The dreaded “calling time stop” error can be frustrating for iPhone users. You go to make a call and suddenly get a message saying there’s a problem connecting. If this has happened to you, don’t worry – there are several things you can try to get your iPhone calling normally again. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top solutions to fix the iPhone calling time stop error.
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What Causes the iPhone Calling Time Stop Error?
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand what causes the calling time stop error in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Outdated carrier settings – Your iPhone relies on carrier updates to connect properly to the cellular network. If these settings are outdated, it can cause problems with calls.
- Outdated iOS version – Similarly, being behind on your iOS updates can create incompatibilities that lead to calling issues.
- Incorrect network settings – If you have the wrong APN settings, cellular data toggled off, or other network settings configured improperly, your iPhone may struggle to place calls.
- Physical damage – Damage to the iPhone’s antenna bands or Lightning port can disrupt your ability to make calls.
- Jailbroken iPhones – Jailbreaking removes Apple’s restrictions on iOS and can sometimes create instability.
- Carrier outages – Service disruptions on your carrier’s network can prevent calls from going through.
Keeping these potential causes in mind, let’s look at the steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
1. Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone is one of the simplest ways to fix temporary glitches like the calling time stop error. Here’s how to quickly restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the side or top button (depending on your model) until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn your iPhone completely off.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.
This refresh can help clear out any corrupted files or processes that are interfering with calls. Make sure you don’t just put your iPhone to sleep – you need to fully restart for this to work.
2. Check Cellular and Network Settings
It’s amazing how often the culprit is a simple settings toggle in the wrong position. Spend some time double checking that all your cellular and network settings are configured correctly.
Here are some key settings to verify:
- Airplane mode – Sliding this to off ensures cellular connectivity is on.
- Enable LTE – Disable this if you’re having issues making calls over LTE.
- Data roaming – Turn this off if you’re outside your carrier’s network area.
- Wi-Fi calling – Try toggling this on or off to see if it fixes the problem.
- Cellular data – Make sure this is enabled (Settings > Cellular).
- APN settings – Reset these by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network > Reset Settings.
While you’re here, also make sure Do Not Disturb is disabled and your phone doesn’t have call forwarding enabled.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
Toggling airplane mode off and back on again can force your iPhone to re-establish its cellular connection. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings and slide the Airplane Mode switch on.
- Wait 30 seconds then slide the Airplane Mode switch off again.
- Open the Phone app and see if calls are working normally again.
This essentially forces a hard reset of all network connectivity and often resolves temporary glitches.
4. Update Your iPhone Software
Outdated system software is a common source of calling problems on the iPhone. Apple is constantly updating iOS to fix bugs and improve performance.
To update your iPhone software:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Your iPhone will check for available updates.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Ideally you should install iOS updates as soon as they become available to avoid issues. Make sure your iPhone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi before updating.
5. Reset Network Settings
If you’ve double checked all your network settings but are still having issues, the next step is resetting your network settings entirely. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm that you want to reset network settings.
This will erase all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN settings, and other custom network configurations. It essentially gives you a clean slate for your network and cellular settings.
6. Contact Your Carrier
If you still can’t resolve the iPhone calling time stop error, reach out to your carrier’s customer support for assistance. There are a few ways they may be able to help:
- Applying a carrier update to your account
- Checking for outages in your area
- Resetting settings on their network end
- Troubleshooting your SIM card
- Verifying your plan is compatible with iPhone
Be ready to provide your iPhone model, iOS version, and any error messages you see. This info will help the carrier troubleshoot faster.
7. Restore Your iPhone
If all else fails, you may need to wipe and restore your iPhone to factory default settings. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Open iTunes.
- While your phone is connected, force restart your iPhone.
- In iTunes, choose your iPhone, then click Restore.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to restore your phone.
This will give you a completely fresh install of iOS, erasing any corrupted software that could be causing calling issues. You’ll have to set up your iPhone from scratch again. Make sure your data is backed up first.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all of the above tips and are still getting the calling time stop error, it’s time to contact Apple. Call them or book a Genius Bar appointment for assistance.
Some signs you may need Apple’s help:
- Persistent calling issues after trying all fixes
- Error occurs right after an iOS update
- Issues began after a fall or drop that caused physical damage
- Phone is randomly rebooting or freezing
- You’re unable to restore iPhone firmware
Apple can run diagnostics, test hardware, replace components, or potentially offer a replacement phone if needed. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you can’t resolve the problem yourself.
Preventing Future Calling Time Stop Errors
Once you get your iPhone calling working again, a few simple habits can prevent more headaches in the future:
- Install iOS updates right away
- Back up your iPhone regularly
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to moisture or excessive heat
- Use a protective case and screen protector
- Don’t jailbreak your iPhone
- Contact support as soon as you notice an issue
- Consider AppleCare+ for longer warranty protection
Following best practices for protecting and maintaining your iPhone can minimize annoying issues like calling failures. But if it happens again, at least you now know how to troubleshoot the calling time stop error.
Key Takeaways: Resolving the iPhone Calling Time Stop Error
- Simple resets like restarting your iPhone or toggling Airplane mode can quickly fix many calling issues.
- Check for correct network, cellular, software, and carrier settings that may be causing conflicts.
- Update to the latest iOS software version. Outdated firmware is a top culprit.
- Reset network settings to wipe any problematic configurations.
- Contact your carrier for assistance troubleshooting and applying updates on their end.
- Restore your iPhone to factory settings if other fixes don’t resolve the issue.
- Apple Support can help identify any underlying hardware or software issues that may need repair or replacement.
- Proper maintenance and preventive care reduces the chance of calling errors occurring.
Don’t let calling time stop errors permanently disrupt your iPhone experience. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can get back to smooth sailing when it comes to phone calls.