How can I stop my iPhone 16 Pro Max from dropping calls?

I have turned on AirPlane Mode and turned off.

I have turned phone off and on.

I have WiFi calling on.

I am on 5G standard.


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 3, 2025 5:43 AM

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Posted on Feb 3, 2025 3:04 PM

I bought 3 iPhone 16 Pros 2 months ago and me, my wife & daughter are ALL constantly dropping calls in the house! We have strong cell signal (at least 3 bars) & WiFi enabled with Strong WiFi signal, and the calls still drop! Apple NEEDS to look into this and FIX the problem! ... Meanwhile, we will try to change it to just LTE and see if that fixes it!

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Feb 3, 2025 3:04 PM in response to GP_Photog

I bought 3 iPhone 16 Pros 2 months ago and me, my wife & daughter are ALL constantly dropping calls in the house! We have strong cell signal (at least 3 bars) & WiFi enabled with Strong WiFi signal, and the calls still drop! Apple NEEDS to look into this and FIX the problem! ... Meanwhile, we will try to change it to just LTE and see if that fixes it!

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Jan 12, 2025 4:48 PM in response to PhyllisfromTallahassee

I've been troubleshooting an issue for a few days where calls were constantly dropping with Wi-Fi calling enabled. Neither Apple customer service, nor my cell carrier (Consumer Cellular) could provide any useful help. However, after extensive testing, I believe I’ve identified a solution.


Quick Fix: Turn Off 5G Auto

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
  2. Select either 5G On or LTE, depending on what is available in your area.


This adjustment should allow for a seamless transition between Wi-Fi calling and your cellular network.


My Experience

iPhone 16 Pro iOS Version 18.2.1

With Wi-Fi calling enabled, calls would drop if my Wi-Fi connection dropped. Similarly, if I was on a call with Wi-Fi calling disabled, then enabled Wi-Fi calling during the call, the call would also drop. I have cell reception with 5G and LTE in my area, so I knew that wasn't the issue.

After switching 5G Auto to either 5G On or LTE, this was no longer an issue and calls no longer dropped. Interestingly, after making this adjustment, I reverted to 5G Auto, and the problem seemed resolved for now. It appears there is likely a bug with the 5G Auto setting that is causing the issue.


Please let us know if this helps you and hopefully this will help other frustrated iPhone owners.

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Feb 4, 2025 4:17 AM in response to GP_Photog

You could check these settings on your iPhone and make changes if needed.

  1. Settings, Click Siri & Search, Click Call Hang-up, TURN OFF.
  2. GO TO Accessibility, click on Voice Over then Audio and then Turn Off “Auto Select Speaker on Call.


Also, if you are using Wi-Fi Calling your signal may be fluctuating in areas of your home. Complaining to your Provider may get you a FREE Extender which will give you a stronger signal in parts of your home.

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Feb 3, 2025 4:48 PM in response to Tajmahodge

Unfortunately, even with LTE only, the issue eventually continued. I purchased a new iPhone 16pro, but same problem occurred. I’m located in the US on AT&T. Worked with their tech support and got nowhere. They supposedly opened a ticket, but doubt that will lead to anything positive.

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Jan 3, 2025 7:58 AM in response to PhyllisfromTallahassee

It seems your iPhone is experiencing call connectivity problems, causing calls to abruptly end with "Call Back" or "Cancel" options on the screen, refer to the pics below. This happens when a call is failed which you forgot to mention in your post.




If you are experiencing intermittent silence or drop or the call itself is disconnected during voice calls on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue:


