How to Fix a Phone That Rings Once Then Stops (iPhone & Android)
You’ve missed that important call from the doctor, a friend, or work because your phone rang just once then went silent. It happens to everyone at some point. Frustrating, right?
This issue hits both iPhone and Android smartphones hard. Simple settings tweaks, network glitches, or carrier hiccups often cause it. Your smartphone might send calls straight to voicemail without a full ring.
Common triggers include Do Not Disturb or Focus modes that quiet incoming calls. Spam filters like Silence Unknown Callers block numbers you don’t know well. Other culprits are low ringer volume, Bluetooth routing audio away, active call forwarding, or weak signals from your carrier.
Good news: most fixes take just minutes and need no tech skills. We’ll walk you through them step by step. Start with quick checks like volume and silent switches.
Next, disable pesky features on iPhone or Android. Then tackle network resets and carrier tips if needed. By the end, your phone will ring loud and clear every time.
Why Does Your Phone Ring Once Then Stop? Common Causes
Your phone rings once, then silence takes over. Calls vanish to voicemail before you grab the device. This glitch stems from everyday settings or network hiccups on both iPhone and Android. You expect a full ringtone, but built-in features cut it short. Let’s break down the top reasons so you spot the issue fast.
Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes Silent Calls
Do Not Disturb mode silences most notifications, including calls, on your smartphone. iPhone users see this as Focus modes in iOS, like Sleep or Work, which block rings except for favorites. Android handles it through Do Not Disturb in settings, with options for total silence or alarms only.
These modes often allow one brief ring to alert you without full disruption. Then, the call shifts to voicemail. Schedules trigger this automatically, say at night or work hours. If you set it to ring favorites only, unknown numbers get muted right away.
Check your allowed contacts list. Family or starred numbers might ring through, but others stop cold. Turn off the schedule or add exceptions to test. Many users forget a shared calendar syncs Focus across devices, keeping your phone quiet even when you think it’s off. Apple forums discuss cases where iPhone rings despite Do Not Disturb, often tied to location-based triggers.
Disable it fully: On iPhone, swipe down for Control Center and tap the moon icon. Android users long-press the Do Not Disturb tile. Calls flow normally after.
Spam Filters and Unknown Caller Blocks
Spam filters protect you from robocalls and scams. They spot suspicious patterns and silence them quick. Your phone might ring once to log the attempt, then block the rest.
iPhone’s Silence Unknown Callers feature mutes numbers not in contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions. It sends them straight to voicemail without further rings. Android offers similar tools like Silence Unknown Callers or carrier apps such as Verizon Call Filter. These detect spam via databases and hush the line after that single tone.
Built-in filters learn from your habits. They flag repeated unknown calls or high-risk area codes. Third-party apps like Truecaller amp this up but sometimes overblock legit numbers.
Review your spam list often. Legitimate callers from new numbers get caught. Turn off the feature temporarily: iPhone goes to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Android checks Phone app settings or Google Fi protections. Test with a friend’s unknown number to confirm.
Network or Carrier Glitches Kick In Voicemail Fast
Weak signals make calls drop fast. Your smartphone detects poor coverage and forwards to voicemail after one ring. Towers hand off poorly in spots like elevators or rural drives.
Carrier settings play a role too. Call forwarding routes incoming calls early if active. Check for unintended forwards to voicemail or another line. AT&T or T-Mobile glitches sometimes reset this without notice.
Signal strength bars lie sometimes. Toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds to refresh the connection. Restart your phone clears temporary carrier caches.
Dial carrier codes to inspect: *#21# shows forwards on most networks. Disable with ##21#. If glitches persist, contact your provider; they fix backend issues. Users report this fixes the one-ring problem in dead zones or after updates. Keep software current, as patches address network handoffs.
Quick Fixes to Try First on Any Phone
Start here if your phone rings once then stops. These steps reset glitches and silence modes that cut calls short. They work on iPhone and Android in under five minutes. You’ll often fix the problem without deeper tweaks.
