Why does my phone say "Call Failed" when dialing any number?

Question

Level 1

8 points

Why does my phone say "Call Failed" when dialing any number?

Ok, I'm using 2.2 software version on my iPhone 3G. It's not unlocked or anything. The problem started last night, when I tried to call someone in my contact list. I'll dial the number and it automatically goes to *"Call Failed"*, it doesn't dial or even attempt to. I can sends text messages, receive phone calls, and get online. Just can't make phone calls.

_Here's what I did to try to fix it._

First I cut the phone off and powered back on. Then tried a soft reset by holding the home button and power button down. After that didn't work I restored it to factory settings, which didn't work. Then I restored from a backup, but it didn't work either. I've tried everything people have said on the internet, that doesn't require unlocking the phone.

Please help!!!!

*edit* - I've also removed the SIM and restored to factory settings. Put the SIM back in when it asked for it. That didn't fix the problem either. 😟

Message was edited by: Bricen

Posted on Jan 7, 2009 8:31 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 7, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Bricen

If you are in the U.S., sounds like it is time to give AppleCare a call at (800) 694-7466, or make an appointment at an Apple store if there is one nearby.

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Answer 2

Bricen Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2009 11:32 AM in response to icebike

I'm not sure how to turn off 3G. But I have done the Reset Network Settings. Still no go.

I made an appointment to the apple store for tonight. Hopefully I can get this issue resolved or get a new phone.

Thanks everyone for your input. It's greatly appreciated!

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Answer 3

JoeZinVA

Level 2

431 points

Jan 7, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Bricen

- settings
- general
- network
- 3G (on/off)

I just recently had two call fails for some reason. I was riding on I-95 from DC to my home town and twice during a billing inquiry today possibly from a gap in coverage or some BS and "Call Failed".

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Answer 4

icebike

Level 3

740 points

Jan 7, 2009 3:04 PM in response to JoeZinVA

I seriously doubt there is any square inch on the interstate along the eastern edge of the US without coverage.

Failures can be due to call congestion, or ATT problems, or iPhone problems. If it happens on edge as well as 3g its probably ATT, especially if the phone has been reliable.

Any Genius bar can hook up the phone and evaluate failed call rate and tell you if it needs a replacement.

I occasionally get several failed calls in a row, but switching off 3G usually fixes it instantly.

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Answer 5

Jan 11, 2009 8:48 PM in response to Bricen

This started happening to me Monday. I'm able to receive calls or send SMS but when I try to make a call, it immediately goes to Call Ended and then Call Failed. I was in San Francisco when I first had the problem, although I was still able to receive calls. I'm still having the problem now that I'm home in Florida.

I completely restored my iPhone, changed the time zone & caller ID settings, and reset network settings as suggested in other threads here, but I'm still not able to make calls.

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Answer 6

icebike

Level 3

740 points

Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM in response to Bricen

So Bricen (and others):

How long did you own your 3G before this problem cropped up?
I'm worried this is not an "infant mortality" issue and maybe I have to worry
about this happening for no reason beyond the end of the warranty? I'd be stuck for another year in my ATT plan with a phone that didn't work.

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Answer 7

Bricen Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 12, 2009 11:49 AM in response to icebike

I've owned this iPhone 3G for about a month. This is the 3rd phone I've had though. The first time I got it replaced was because the side switch broke off. The one that turns sound and vibrate on and off, the little button just come off one day. So apple replaced it, then about a week after I got it I had this new dialing problem. Took it back again and got another iPhone.

I always thought apple was the stuff, but it's starting to seem like the only good thing about it is them replacing items.

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Answer 8

Jan 12, 2009 4:58 PM in response to icebike

One of the suggestions is to make sure 'show caller id' is on, which it was (and was grayed out so it can't be changed). I also removed & replaced the SIM card and I still get call failed every single time I try to make a call.

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Answer 9

gilesjuk

Level 2

195 points

Jan 7, 2009 8:39 AM in response to Bricen

Have you tried the phone at multiple locations to eliminate the possibility of cell tower failure?

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Answer 10

Bricen Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2009 8:41 AM in response to gilesjuk

Yes, I've tried calling at a few different locations. I've hit a couple of different towers.

Everything on the phone still works, except me dialing out.

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Answer 11

icebike

Level 3

740 points

Jan 7, 2009 11:12 AM in response to Bricen

If you switch off 3G does it work?

Have you tried Settings / General / Reset / Reset network settings?

If still fails, its time to stop fighting it and take it back to apple.

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Answer 12

shawnfog

Level 1

0 points

Jan 7, 2009 9:02 PM in response to Bricen

Exact same thing happened to mine. I went to the apple store and they gave me a new one.

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Answer 13

icebike

Level 3

740 points

Jan 12, 2009 12:21 AM in response to Mike Cohen2

Changed the caller id?

Have you tried turning off 3G?

How far to the nearest Apple Store?

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Answer 14

Bricen Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 12, 2009 8:27 AM in response to icebike

Originally this was my thread. I ended up getting a new phone from the apple store. That was the only thing left to do.

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Answer 15

pooyag

Level 1

0 points

Jan 15, 2009 2:36 AM in response to Bricen

Call your provider and they can help you the most...I had the same issue but they couldn't fix it so they sent me a brand new iphone, just the phone without accessories...
Goodluck

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