  1. Poor signal strength can cause dropouts or silence during a call. Try moving to an area with better reception or switching to a different network if possible.
  2. Restart your iPhone --> Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  3. Force Restart your iPhone --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support)
  4. This may help too. General Troubleshooting iPhone Issues: St… - Apple Community
  5. Check if your audio is not connected to external Bluetooth speakers.
  6. Few other reasons why your device keeps Muting / Dropping / Disconnecting Calls or encountering Call Failed.
    1. Your device's cellular signal Is weak.
    2. It's Raining (Cats & Dogs) in your area or in the area where your device is hooked.
    3. The Cell Tower is Overloaded / Heavy Traffic (Telecommunication)
    4. You've misunderstood your signal strength
    5. You are moving and the signal weakens while changing from one tower to another
  7. Other culprits may include the following:
    1. Bad Weather: Precipitation can leak into phone cable lines and cause disruptions. Lightening, even at a distance, can disrupt the connection.
    2. Wireless interference: Power lines, radio, or television. transmitters, transformers, and other electronic devices may cause noise on the phone line. --> Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless ...
    3. DSL services: The high-frequency signals coming from DSL (digital subscriber line) devices sharing the phone line can create problems for other technology connected to the line.
  8. Try to turn on Airplane mode, wait for 10-15 secs, and turn off aeroplane mode.
  9. Check the health of your device's Battery. Change if below 80%
  10. Take the SIM out and Put it back again, Change your SIM, if it is damaged
  11. Time to contact your Carrier / Change if required


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Mar 14, 2025 11:57 PM in response to Tajmahodge

I have the same problem here in Australia. My service provider replaced my 1 month old iphone16pro with a new iPhone 16pro but it is still happening. It’s extremely frustrating with no answers. It is not the reception or service as I have never previously had this issue.

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Apr 9, 2025 10:30 AM in response to PhyllisfromTallahassee

I had a iPhone 16 pro max that constantly dropped calls for the past 3 months. Took phone into Verizon store and was given eSIM and old SIM card taken out. Calls continued to fail. Took phone back in and was told internal antenna was probably bad. Went home and ordered 16 pro max. Go it. Set it up. And dropped calls again. This is bad as I am handicapped and rely on phone for medical issues and etc… I tried all the responses on this page and then some. Anyone have any ideas. Need help please. Should i send new phone back. And I do have all bars in the house and Verizon wi-fi is strong. Bummed out in New York!!!!!!

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Feb 13, 2025 12:58 PM in response to RCBROTHER

Turning Off WiFi calling is not the answer when you don’t have a strong WiFi signal. If I turned off WiFi calling I could not even answer a call because the call dropped. After having this DROP call problem over 3 different phones and trying every fix I could find, I called VERIZON. They saw all the dropped calls and said the FIX was an Extender. They sent me the Extender free of charge and upon installing it, all my problems were fixed. Yes, now I could turn off WiFi Calling. I have had the Extender for 2 weeks now and no dropped calls. Finally, I love my new iPhone 16 Pro Max!

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Mar 20, 2025 6:48 AM in response to PhyllisfromTallahassee

I am also having this issue. I have the extender but I have to restart my phone to even get it to connect half the time.

I’ve called Verizon countless times they have no idea why it’s happening.

it’s just so annoying because Apple said nothing wrong. Verizon said nothing wrong. But I CONSTANTLY drop calls. I have an iPhone 16 on Verizon.

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Apr 4, 2025 6:53 AM in response to GP_Photog

FIrst started dropping ("call failed") calls on iphone 13: Apple Genius Bar said phone is fine, Verion replaced the Sim card....still dropping. In frustration I upgraded to iphone 16e, set up new phoen the usual way and BOOM, new phone dropping calls. Verizon says it's a software bug, told me to erase the phoen completely and don't put on any apps (which makes a smart phone a dumb phone.) Some days it's ok, other days dropped calls. I have turned off Siri, bluetooth, I don't have VPN, I changed to network "5g on" instead of 5g auto, i turned airplane mode on for 15 secs then turned it off.......I don't want this expensive dumbphone that can't even make phone calls! Any other ideas? I am going back to the Genius Bar today. thanks


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Apr 16, 2025 9:27 PM in response to PhyllisfromTallahassee

I have the same issue. Two iPhone 16 pro handsets. Two different carriers. All same issue. Apple have been no help. Told me to lodge it with carrier - despite me saying 2 different carriers , dual sim. Exact same problem. They were unwilling to acknowledge the logic gap in their troubleshooting. Lord help us all.

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How can I stop my iPhone 16 Pro Max from dropping calls?

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