Restart Your Phone and Update Software
A simple restart clears temporary bugs in your smartphone’s system. It refreshes memory and network connections that might forward calls too soon. Updates patch known issues with ringing and voicemail handoffs.
Follow these steps for a soft restart first. If that fails, try a force restart.
For iPhone (iOS 11 or later):
- Press and hold a volume button and the side button until the power slider shows.
- Drag the slider to shut down. Wait 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Newer models like iPhone X and later use this method. See Apple’s guide for details on restarting your iPhone.
For Android (most devices):
- Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
- Tap Restart or Power off, then turn it back on.
- On Pixel phones, hold the power button on the right side for a few seconds.
Samsung or other brands follow similar steps. Check your model’s power button location.
Now update your software. Outdated versions cause call routing errors.
Update iPhone:
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- If available, tap Download and Install. Connect to Wi-Fi and power first.
- Enter your passcode if asked. Restart after install.
Apple provides full steps here.
Update Android:
- Go to Settings > System > System Update (or About Phone > Android Version).
- Tap Check for updates. Download if ready.
- Install and restart as prompted.
Google’s support covers this process. Test a call after. Your smartphone should ring fully now.
Turn Off Do Not Disturb Right Now
Do Not Disturb mutes calls after one ring to avoid distractions. Turn it off fast through quick panels. This stops the mode from sending callers to voicemail.
On iPhone:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap the crescent moon icon (Focus) if lit.
- Select Do Not Disturb to toggle off. The icon vanishes.
Apple’s official steps are here. Check Settings > Focus for schedules too. Disable any active ones like Sleep or Work.
On Android:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen for Quick Settings.
- Tap the Do Not Disturb icon (circle with lines or moon).
- Toggle it off. Swipe up to close.
Google explains access in this guide. Long-press the tile for more options if needed.
Calls ring normal once off. If your smartphone still acts up, move to network checks next. These fixes solve it for most users right away.
iPhone Specific Fixes for Rings That Stop
If you own an iPhone, you have a few built in features that can mute or limit how incoming calls come through. This section focuses on iPhone specific settings that commonly cause a single ring before voicemail. The goal is to give you quick, practical steps to regain a full ring every time. We’ll cover Silence Unknown Callers, how to manage call forwarding and voicemail, and a safe network reset approach that won’t disrupt your data.
Turn Off Silence Unknown Callers
Path: Settings > Phone.
Silence Unknown Callers can block calls from numbers not stored in your contacts. It often results in a single ring and then voicemail for everything that isn’t saved in your phone. If you frequently receive calls from new numbers, this feature can feel like a roadblock. The quickest test is to turn it off and try a call from a number you don’t recognize.
To disable Silence Unknown Callers:
- Open Settings, scroll to Phone.
- Tap Silence Unknown Callers.
- Switch off the feature to allow all calls to ring through.
After turning it off, place a test call from a number you don’t know. If the call rings normally, you’ve identified the culprit. If you still see one ring, move on to the next fixes.
For deeper context on how this feature works and its alternatives, you can review Apple’s guidance on Screen and block calls on iPhone and related settings. This resource explains how to screen or silence unknown callers, filter unknown callers, and silence spam callers, so you can choose the approach that best fits your needs:
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106
- https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/iphone/iphe4b3f7823/ios
- https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/block-or-avoid-unwanted-calls-iphe4b3f7823/ios
If you want to reintroduce selective screening later, you can reenable Silence Unknown Callers and rely on other filters or your Contacts list to manage calls more precisely. Remember that adding trusted numbers to your Contacts can ensure you see important calls no matter what, especially for family, doctors, or work numbers.
Disable Call Forwarding and Check Voicemail Settings
Full steps.
Call forwarding can redirect an incoming call away from your device and into another line or voicemail quickly. If a misconfigured forwarding rule exists, you might hear one ring before the call lands in voicemail. The same goes for voicemail settings that push the attempt straight there after a brief ring.
To review and disable call forwarding on iPhone:
- Open Settings and tap Phone.
- Tap Call Forwarding.
