The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a sophisticated smartphone packed with cutting-edge technology and features. However, even the best devices can experience connectivity issues from time to time. One common problem that many users encounter is the inability to receive calls. Whether you’re in the midst of work or trying to catch up with friends, missing calls can be disruptive and frustrating. In this article, we will explore the various reasons your Samsung S21 may not be receiving calls and offer effective solutions to get your phone ringing again.
Understanding Call Reception Issues
Before we dive into specific solutions, it’s essential to understand why call reception issues occur. Calls are received through a simulated connection that your device establishes with your cellular network. Disruptions in this connection can lead to missed calls.
Several factors can influence whether or not your phone receives calls, including:
- Network connectivity
- Device settings
- SIM card issues
- Software glitches
- Carrier restrictions
- Physical obstructions
Let’s examine these factors in detail.
Common Reasons Your Samsung S21 Is Not Receiving Calls
When troubleshooting call reception issues, it’s crucial to consider a variety of potential culprits. Below are some of the most common reasons why your Samsung S21 may not be receiving calls.
1. Poor Network Signal
Network signal strength is one of the primary determinants of call reception. If your phone is unable to connect adequately to the cellular network, you may experience dropped calls or, worse, not receive calls at all.
Checking Network Signal Strength
To check your network signal strength, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung S21.
- Navigate to Network & internet.
- Select Mobile network > Network operators.
If your signal strength appears weak (usually indicated by a low number of bars), you may want to move to a different location or contact your carrier.
2. Airplane Mode Is Enabled
Airplane Mode disables all wireless connections, which means you will not be able to send or receive calls. It’s easy to accidentally turn on Airplane Mode, especially if you’re frequently toggling settings.
Disabling Airplane Mode
To disable Airplane Mode, do the following:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel.
- Find the Airplane Mode icon and ensure it is turned off.
3. SIM Card Issues
Your SIM card plays a crucial role in enabling call functionality. If the SIM card is not properly inserted, damaged, or malfunctioning, you may experience issues receiving calls.
Checking Your SIM Card
To troubleshoot SIM card issues, take these steps:
- Power off your Samsung S21.
- Use a SIM eject tool to remove the SIM card tray.
- Inspect the SIM card for any visible damage.
- Reseat the SIM card securely in the tray and reinsert it into the phone.
- Power on the device and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Call Forwarding Options
If call forwarding is enabled on your Samsung S21, incoming calls may be redirected to another number instead of reaching you. Sometimes this feature can be set up without your full awareness.
Checking Call Forwarding Settings
To manage your call forwarding settings:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner to access Settings.
- Select Call forwarding and check if any forwarding options are activated.
If you see active forwarding settings, choose to disable them.
5. Software Glitches
Like all advanced smartphones, Samsung S21 can experience software glitches, which can affect various functionalities, including call reception.
Checking for Software Updates
Keeping your device updated is fundamental to maintaining its optimal performance:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down to Software update and tap on it.
- Select Download and install. If an update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.
6. Network Settings Reset
Sometimes, a full reset of your network settings can resolve many connectivity issues. This will reset your Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings, so make sure to have your Wi-Fi passwords handy.
Resetting Network Settings
To reset your network settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to General Management.
- Tap on Reset and select Reset network settings.
- Confirm the action and reboot your phone.
7. Carrier Issues
Occasionally, the issue might not lie with your device but rather with your cellular carrier. Outages or maintenance work can temporarily disrupt service in your area.
Checking for Network Outages
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, it might be worthwhile to check your carrier’s website or social media feeds for any notifications about ongoing outages or disruptions.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you’ve gone through the common issues listed above and your Samsung S21 is still not receiving calls, you may need to dive deeper into troubleshooting.
1. Safe Mode
Booting your Samsung S21 into Safe Mode can help determine whether a third-party app is causing the issue. In Safe Mode, only system apps are allowed to run.
Enabling Safe Mode
To enable Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
- Press and hold the Power off option until you see the Reboot to safe mode prompt.
- Tap OK. Your device will restart in Safe Mode.
Check if calls come through in Safe Mode. If they do, a third-party app is likely the culprit. You may need to uninstall recent apps to isolate the problem.
2. Factory Reset
As a last resort, you may consider performing a factory reset on your device. This will reset your Samsung S21 to its original settings, erasing all data.
Backing Up Your Data
Before performing a factory reset, back up your important data:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Accounts and backup.
- Select Backup data and follow the prompts.
