I cannot make/receive calls but receive texts

Question

Level 1

8 points

I cannot make/receive calls but receive texts

Hi All,

I wonder if you can help...

I have an iPhone 8 and I'm currently abroad. My roaming is on (confirmed by network provider also) but I cannot make nor receive calls. Strangely:

I can only receive text messages,
I can only use O2 network, when I try to pick any other when abroad, there's No Service.
My phone is unlocked but when I try to use any simcard when abroad, it doesn't work.

My network provider (GiffGaff runs on O2) say it's an issue with my iPhone. I tried probably everything, even erasing data from my phone and then setting it up again - nothing has worked.

DND is off, so is Focus, no blocked numbers, running on the latest iOS.

Any thoughts, please?

Jan

iPhone 8, iOS 16

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 12:18 PM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,556 points

Nov 27, 2024 11:37 AM in response to JanMares

With an antenna issue you’d show no bars and receive no texts. Antenna don’t work for some services and not others. Apple Support can run remote diagnostics or you can take it to an Apple Retail Store.

My experience says carrier issue. Other possibilities are VPN and related issues. Have you ever had a VPN or even VPN software on your iPhone?

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Answer 2

Nov 26, 2024 10:04 PM in response to JanMares

Check your iPhone settings

Go to Settings and turn on Airplane Mode, wait five seconds, then turn it off. Check Do Not Disturb. Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it's turned off. Check for any blocked phone numbers.

If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,556 points

Nov 27, 2024 8:38 AM in response to JanMares

Who are O2 roaming partners abroad? If you don’t have any roaming service, you’ll need a SIM card for the service you want to use. Text messages.

Text messages are sent on the 800 MHz band which provides great distance than the usual 4G and 5G service. This may have something to do with receiving texts but no voice calls. In less populated areas I frequently receive and send texts, but voice calls never come through.

Id find a cellular provider with better service.

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Answer 4

JanMares Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2024 10:57 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Hi Jeff,

You can usually choose any provider that is available locally - for me, it's the same for O2, Vodafone and others. I have roaming and I'm able to use data but no phone calls... I'm starting to wonder whether this could have something to do with the antenna.. Jan

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Answer 5

JanMares Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2024 8:09 AM in response to SravanKrA

Hi SravanKrA,

Thank you for your response but as mentioned in my post, all these were checked and there's no issue with them. Jan

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