- If the toggle is on, turn it off. If you see a forwarded number listed, delete it or turn forwarding off.
Next, check your voicemail settings to ensure calls aren’t being redirected before you have a chance to answer:
- Open the Phone app and go to Voicemail.
- Review your greeting and any conditional forwarding options that might exist.
- If you use Visual Voicemail, confirm that it’s configured to ring first before voicemail picks up.
For further guidance, you can consult Apple’s resources on setting up call forwarding and voicemail. They cover how to set up forwarding, review forwarding settings, and adjust voicemail options:
- Set up call forwarding on iPhone: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-call-forwarding-iph7405291c4/ios
- Change your voicemail greeting and settings on iPhone: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/change-voicemail-greeting-and-settings-ipha113f4a15/ios
- Review forwarding settings guidance: https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/review-forwarding-settings-ips07e9f4def/web
After making changes, test with a few calls from unknown numbers to confirm the behavior. If forwarding or voicemail was the offender, you should see a full ring again.
Reset Network and Test Signal
Safe reset option.
A network glitch can cradle a one ring then voicemail issue. A safe reset that refreshes network connections without erasing data often resolves the problem. The goal is a clean slate for how your iPhone handles incoming calls.
To perform a safe network reset:
- Turn on Airplane Mode for 15–30 seconds, then turn it off to refresh cellular and WiFi connections.
- If issues persist, reboot the iPhone. A soft restart clears temporary caches without wiping data.
If you suspect a deeper network issue, a quick check of your carrier settings can help. Apple’s guidance provides a framework for diagnosing and adjusting settings that impact call routing and voicemail handoffs. While you don’t need to dive into every advanced option, ensuring you’re on the latest carrier settings can fix one ring quirks.
- Apple support on iPhone restart and software updates: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118575
- General iPhone blocking and call-related guidance: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106
- iPhone screen and block calls guidance: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/block-or-avoid-unwanted-calls-iphe4b3f7823/ios
If after a network refresh you still hear only a single ring, consider checking for any carrier side quirks or outages in your area. In some cases, a temporary carrier issue resolves itself after a day or two. If the problem persists, contact your provider to run a quick diagnostic on your line and the routing stack.
External resources found helpful for iPhone call handling and unknown callers:
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106
- https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/iphone/iphe4b3f7823/ios
- https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/block-or-avoid-unwanted-calls-iphe4b3f7823/ios
Remember, most users see relief from one of these steps. If you’ve got a few minutes, go through each fix in order. A full ring should be back when the settings align with your call behavior.
Android Fixes: Stop the One-Ring Problem
If you’re seeing that single ring before voicemail on an Android device, you’re not alone. The fix often lives in the small settings tucked away in the Phone app, rather than a full system reset. In this section, we’ll focus on practical Android-specific steps you can take quickly to restore a normal ringing pattern. You’ll learn how to disable aggressive spam protections, turn off stray call forwarding, and refresh your device’s network settings. These tweaks are safe, quick, and require no advanced tech skills. A well-tuned smartphone should ring through every time, without leaving you guessing whether the next call will be answered.
Disable Spam Protection in Phone App
Spam protection can block or quiet unfamiliar numbers, sometimes after a single ring. On many Android devices, the Phone app includes caller ID and spam protection that flags suspicious calls and may mute the rest. If you’re missing legitimate calls, you may want to temporarily dial back these features to test behavior.
- Open the Phone app and tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Look for Caller ID, Spam protection, or Silence unknown callers, and adjust the options:
- If you see Silence unknown callers, toggle it off to let all unknown numbers ring through.
- If caller ID spam protection is on and you trust your caller pool, temporarily disable it to test.
- Place a test call from an unfamiliar number to confirm the change.
External resources help explain how these protections operate and how to adjust them in a way that fits your needs. For example, Google’s Phone app help covers caller ID and spam protection and how certain settings can affect call handling. If you’re using a carrier feature, you may also find related guidance from provider pages. Links you can review include:
- Use caller ID & spam protection – Phone app Help
- How Android blocks spam calls and what you can change
If you decide to reenable protections after testing, do so gradually and monitor whether legitimate numbers are still ringing normally. The goal is a balance between blocking nuisance calls and ensuring important calls get through.
