Calls Going Straight to Voicemail iPhone

Have you been experiencing the frustrating issue of your iPhone calls going straight to voicemail, even when you’re not on silent or Do Not Disturb mode? This problem can be caused by various factors, and we’re here to help you identify and resolve it.

Software Issues Causing Calls to Go to Voicemail

Issues with iOS software or apps can result in calls not making it to your iPhone and sending directly to voicemail instead. These software problems typically cause the phone not to ring at all before flipping to voicemail.

1. iOS Update Problems

Problems with a recent iOS update comprise one of the more common software issues sending calls straight to voicemail. Buggy updates can disrupt proper functioning of the Phone app, cellular radios, or other key components.

If the problems started right after an iOS update on your iPhone, then rolling back and reinstalling the update can often resolve the issues:

  • Backup your device through iTunes or iCloud.
  • Using iTunes on a computer, install the previous iOS version that worked properly.
  • Test call functionality after downgrading iOS. Calls should now ring through correctly.
  • If needed, update to the latest iOS release, which may have fixed bugs already.

Downgrading the operating system often fixes iOS update issues tripping up cellular radios and the Phone app. This returns full call functionality.

2. Third-Party App Conflicts

Third-party apps with permissions to interact with the iPhone’s Phone app can also sometimes cause conflict issues resulting in calls going unanswered. If calls started going straight to voicemail after you installed a new app, troubleshoot by:

  • Checking the app’s permissions and disable access to the Phone if possible.
  • Uninstalling suspect apps to see if call functionality improves.
  • Determining if the app has accessibility features enabled unnecessarily and toggle them off.

Restarting the iPhone after adjusting permissions and removing apps can clear any software glitches. This may return call behavior back to normal.

3. Restore iPhone Software

If iOS updates or apps are not the culprit, more in-depth software troubleshooting may be needed, including an entire erase and restore of the iPhone software.

Connect the iPhone to iTunes on a computer and choose to restore the device, which reinstalls a blank iOS version. Then load a backup to revert your data and settings. If calls now ring through correctly, some software glitch was likely resolved.

As a last resort, set up the iPhone as new after the restore without using a backup. This can eliminate any problematic settings that may be saved in the backup itself. Re-adding accounts and apps one-by-one allows you to pinpoint any conflicts.

Cellular Network Issues

Cellular network problems can also result in calls routing instantly to voicemail rather than ringing on your iPhone first. Issues with the SIM card, cellular antenna, or network coverage itself may be factors.

1. Check SIM Card

Removing and reseating the SIM card can fix errors with call routing and cellular network registration:

  • Eject the SIM tray using a paperclip.
  • Remove the SIM card. Check for any signs of damage on the gold contacts.
  • Clean the SIM tray and connectors with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs if dirty.
  • Reinsert the SIM card securely into the tray.
  • Push the tray back into the iPhone. Testing call functionality afterwards.

If a new SIM card recently activated, there may be issues with the cellular provisioning correctly registering the device properly on the network. Work with your carrier to recheck all settings, which often resolves activation issues that can send calls straight to voicemail.

2. Toggle Cellular Settings

Cellular settings toggles can also help troubleshoot network issues:

  • Disable LTE calling if enabled under Cellular –> Cellular Data Options.
  • Reset the network settings under General –> Reset. This restarts the iPhone’s cellular registration from scratch without erasing other data.

Cycling airplane mode on and off also essentially restarts the cellular radio. Test if calls now ring correctly after each settings adjustment.

3. Check Coverage Level

Very weak cellular signals can interfere with calls reaching your device before flipping to voicemail. The number of signal strength bars indicates coverage levels:

  • No bars or only 1 bar indicates very weak coverage. This often results in calls directly reaching voicemail.
  • At least 3-4 bars are needed for reliable call functionality.

If your iPhone continually shows only 1-2 bars where other devices get strong signals, contact your carrier about potential issues with your SIM card or to troubleshoot your device specifically on their network. A device refresh at the carrier store may help identify problems.

