How to Make Voice Calls on iPhone

An iPhone can place a voice call in several ways: through your mobile carrier in the Phone app, over the internet with FaceTime Audio, or through a third-party calling app. This guide explains what each method needs, how to place and manage a call, and what to check when the other person cannot hear you or the call will not connect.

Before you start

Voice calling on an iPhone is not a local process. Every method depends on an outside service, so confirm the requirement for the method you plan to use.

• Carrier calls in the Phone app: an active SIM or eSIM with a plan that includes voice service, and cellular coverage. If your carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling and it is turned on, a Wi-Fi connection can be used instead of a cellular signal.
• FaceTime Audio: an internet connection over Wi-Fi or cellular data, FaceTime signed in with your Apple Account, and a recipient who uses FaceTime on an Apple device.
• Third-party apps: the app installed and signed in, an internet connection, and permission for the app to use the microphone.

Also make sure Airplane Mode is off unless you deliberately use Wi-Fi with it, and that nothing is covering the microphones or the earpiece, such as a thick case or a screen protector with blocked openings. Charges, coverage and whether Wi-Fi Calling is available depend on your carrier and plan, so check those details with the carrier rather than assuming them.

Step-by-step instructions

Call a number with the Phone app

• Open the Phone app.
• To dial a number, open the Keypad, enter the number and tap the green call button.
• To call someone you already know, open Contacts, select the person and tap their phone number, or start the call from Recents or Favorites.
• Wait for the call screen to show a running timer, which means the call has connected.
• Tap the red end button when you finish.

The Phone app layout depends on your iOS version. Recent versions offer a redesigned layout that combines favorites, recents and voicemail in one view, while older versions show separate tabs at the bottom. If you do not see the tab names described here, look for the same functions in the current layout. Siri can also place a call if you say the contact name or number.

Use the in-call controls

• Mute: stops sending your microphone audio. Tap it again to resume.
• Speaker or Audio: switches between the earpiece and the loudspeaker. When headphones or a Bluetooth device are connected, this button lets you choose which device carries the call.
• Keypad: shows number keys for menus and extensions during a call.
• Add call and FaceTime: appear on the call screen when supported, letting you start a conference call or switch to FaceTime.

Make a FaceTime Audio call

• Open the FaceTime app.
• Start a new call and enter the name, phone number or email registered with the recipient's Apple Account.
• Choose the audio option instead of video.
• Alternatively, open the person in Contacts and tap the audio call option next to FaceTime.

FaceTime Audio uses data rather than your carrier's voice minutes. If you are on cellular data, that usage counts toward your data plan.

Turn on Wi-Fi Calling

If your carrier supports it, Wi-Fi Calling lets ordinary Phone app calls travel over Wi-Fi when cellular reception is weak. The switch is in Settings under Cellular or Mobile Data, or under Phone on some iOS versions. Your carrier may ask you to confirm an emergency address when you enable it. You can turn the setting off again at any time to return to cellular-only calling.

Allow microphone access for other calling apps

Third-party apps ask for microphone permission the first time they need it. If you declined earlier, open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, then Microphone, and turn the switch on for that app. You can turn it off later in the same place. How each app handles your voice data is set by that app's own privacy policy, so review it rather than assuming calls are encrypted or not stored.

Check the output

A call is working when the timer is counting on the call screen and both people can hear each other. The simplest verification is to ask the other person whether your voice is clear, then switch to the speaker and back to confirm both audio routes work.

• Confirm that Mute is not highlighted on the call screen.
• Check which device the Audio button has selected. If a Bluetooth headset or car system is chosen, sound will play there instead of on the iPhone.
• If you are testing a third-party app, confirm it appears with the microphone switch on in the privacy settings.
• Note that sound quality depends on signal strength, network congestion and the other person's device, so a single poor call does not necessarily point to a fault in your iPhone.

Common problems and next steps

The call fails or will not connect

Check that Airplane Mode is off and that the status bar shows cellular signal or, for Wi-Fi Calling, a working Wi-Fi connection. Make sure the SIM or eSIM line you want is active, especially on an iPhone with two lines, since calls may be placed from the default line. Restarting the iPhone often clears a temporary network problem. If calls still fail, contact your carrier to confirm that voice service is active on your account.

The other person cannot hear you

Confirm Mute is off, remove the case to rule out a blocked microphone, and disconnect Bluetooth devices to see whether audio is being sent to a headset. For an internet calling app, check its microphone permission. If the problem occurs in every app and every call, a hardware issue is possible, and Apple Support or an authorized service provider can diagnose it.

You cannot hear the other person

Raise the volume during the call with the side buttons, check the selected audio device, and clean the earpiece opening gently with a dry, soft brush. Switching to the speaker helps tell whether the issue affects only the earpiece.

FaceTime Audio is unavailable

Make sure FaceTime is turned on in Settings and signed in, that you have a working internet connection, and that the contact uses an Apple device with FaceTime. If the recipient does not, place a regular carrier call or use an app you both have.

Reset network settings as a last step

If calls keep failing after the checks above, you can reset network settings from the Reset options under General in Settings. This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN configurations and Bluetooth pairings, so you will need to set them up again afterwards. It does not erase your photos, messages or apps.