Performing a Factory Reset
To perform the reset:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to General management.
- Tap on Reset > Factory data reset.
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Conclusion
If your Samsung S21 is not receiving calls, it can be frustrating, but understanding the potential reasons and solutions can empower you to address the issue effectively. From checking network connectivity to managing device settings, you now have the knowledge to troubleshoot your phone successfully. If you’ve tried all the steps outlined in this article and are still unable to receive calls, consider reaching out to a Samsung service center or contacting your cellular carrier for further assistance.
Taking proactive measures, like regularly checking for updates and managing your device settings, can help you avoid future connectivity issues. Don’t let call reception problems interrupt your important conversations—get your Samsung S21 back on track today!
What could be the reasons for my Samsung S21 not receiving calls?
There are several potential reasons why your Samsung S21 might not be receiving calls. Common culprits include network issues, airplane mode being enabled, or an improper SIM card insertion. When your phone is in airplane mode, all wireless functionalities are disabled, preventing any calls from being received. Additionally, if your SIM card is not seated correctly, your device may not be able to connect to the network.
Another possibility could be related to your carrier settings or account status. If there are issues with your mobile account, such as a lack of service due to unpaid bills or data limits, you may find that incoming calls are blocked. Make sure to check with your carrier for any account-related problems or outages in your area that may affect call reception.
How can I check if my phone is in airplane mode?
To check if your Samsung S21 is in airplane mode, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel. Look for the airplane mode icon; if it is highlighted or turned on, your phone is currently in airplane mode. You can tap the icon to turn it off and re-enable cellular connections so you can receive calls again.
Alternatively, you can check airplane mode settings by going to the “Settings” app. Navigate to “Connections,” and you will see the airplane mode option. Make sure it is turned off to allow your phone to connect to the cellular network and receive calls without interruption.
What should I do if my SIM card is improperly inserted?
If you suspect that your SIM card is improperly inserted, the first step is to power off your Samsung S21. Next, locate the SIM card tray, typically found on the side of the device. Use a SIM ejector tool to gently open the tray, and carefully remove the SIM card. Inspect it for any damage and ensure that it is properly aligned with the tray before reinserting it back into the phone.
Once the SIM card is reinserted, power on your device again, and check if you can now receive calls. Your phone should automatically search for the network. If the problem persists, consider testing the SIM card in another device to determine if the issue lies with the SIM card or the phone itself.
Why might my call forwarding settings be causing issues?
Call forwarding settings configured on your Samsung S21 could be the reason why you are not receiving calls. If call forwarding is activated to direct incoming calls to another number, you will not receive any calls on your phone. You can check this by going into the phone app, selecting the settings gear, and navigating to call forwarding options.
If you find that call forwarding is enabled, you can simply disable it to start receiving calls again. If you are not sure how to manage these settings, many carriers offer guides on how to set up and troubleshoot call forwarding issues.
How can I check my network signal strength?
To check your network signal strength on your Samsung S21, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the Quick Settings menu. Look for the signal strength icon, which typically appears as a series of bars, indicating your connection status. If the bars are low or there is no signal, it may explain why you are not receiving calls.
Additionally, you can go to the “Settings” app and tap on “Connections,” then select “Mobile Networks.” Here, you can see more detailed information about your network connection and check for any notifications about network issues. If your signal is weak, moving to a different location may help improve reception.
Could a software update be affecting my call reception?
Yes, a software update could potentially affect call reception on your Samsung S21. Sometimes, newly released updates can introduce bugs that may interfere with normal phone operations, including call handling. It’s essential to ensure that your device is running the latest software version as manufacturers regularly provide updates to fix bugs and improve functionality.
To check for software updates, go to your phone’s “Settings,” tap on “Software update,” and then select “Download and install.” If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. After updating, restart your phone and check if you can now receive calls. If issues persist, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps or seek professional assistance.
What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If you’ve tried all the suggested solutions and your Samsung S21 still isn’t receiving calls, it may be time to perform a factory reset. Be aware that a factory reset will erase all data on your device, so it’s vital to back up any important information before proceeding. To reset, go to “Settings,” tap on “General management,” and select “Reset.” From there, choose “Factory data reset” to complete the process.
If after the reset you are still unable to receive calls, it may indicate a hardware issue with your device. In this case, contacting Samsung support or visiting an authorized service center is recommended. They can run diagnostic tests to determine if there is a more significant issue affecting your phone’s ability to receive calls.