Clear Call Forwarding Options
A misconfigured call forwarding rule can make a caller hear a single ring before the call lands somewhere else, or straight into voicemail. Clearing these settings on Android is straightforward and quick.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the Menu (three dots) or Settings.
- Look for Call Forwarding or Forwarding settings.
- If forwarding is on, toggle it off. If a specific number is listed, delete it.
- Test by calling from a number you don’t recognize to confirm the full ring.
Beyond Android, guidance from service providers and reputable tech sites shows how to disable forwarding across devices. If you’re sharing your device with others or have multiple lines, double-check each line or SIM profile. For reference, see:
- How to turn off call forwarding on any device, iPhone, Android
- Turn Call Forwarding Off from Device (Verizon)
- How to turn off call forwarding on iPhone and Android (Asurion)
After turning forwarding off, try a few unknown-number calls to verify that the phone rings normally again. If forwarding was the culprit, this alone typically fixes the one-ring issue.
Reset Network Settings on Android
A network refresh can clear routing hiccups that cause a brief ring before voicemail. This reset won’t erase your apps or personal data, but it will reset WiFi networks and saved Bluetooth devices. It’s a safe, non-destructive way to start fresh with how your phone handles calls.
- Open Settings.
- Tap System (or General management on some devices).
- Select Reset options or Reset network settings.
- Choose Reset network settings and confirm.
- Your device will restart; reconnect to WiFi and re-pair Bluetooth devices as needed.
- After the reset, test by placing a call from an unknown number to confirm the improvement.
If you still notice a one-ring behavior after the network reset, there may be a carrier-side setting or outage at play. Contact your carrier to run a quick diagnostic on your line and the routing stack. In many cases, a quick carrier check resolves the issue when the device itself is clear.
Tips to keep in mind:
- Turn on Airplane Mode for a short moment to refresh cellular connections after the reset.
- Ensure your device is on the latest Android version and that carrier update packages are installed.
For additional context on Android network and call handling, you can review official support guidance from Google and other reputable resources. These help explain how to diagnose call routing issues and what to expect after a network reset. External links to explore include:
- Android network reset guidance
- Google support on Android updates and network behavior
By following these Android-specific steps, you can usually stamp out the one-ring problem quickly. If the issue persists across multiple SIMs or carriers, there may be a broader connectivity problem in your area or a specific carrier routing quirk that deserves a closer look.
When Basic Fixes Fail: Carrier and Advanced Steps
If the quick tweaks don’t restore a full ring, the issue often lives at the carrier level or in deeper network settings. This section guides you through advanced steps that a typical user can perform without specialized equipment. Think of your carrier as the final gatekeeper for how calls are routed; sometimes a small misconfiguration or a backend hiccup needs a provider’s touch. As you work through these steps, keep in mind that your smartphone relies on a stable connection and proper call routing to deliver every ring.
Verify Carrier Settings and Software Updates
Your device uses carrier settings to control network behavior, including how calls are handed off between towers and to voicemail. An outdated carrier profile can cause odd ringing behavior or premature voicemail. Check for carrier updates as a normal maintenance step.
- On iPhone: Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to install. Carrier updates are often bundled with iOS updates, so keep the device current.
- On Android: Settings > System > System update (or About phone > Android version). Install any available carrier or system updates.
If updates aren’t available, contact your carrier to confirm there are no outages or known issues in your area. Sometimes a quick reset at the carrier level is required, and they can push a fix to your line without affecting data.