Also try your iPhone in other locations to see if calls work properly where signal coverage is better. Persistent weak coverage likely requires a carrier extender or booster installation to resolve cellular network problems sending calls unanswered.

Hardware Problems

Underlying hardware problems can also be the source of calls instantly reaching voicemail and iPhone call functionality issues. Hardware defects or damage may interfere with proper call handling.

1. Earpiece Speaker Defects

A bad internal earpiece speaker prevents you from hearing calls, often redirecting them to voicemail after a ring or two:

  • Check the earpiece speaker visually for signs of damage, cracking, or holes where sound should come through.
  • Try using speakerphone or a wired headset to check if calls come through that way. Hardware problems typically only affect the internal speaker.
  • Get the iPhone serviced if determined the earpiece speaker itself is damaged and needs replacement.

2. Logic Board Failure

The logic board controls call management and cellular functions. Glitches, shorts, or errors with core processor components can cause calls to bypass ringing altogether.

Often the iPhone may have no issues placing outbound calls, but suffers from problems receiving them and sending directly to voicemail due to logic board failures.

Reseating cables or a full device replacement may be necessary in case of hardware defects disrupting cellular radios from connecting incoming calls.

3. Water Damage

Liquid exposure can short out cellular components and microphone inputs resulting in call handling issues. Phones with water damage often first manifest problems with receiving calls and routing them instantly to voicemail.

Inspect your iPhone for signs of internal water damage impacting call receiver functionality. Look for corrosion around charging ports, headphones jack, or SIM card tray. Also watch for condensation or fogging up inside camera lenses.

Take water damaged devices to professional phone repair shops to determine possibility of salvaging cellular components. This may restore call receiving capability. But typically water damage necessitates full logic board replacement if incoming calls continually reach voicemail.

Account and Billing Issues

For iPhones still under contract or payment plans through the cellular carrier, account suspensions or restrictions for non-payment also commonly result in calls going straight to voicemail. Your carrier essentially blocks call routing as a measure to obtain payment.

Check your account status and payment method on file with the carrier. Clear up any outstanding balance issues or update expired credit cards. As soon as the account reaches good standing, full iPhone calling ability is typically restored.

But with postpaid accounts severely delinquent, the carrier may deactivate service permanently. Prepaid accounts also expire after set time periods without refills. Have the carrier reactivate your phone line after resolving billing issues to resume call functionality.

Resolving iPhone Voicemail Problems

With an understanding of the various issues that can cause incoming calls to bypass ringing and go straight to voicemail, you can systematically troubleshoot the problem on your iPhone:

  • Start by testing if a software update triggered the issue, rolling back versions to confirm.
  • Check for any new app installs also correlating with the onset of calls reaching voicemail.
  • Thoroughly inspect your device for signs of water damage or physical defects.
  • Work through cellular network troubleshooting steps like reseating SIM or toggling cellular settings.
  • If hardware issues ruled out, perform master reset and test calls with no backup restore.
  • As a last resort, contact carrier for evaluation of account status and device functioning on their network.

Persistently having calls go to voicemail without ever ringing indicates a larger underlying issue needing resolution. Fully troubleshooting the issue avoids missing important calls and messages. And restores seamless iPhone calling functionality once again.

How to Fix That Calls Goes to Voicemail in iPhone

There are several solutions to this problem, and you can find in this article. All the steps are really simple and easy to understand and implement. No need to install any type of software or app. The steps are really simple and all the solutions are based on the settings only if you haven’t updated your phone then you need to update it. Now let’s jump into it.

1. “Do Not Disturb” Setting

Go to the settings which you can find at top right corner of your iPhone, and check that “Do Not Disturb” function is enables or not. Because whenever you put you device in DND mode then it will not show you any messages or notification and changes calls to the voice mail by default so you cannot get disturbed. To turn it off you need to disable this service.

