Understanding Auto-Call Rejection

This feature is intended to block unwanted calls, but misconfigurations, software glitches, or app interference can lead to legitimate calls being rejected. Thankfully, most issues can be resolved with a few simple adjustments.

Common Reasons Your Phone Rejects Calls

• Do Not Disturb Mode: Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is a lifesaver when you need peace and quiet, but it can also block calls if left on by mistake. When this feature is active, your phone automatically silences or rejects incoming calls. It’s worth checking if this is the culprit.
• Blocked Numbers: Accidentally adding someone to your block list can prevent their calls from coming through. Double-check your blocked numbers to ensure no one is unintentionally blocked.
• Third-Party Apps: Spam blockers and call-filtering apps like Truecaller are great for stopping unwanted calls, but they can sometimes mislabel legitimate ones as spam and block them.
• Misconfigured Call Settings: Features like call forwarding, call barring, or auto-reject lists can inadvertently lead to calls being blocked or redirected.
• Network or Carrier Issues: Weak signal strength or carrier-level features like spam protection can also result in call rejections.
• Software Glitches: Outdated software may cause bugs, including problems with call management.

Fixing Auto-Rejected Calls on Android

• Disable Do Not Disturb Mode: Open your phone’s settings, go to Sound & Vibration, and check if DND is enabled. If it is, disable it or customize it to allow calls.
• Review Blocked Numbers: In the Phone app, access settings (usually under a gear icon or three dots) and look at the blocked numbers list. Remove any unintended blocks.
• Inspect Third-Party Apps: Open your settings and navigate to the app permissions section. Check which apps have call permissions and disable any that seem unnecessary or suspicious.
• Reset Call Settings: Go to your system settings and select the reset options. Choose to reset network or app settings to restore default call configurations.
• Update Your Software: Make sure your phone has the latest software. Go to Settings, find System Updates, and install any available updates.

Fixing Auto-Rejected Calls on iPhone

• Turn Off Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode: Head to your settings and look for the Focus or Do Not Disturb Ensure these features are disabled or customized to allow calls.
• Check Blocked Contacts: Go to Settings, then Phone, and review the blocked contacts list. Unblock any numbers you want to receive calls from.
• Disable Silence Unknown Callers: In the Phone settings, check if the Silence Unknown Callers feature is turned on. If so, switch it off to allow calls from all numbers.
• Review Third-Party Apps: Navigate to your privacy settings and check the Call Blocking & Identification Disable any spam-blocking apps that might be interfering with calls.
• Update iOS: To keep your iPhone up to date, go to Settings, tap General, and select Software Update. Install any updates that show up.

Tips to Prevent Call Rejection

• Regularly check settings: Periodically review your phone’s call and DND settings to ensure they’re correctly configured.
• Be cautious with apps: Avoid granting unnecessary permissions to third-party apps that manage calls.
• Stay updated: Keep your phone’s software up to date to prevent bugs.
• Contact your carrier: If issues persist, your carrier may need to resolve network-specific problems.

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the above solutions work, it may be a hardware problem. Visit a service center or contact your phone’s manufacturer for assistance.

FAQs

How do I allow specific calls during Do Not Disturb?

You can customize DND settings to let certain calls through. Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb, and in the Allow Calls From section, choose specific contacts or groups.

Can spam-blocking apps cause issues with legitimate calls?

Yes, apps like Truecaller can sometimes mislabel real calls as spam. Check the blocked calls log in the app and whitelist any important numbers.

What’s the difference between Silence Unknown Callers and Do Not Disturb?

Silence Unknown Callers blocks calls from numbers not in your contacts, while DND silences all calls and notifications unless you set exceptions.

Should I reset my phone if the issue continues?

A factory reset can help resolve persistent issues but should only be done as a last resort. Ensure all your data is backed up before proceeding.