Fix: I Can’t Call a Specific Phone Number, but They Can Call Me?

Issues while calling someone are quite common. When calling someone, you might often get messages like out-of-network coverage area, person busy, number switched off, etc. Many users have reported that they can’t call a specific phone number, but the user with that number can call them.

When this happens, you won’t be able to call the person but will have to wait for them to call you. This issue can be a pain point for many users, and if you have been facing this, then this article is dedicated to you. We will guide you with all the troubleshooting steps to fix this issue you face while trying to call a number.

Reason #1. Network Issue

Network connectivity issues generally cause this issue when you cannot call the number, but they can call you. Check whether your phone has a network or not. If you are in a low network area, move to the area with better reception. If you are inside your apartment, you can go outside to your balcony, where your network will be good.

If you still face network issues, turn on airplane mode on your device. Enable airplane mode and let it be for a few seconds. After 10-15 seconds, turn off airplane mode, and this will restore your network. See if you can call the person now or not, and if not, try the next step.

Reason #2. Your Friend Is In Out Of Network Area

 You can encounter this issue if your friend who you are trying to call is in of network area. You can face this issue if your friend is out of town or lives in a remote area. If this is causing the issue, you will have to wait until you can call them again or wait for their call.  

Reason #3. Your Friend has Blocked You

There’s a high chance that your friend might have blocked you or added you to their blacklist, so you cannot call them. How to know if the person blocks you? If you keep calling them, but the call ends after a ring, you hear the voice message saying, ‘The number you are trying to reach is currently busy. Please call again later,’ then you might have been blocked.

To be sure, you will call them a few times at a different time and see if you hear the same message. If you hear the same message, call them with a different number, and if they pick up the call or you hear the message after a few rings, they have blocked your number. You can ask them to unblock you if they have done it accidentally, and once they unblock you, you can call them again.

How to fix: I can’t call a specific phone number, but they can call me?

Now that you know the possible reasons why you can’t call a specific phone number but they can call you, we will tell you about all the possible fixes you can try.

Fix #1: Reinsert SIM Card

Another thing that you can do is reinsert the SIM card on your device. This step may be helpful, so it’s worth giving a shot. To do so, follow the steps given below-

• Press the Power button on your phone and tap Turn off/Power off. Confirm switching off your device.
• Grab the SIM ejector pin and insert it into the SIM card tray hole. Push the pin to eject the SIM card tray.
• Remove the SIM from the SIM card tray.
• Now get a microfiber cloth and clean the SIM with it.
• Put the SIM back in the SIM card tray, and then put the SIM card tray back into your phone.
• Press and hold the Power button until you see the brand’s logo to turn on your phone.
• Once your phone turns on, see if you can call the other person.

Fix #2: Ensure You Have An Active Plan

When your SIM is not recharged, or you do not have an active plan, your outgoing will be blocked. If that is the case, you won’t be able to call anyone or send an SMS. However, you will still receive calls and messages. If you cannot call your friend but still get calls from them, then you are probably out of recharge, and you will have to recharge your number.

Fix #3: Contact Customer Support

Lastly, if nothing helps, then you will have to contact the customer support of your SIM card provider. It might be a technical problem because you cannot call the person. The customer support team of your SIM card provider will help you solve the issue in that case.

Final Words

We know how frustrating it is when you cannot call someone, but you can receive a call from them. If this is what happens to you, then you can have a look at the article above. The above steps should help you fix the issue you have been facing.