If you are using iOS 14 or older, open Settings and tap on Do Not Disturb option. Check in the settings that Scheduled is turned on or off if so, your iPhone will automatically turn Do Not Disturb on and off when you go to sleep. You can also do this setting in two different ways.

Disable “Do Not Disturb” through Control Center:

  • Open the Control Center. To open this, just go to the settings and type in the search box to find the setting.
  • The icon looks like a moon then it is a DND (Do Not Disturb) icon
  • The icon should be grayed out, but if it’s liquescent white, this means that DND is turned on.
  • Tap the icon so the white color changed to gray, and DND is turned off.

You can also check “Do Not Disturb” status through the Settings app:

  • Open settings from home screen of iPhone.
  • Tap on Do Not Disturb and open it.
  • Tap on the switch and turn it off (its color should change to gray color).

On this page, you can also see how Do Not Disturb is already turned on. Make sure that Scheduled mode is disable because it will turn on the DND automatically. So turn it off.

2. Call Settings

To turn off all your call forwarding then dial a number in your phone *73, it will turn off all the call forwarding. This hack will turn off you call forwarding to voicemail for 99% of the time. To change the setting just open settings from home screen and tap on Focus option and select phone calls. Here, are some options.

First, if you want calls from the same person within three minutes to not be silenced, leave the switch at the top of the screen on. Then, select if you want to receive calls from Everyone, or your Favorites when a Focus is turned on.

Announce calls:

One of the famous methods is change the announce setting to always. To do this open the settings, then Phone and tap on Announce Calls, change its setting to Always and try it once.

3. Cellular Data Settings

It is possible that you had recently disable cellular data to reduce cellular data usage on your iPhone.

  • Open Settings then search Cellular and tap on it.
  • On the next screen, make sure that toggle next to Cellular Data is in ON position (Green)

4. Turn on the Ringer Volume

Sometimes you forget that your iPhone ringer is silent, which make you think that calls are recorded and sent to voicemail since you can’t hear them when they come in. If this is the issue or problem you are facing then try to increase the ringer volume of your phone.

Open “Sounds & Haptics” option in settings. Increase the volume of ringer using slider moving to right. You will hear the example sound of your phone by leveling the slider in this settings.

Now tell someone to call your phone to check the call is forwarding to voicemail or not if still its not working then move ahead to the next solutions.

5. Restart the device

If you can’t find anything in your settings that would send a call straight to voicemail, your iPhone might simply need to be refreshed. You should try restarting it to work out the kinks.

6. Carrier settings

iOS version of 15 and its above version allows you to change the Focus settings so calls will not be forwarded to voicemail when a Focus is turned on. To change the setting just open settings from home screen and tap on Focus option and select phone calls. Here, are some options.

First, if you want calls from the same person within three minutes to not be silenced, leave the switch at the top of the screen on. Then, select if you want to receive calls from Everyone, or your Favorites when a Focus is turned on.

7. Recover Lost Voicemail

First of all you need to download and install dr.fone application in your phone or in your pc. You can download by simply searching it on the internet. Now open it configure all the settings in your phone and connect it to your pc using USB cable.

By default, you will see the Recover from iOS Device window. Check all the files from your phone which you want to recover of backup. Then start the scan. It will start scanning and show you the progress and result.

Once the scan process is completed progress ar is showing 100%, you can check the results and view the details by click them before you decide to recover to iPhone.

8. Airplane Mode

If you have enabled airplane mode by mistake then you need to disable it because of that by default iPhone changes calls to voicemail. To turn off your airplane is really simple all you need to do is open your settings and simply search for airplane or you can see the airplane option on your first page move its button to left then it will be disabled and your iPhone will turn on all your network options.

9. Silence unknown callers

At times, the problem may be associated with the settings that you had made if you had an older iPhone device which is still docked your carrier. To turn off all your call forwarding then dial a number in your phone *73, it will turn off all the call forwarding. This hack will turn off you call forwarding to voicemail for 99% of the time.

