iPhone not ringing for calls? 9 settings to check

2 min read · 9 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Check the Silent mode switch or Action button, turn off any Focus such as Do Not Disturb, and raise the ringer volume under Settings, Sounds & Haptics. Then make sure unknown callers are not being silenced, Call Forwarding is off and no Bluetooth headphones are connected.

When calls come in silently or go straight to voicemail, a setting is nearly always responsible. There are several that can mute a call, and it is easy to switch one on by accident.

Step by step

  1. Turn off Silent mode

    On iPhones with a switch above the volume buttons, push it towards the screen so no orange shows. On iPhone 15 Pro and later, hold the Action button, or open Control Centre and tap the bell.

  2. Turn off Focus

    Open Control Centre and look at the Focus button. If Do Not Disturb, Sleep or another Focus is on, tap it to turn it off. A moon in the status bar is the sign.

  3. Raise the ringer volume

    Open Settings, Sounds & Haptics and drag the Ringtone and Alerts slider to the right. The volume buttons only change the ringer if Change with Buttons is on.

  4. Check the ringtone

    In Settings, Sounds & Haptics, tap Ringtone and pick a sound. If it is set to None, calls are silent.

  5. Disconnect Bluetooth

    If headphones or a car are connected, the ring may be playing there. Switch Bluetooth off under Settings, Bluetooth as a test.

  6. Check Screen Unknown Callers

    Open Settings, Apps, Phone, Screen Unknown Callers and choose Never. If it is set to Silence, numbers that are not in your contacts never ring. On iOS 18 and earlier, switch off Silence Unknown Callers.

  7. Check Call Forwarding

    In Settings, Apps, Phone, make sure Call Forwarding is off, or calls ring on another number.

  8. Check the contact is not blocked

    Open Settings, Apps, Phone, Blocked Contacts and remove the number if it is listed.

  9. Restart the iPhone

    A restart clears a stuck audio route, for example when the phone thinks headphones are still plugged in.

Good to know

If the phone rings but only for one caller it does not, open that contact, tap Edit and check their Ringtone and whether Emergency Bypass is set.

If there is no sound at all, including music and videos, clean the speaker openings gently with a dry soft brush and test again.

Sleep Focus turns on by schedule. Review it under Settings, Focus, Sleep if calls are silent every night and morning.

In short: Silent mode off, Focus off, ringer volume up, then check unknown callers, forwarding and Bluetooth.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If you can't hear a ringtone or other sounds on your iPhone

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