. Airplane mode disables all wireless connections, including cellular networks. Check if the Airplane mode icon (usually an airplane symbol) is displayed in the notification panel. If it is, tap on it to turn it off. You can also disable Airplane mode through the Settings menu by searching for “Airplane mode” or “Network & internet” options.

4. Call Forwarding: Another possibility is that call forwarding may be enabled on your phone, diverting incoming calls to another number or voicemail. To check if call forwarding is active, go to the Phone app and open the settings or options menu. Look for the “Call forwarding” or “Call settings” option and make sure it is turned off or configured correctly.

5. Network or Signal Issues: Sometimes, your phone may not ring due to network or signal issues. If you are in an area with poor signal reception, your phone may not be able to receive incoming calls. Try moving to an area with better network coverage or restart your phone to refresh the network connection.

6. Software or System Updates: Occasionally, software or system updates can cause unexpected issues with your phone’s settings. If you recently updated your Android operating system or installed a new app, it’s possible that it altered your phone’s settings, including the ringer volume or notification preferences. In such cases, you can try restarting your phone or checking the app-specific settings to ensure they are configured correctly.

7. Hardware or Software Malfunction: In some rare cases, a hardware or software malfunction could be the cause of your phone not ringing. If none of the above solutions work, it may be worth considering a factory reset or contacting the manufacturer or your service provider for further assistance.

It’s worth noting that the steps and options mentioned above may vary slightly depending on the Android version and device model you are using. It’s always a good idea to consult your phone’s user manual or the manufacturer’s support website for specific instructions related to your device.

Personal Experience: I once encountered a situation where my Android phone suddenly stopped ringing even though the ringer volume was turned up. After some troubleshooting, I discovered that the phone was in Do Not Disturb mode, which I had accidentally enabled. Once I disabled this feature, my phone started ringing again for incoming calls.