I can receive calls (and texts) from my brother but I can't call him or send him texts

It seems like you're experiencing a specific issue with communication between your iPhone 4s and your brother's device. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Check Network Connection:

- Ensure that both you and your brother have a stable network connection, either through Wi-Fi or cellular data.

2. Restart Your iPhone:

- A simple restart can often resolve connectivity issues. Turn off your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

3. Update iOS:

- The iPhone 4s is limited to iOS 9, and it's possible that compatibility issues may arise over time. However, make sure that both devices have the latest available updates installed.

4. Check Date and Time Settings:

- Ensure that the date and time settings on both devices are correct. An incorrect date or time may cause communication issues.

5. Verify Blocking Status:

- Double-check that neither of your numbers is on the blocked contacts list. Go to Settings > Messages (or Phone) > Blocked Contacts to confirm.

6. Check Do Not Disturb Settings:

- Make sure that neither of you has activated the "Do Not Disturb" mode. This can prevent calls and texts from going through.

7. Reset Network Settings:

- Resetting network settings can resolve connectivity issues. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will reset Wi-Fi passwords and other network-related settings.

8. Test with Different Apps:

- Try using different communication apps (besides the default calling and messaging apps) to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is specific to certain applications.

9. Contact Carrier Support:

- Reach out to your respective mobile carriers' customer support. They can check for any network-related issues or restrictions that may be affecting your ability to call or text each other.

10. iCloud Sign Out and Sign In:

- Sign out of your iCloud account on both devices and sign back in. This can refresh the connection to Apple's servers.

If the issue persists after trying these steps, given the age of the iPhone 4s and its limitations with newer technologies, it might be worthwhile to contact Apple Support or consider upgrading to a more recent iPhone model for a smoother experience with the latest features and compatibility.

Prof_Ahab wrote:

For what it's worth, the call rings on the other end and goes immediately to voice mail.

This brings to mind your brother may be using Do Not Disturb.

Turn off Do Not Disturb - Apple Support

Are you and your brother sharing an Apple ID? If so, stop doing that immediately.

The person getting the new ID must thoroughly cleanse his Apple device(s) as follows:

Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone - Apple Support

Then “move in” using the new ID.

Prof_Ahab wrote:

Everyone else can get through to him. I'm the only person who can't text or call him.

That can be arranged in Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb. It certainly does not guarantee he is not using Do Not Disturb.

You have never shared an Apple ID - excellent.

You have three siblings. Presumably none of them have ever shared an Apple ID.

So it sounds like you can call or text two of your three siblings without issue, but one presents problems. What’s unique about your brother’s setup that distinguishes him from the other two?

(I’ve made a possibly false assumption you communicate with your other two siblings. Sorry if I should not have gone down that path.)

Heretostay59 wrote:

It seems like you're experiencing a specific issue with communication between your iPhone 4s and your brother's device. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

We don't know for sure that the OP has an iPhone 4S. The forum software frequently gets that wrong. You should always confirm what device a person is using.

Glad it’s resolved!

Hope you and your family enjoy your Apple products.