10. Contact carrier

There is a chance that you may need to contact your cell carrier about an issue with service for missed or dropped calls. If by using all the tricks and all the solutions given in this article is not helping you to solve the problem then its time to contact to your carrier or customer care.

However, it is not common problem of users reporting that Calls Going Straight to Voicemail on iPhone.

The main and strong reason for that this is likely a setting issue on your iPhone and can be fixed very easily. There are several solutions to this problem, and you can find in this article. All the solutions are really fast and easy to execute. In this article, you will be able to understand explanation on why your iPhone goes straight to voicemail when someone calls and how to fix the problem.

Do Blocked Calls Go Straight to Voicemail on iPhone

Yes, blocked calls go straight to voicemail on iPhone. When you block a number on your iPhone, the caller will not be notified that they have been blocked. Instead, when they call you, they will hear the phone ring a few times, and then their call will be automatically sent to voicemail. This is because your iPhone will not even attempt to deliver the call to you when it comes from a blocked number.

If you want to know if a certain number is blocked on your iPhone, you can check your blocked contacts list. To do this, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. If the number you are looking for is on this list, then it is blocked.

You can also block a number from your Recent Calls list. To do this, open the Phone app and tap on the “Recents” tab. Find the number you want to block and tap on the blue “i” icon. Scroll down and tap on “Block this Caller”.

Blocking a number can be a helpful way to stop unwanted calls from harassing you or someone else. However, it is important to note that blocking a number will not prevent the caller from leaving you a voicemail message.

How to Make Calls Go Straight to Voicemail iPhone

There are several ways to make calls go straight to voicemail on your iPhone. Here are a few methods:

1. Using Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode

DND mode is a quick and easy way to silence all incoming calls and notifications. When DND is enabled, calls will go directly to voicemail after a few rings. To enable DND, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Center on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the Do Not Disturb icon.

2. Using Silence Unknown Callers

The Silence Unknown Callers feature silences calls from numbers that are not in your contacts or recent calls list. This can be a useful way to avoid robocalls and other unwanted calls. To enable Silence Unknown Callers, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Silence Unknown Callers.
  3. Toggle the switch to the On position.

3. Using Call Forwarding

Call forwarding allows you to divert your calls to another number or voicemail. This can be useful if you are unable to answer your phone or if you want to send all calls to your voicemail. To set up call forwarding, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Phone.
  2. Tap on Call Forwarding.
  3. Tap on Add Forwarding Rule.
  4. Enter the number you want to forward calls to.
  5. Tap on Voicemail.

4. Declining Calls Manually

You can also manually decline calls and send them directly to voicemail. To do this, simply tap on the Decline button when a call comes in.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Check Carrier Network Status:
    • Network Outages: Occasionally, network outages or maintenance in your area can cause call reception issues. Contact your carrier to check if there are any network issues in your area.
  2. Restart Your iPhone:
    • Software Glitches: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be causing the issue.
  3. Update Carrier Settings:
    • Carrier Settings Updates: Carrier settings updates sometimes include bug fixes and performance improvements that might address the issue. Check for and install any available carrier settings updates.
  4. Update iOS Software:
    • Software Updates: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS software. Software updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements that might address the problem.
  5. Reset Network Settings:
    • Network Configuration Errors: If the issue persists, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings. This will clear any network configuration errors that might be causing the problem. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  6. Contact Apple Support:
    • Hardware Issues: If you’ve tried all the above steps and the issue persists, there might be a hardware problem with your iPhone. Contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Similar Article:

How To Switch Phone Carriers And Keep Your Number

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are my iPhone calls going straight to voicemail?