For context on how carrier settings influence call behavior, review Apple’s guidance on iPhone restart and software updates and Google’s guidance on Android updates:
- Apple support on iPhone restart and software updates
- Google support on Android updates and network behavior
Run a Carrier Diagnostic: What to Ask For
If several fixes fail, ask your carrier to run a diagnostic on your line. A quick check can reveal issues like:
- Incorrect call routing rules on your account
- A misconfigured voicemail forward
- A temporary outage affecting the call path to your area
When you contact support, have these ready:
- Your phone model and OS version
- A recent time when the issue occurred
- The number you’re testing with and the time you tested
Carriers can reset routing stacks on their end, sometimes resolving the one-ring problem within minutes. If they identify a broader outage, you’ll know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Check for Active Call Forwarding and Voicemail Rules at the Carrier Level
Some carriers offer features that override phone-side settings. If a forwarding rule is active, a call can ring once then route away before you answer. The fix is often as simple as disabling the feature from the carrier app or by using carrier-provided codes. If you’re unsure, ask support to confirm there are no active forwardings or conditional rules that push calls to voicemail.
Important note: Always test with an unknown number after changing forwarding settings. That ensures you’re seeing the intended behavior across different caller profiles.
For references on handling call forwarding across devices, see guidance from carrier support and related resources:
- How to Turn Off Call Forwarding (iPhone, Android, & Landlines)
Refresh Network Handling with a Safe Reset
A strategic network reset can clear stubborn call routing quirks without erasing data. This is distinct from a full device reset and targets the way your connection interacts with the network.
- Turn on Airplane Mode for 15–30 seconds, then turn it off. This flushes the radio connections and can restore normal call handling.
- If the problem persists, perform a soft reboot of your smartphone to clear temporary network caches.
If the issue still lingers, a deeper network check with your carrier is warranted. They can verify whether your account, SIM profile, or roaming settings are causing the one-ring behavior.
Evaluate VoLTE, 5G Auto, and Band Selection
Modern networks use VoLTE for high quality calls and dynamic band selection for optimal coverage. In some rare cases, misconfigured settings can affect how calls are routed and ring through.
- Ensure VoLTE is enabled if you rely on 4G/5G for voice. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and VoLTE. On Android, verify VoLTE settings in the Network or SIM cards section.
- If your area has strong 5G coverage, choose the auto setting for band selection to allow the phone to switch to the best available band. If 5G is spotty, a switch to LTE may stabilize call handling.
Documented guidance from Apple and Google helps you align these features with your network:
- Apple support on iPhone settings for call and network behavior
- Google support on Android updates and network behavior
When to Escalate: Carriers and Outages
If you’ve exhausted all device-side and carrier settings and the problem still shows up on multiple SIMs or in different locations, the root cause might be a broader network issue. Check service status pages for your provider and nearby regions. In some cases, the fix comes from a backend routing update that only your carrier can implement. Stay in touch with support and ask for ongoing monitoring until the issue resolves.
External resources that explain how to identify and handle one-ring issues from a network perspective can provide additional reassurance:
- How to turn off call forwarding on any device
- Code meanings and how to inspect forwarding status with *21#
By systematically ruling out device settings, carrier configurations, and network conditions, you can isolate the cause and apply the right fix. A little patience here pays off with a reliable, consistent ring every time. If you’re ready for the next level, we’ll dive into platform-specific refinements for both iPhone and Android to lock in a solid solution. For now, keep a note of times you experienced the issue and any changes you made so you can share a concise report with your carrier if needed.
Conclusion
Most people fix a phone that rings once then stops with a few quick checks. Simple tweaks to Do Not Disturb, spam filters, call forwarding, and network settings solve the problem in minutes. A well-tuned smartphone rings through reliably, without guessing what went wrong.
Recap of the core steps: review and adjust Do Not Disturb or Focus modes, disable Silence Unknown Callers, turn off any active call forwarding, refresh network connections, and install available updates. After each change, test with a call from a number you don’t know to confirm the behavior. If the issue still appears, broaden the check to your carrier settings and outages.
If the problem persists, contact your carrier for a quick diagnostic on your line and routing. In rare cases the culprit sits in the backend, not on your device. Always back up your data before deeper resets so you can restore your apps and settings quickly.
Share your experience in the comments and tell us which fix finally worked for you. If you found this helpful, consider saving a quick backup checklist for future troubleshooting. Your smartphone will ring clearly again, and you’ll be ready for the next important call.