There are several reasons why your iPhone calls might be going straight to voicemail. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is enabled: DND mode silences all incoming calls and notifications. To disable DND, open the Control Center and tap on the Do Not Disturb icon.
  • Silence Unknown Callers is enabled: This feature silences calls from numbers that are not in your contacts or recent calls list. To disable Silence Unknown Callers, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle the switch to the Off position.
  • Call forwarding is enabled: Call forwarding allows you to divert your calls to another number or voicemail. To check if call forwarding is enabled, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
  • You have a weak signal: If you’re in an area with weak cellular coverage, your iPhone may not be able to receive calls properly.
  • Your SIM card is faulty: If your SIM card is damaged or not properly inserted, it can cause call reception issues. Try removing and reinserting the SIM card.
  • There is a software glitch: Sometimes, software glitches can cause unexpected behavior, including calls going to voicemail. Try restarting your iPhone.

How can I fix this problem?

The best way to fix the problem of calls going straight to voicemail is to identify the cause of the problem and then address it accordingly. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

  1. Check your Do Not Disturb and Silence Unknown Callers settings: Make sure both of these features are disabled.
  2. Disable call forwarding: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and make sure it’s turned off.
  3. Check your cellular signal: If you’re in an area with weak signal, move to an area with better reception.
  4. Restart your iPhone: This can often fix minor software glitches.
  5. Update your iOS software: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.
  6. Contact your carrier: If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the problem persists, there might be a problem with your SIM card or your carrier’s network. Contact your carrier for further assistance.

What else can I do to prevent calls from going straight to voicemail?

In addition to the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, here are some other things you can do to prevent calls from going straight to voicemail:

  • Add important numbers to your contacts: This will ensure that calls from these numbers don’t get silenced by the Silence Unknown Callers feature.
  • Set up voicemail greetings for different callers: You can create different voicemail greetings for different types of callers, such as family, friends, and work colleagues. This can help you to prioritize your calls and avoid missing important messages.
  • Use a third-party call-blocking app: There are many different call-blocking apps available that can help you to block unwanted calls from spammers, robocallers, and other bothersome callers.

Calls are going to voicemail is a bug in the iPhone devices?

This is not a bug or problem in the iPhone, those are simple setting if your device is in low coverage area or you have turn on some settings.

iPhone have set some settings that changes calls to voicemail, like when your device is not in good network area and some one make a call to you device. So to do not loss any information it turns calls to voicemail so whenever you got good connection you can get the message from the who want to call you.

This is likely a setting issue on your iPhone and can be fixed pretty easily. There are several solutions to this problem, and you will go through some of them in this article

Do we need to install any apps to fix this problem?

No you are not required to install any app to solve this problem. There are several settings you need to do for resolving this problem. First, please sure you have downloaded and installed dr.fone – iOS Toolkit on your computer. You can download from the links below. Then open it. Connect your iPhone to your computer. 

By default, you will be led to the Recover from iOS Device window. Check the Voicemail, and other files that your want to recover. Then click on Start Scan. It will start scanning and show you the results later.

Once the scan process is over, you can check the results and view the details by click them before you decide to recover to iPhone.

Do I need to update my iOS version?

If you are using older version of iPhone and never updated OS, then you need to update the OS of your device.

What is the common solution for this problem?

Common solution is check all the required settings mentioned in above topics.

By changing settings is going to solve the problem or you need to update your OS version to new one. At some point, you may feel disturbed at the problem that iPhone goes straight to voicemail without any notification. Thankfully, with this guide, I believe you have gained access to clear things up. In addition, if losing your precious messages by accident, don’t be in panic. Dr.fone is well prepared to fix your problem.

Is this problem occurring only in iOS not in android?

Yes, changing calls to voicemail is only automated in iPhone devices only not in the Android devices. But it is done for security purpose only because if you keep you device silent or in airplane mode and someone want to give you the important information then you need to get that information. Therefore, iPhone devices change calls to voicemail when you tun your device in DND mode or silent or you are in the are having less strength network coverage.

Conclusion

To solve this problem you need to do some setting changes in your device, there are no other applications for this. Because this problem is not a bug it just a default setting done by the device to save the call message. You may feel disturbed at this problem that you calls goes to voicemail but it done for saving your important message from user. So follow all the steps mentioned in this article, still if this problem is not solved then you need to call the service provider or customer care, they may help you to solve this.

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