Fix Incoming Calls Are Not Showing on The Screen But Phone Is Ringing
By Robert Jones · 2021-12-28
Right, your phone's ringing its head off, but the screen's blank or just showing your home screen? No way to answer it, is there? I've seen this annoying glitch plenty of times on both Android and iPhone, and honestly, it's usually an easy fix. Let's get stuck in.
Right, let's talk about something a bit annoying, eh? You've been there, I bet. Phone starts buzzing or ringing like mad in your pocket, you pull it out all ready to answer, and… nothing. Just a blank screen, or maybe your home screen, but no sign of an actual incoming call. It's doing its job ringing, but it won't let you answer it. Frustrating as anything when you're expecting an important call, or just trying to catch up with someone. Now, I spend a lot of my time messing about with speakers, amps, and getting the sound just right. But even a bloke like me, who's usually got his head buried in a crossover network or tweaking a subwoofer, needs his phone to actually work. And this "call but no screen" malarkey? I've seen it crop up on a few different handsets over the years, both my own and my missus's. It's usually not a hardware fault, thank goodness. More often than not, it's some daft software glitch or a setting gone rogue. So, let's dig in and get it sorted, shall we? **Quick Verdict: It's usually a software hiccup, easily fixed with a bit of troubleshooting.** ### Who it's for: * Anyone whose phone rings but doesn't show incoming calls. * Users who've tried the basics and are still stuck. * Folks who want to avoid a trip to the phone shop. ### Who should skip it: * If your phone doesn't ring at all, this isn't your problem. * If you've dropped your phone in the toilet, you've got bigger fish to fry. * If you just want an excuse to buy a new phone.  *Fix Incoming Calls Are Not Showing on The Screen But Phone Is Ringing — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Usual Suspects: Why Your Phone's Being a Right Pain So, before we start prodding at settings and restarting everything, it's good to know *why* this might be happening. In my 20-odd years of faffing with tech – and that includes plenty of consumer electronics beyond just hi-fi gear – I've learned that problems like these often have a few common causes. It's rarely some super complex, obscure issue, especially with mass-produced phones. Think about it: your phone's basically a little computer. It's got an operating system, hundreds of apps all vying for attention, and a fair few bits of hardware that all need to play nicely together. When one bit gets out of sync, or an app decides to throw a wobbler, that's when you get these annoying glitches. It's not like a finely tuned valve amplifier where one faulty component can cause utter chaos; phones are a bit more forgiving, but still prone to software tantrums. Most often, I find it's one of these culprits: * **App conflicts:** Some dodgy app you've downloaded, or even a system app, isn't playing nice with the phone app. Maybe it's hogging resources, or its notifications are clashing. * **Notification settings gone awry:** The phone app might have its notifications turned off, or set to a "silent" or "minimised" state, so it doesn't pop up visually. * **Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus modes:** These modes are brilliant for peace and quiet, but sometimes they get configured a bit too aggressively, blocking even visual call alerts. * **Cache corruption:** Over time, apps build up cache files. Sometimes these get corrupted and cause all sorts of strange behaviour. It's like having a dusty old record player; sometimes it just needs a good clean. * **Outdated software:** Your phone's operating system might be a bit behind, and a newer version could have a fix for this exact bug. Or an app update could be needed. * **Accessibility settings:** Occasionally, specific accessibility options can interfere with how calls are displayed. I had a mate who had a setting turned on for some reason that made his screen reader interfere with incoming calls. Took us ages to figure that out! Don't panic, though. We'll tackle these one by one. You don't need to be a tech wizard; just follow along. ## Step-by-Step Fixes: Let's Get That Screen Working Again Right, time to roll up our sleeves. We'll start with the simplest, most common fixes and work our way up to the more involved stuff. Always best to try the easy bits first, saves a lot of head-scratching. ### 1. The Classic Reboot: Turn It Off and On Again Honestly, how many times has this sorted a problem for me? Hundreds. Maybe thousands. My missus rolls her eyes every time I suggest it, but nine times out of ten, it works. It clears out temporary glitches, refreshes the system, and gives everything a fresh start. It's the digital equivalent of giving your amplifier a good thwack on the side when it's buzzing. (Don't actually do that to your amp, by the way, unless you know what you're doing!) * **How to do it:** Just hold down the power button until you see the "Restart" or "Power off" option. Choose "Restart" if available. If not, power it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. **Did it work?** Try calling your phone from another handset (ask a mate or use a landline if you've still got one!). If not, move on. ### 2. Check Your Notification Settings for the Phone App This is a big one. It's so easy for app notifications to get messed up, either by an accidental tap or by an app update that decides to change things. Your phone app *needs* to be allowed to show notifications on your screen. If it can't, then you'll get the ring, but no visual. It's like having a speaker with no cone – you can hear the voice coil moving, but there's no sound coming out. #### For Android phones: * Go to **Settings** > **Apps** (or "Apps & notifications" or "Installed apps"). * Find and tap on the **Phone** app (it might just be called "Dialler" or "Calls"). * Tap on **Notifications**. * Make sure **"All Phone notifications"** (or similar, like "Incoming calls") is switched **On**. Crucially, also check the *style* of notification. It should be set to "Alerting" or "Pop-up" – not "Silent" or "Minimised". Some Android versions let you customise different types of notifications (missed calls, voicemails, incoming calls). Make sure "Incoming calls" is set to display prominently. * Look for settings like "Pop-on screen" or "Display on lock screen" and ensure they're enabled. #### For iPhones (iOS): * Go to **Settings** > **Phone**. * Tap on **Notifications**. * Ensure **"Allow Notifications"** is toggled **On**. * Under "Alerts," make sure **"Banners"** and/or **"Alerts"** are checked. Banners are those little temporary pop-ups, Alerts are the full-screen ones. You want at least one of these. Also, check "Show Previews" and set it to "Always" or "When Unlocked". **Did it work?** Give it another test call. If the screen still refuses to show the call, keep going. ### 3. Disable Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus Modes These modes are fantastic for when you're trying to concentrate or get some kip. I use DND every night, otherwise, I'd be woken up by emails about new speaker drivers. But sometimes, these modes can be set up a bit too enthusiastically. They don't just silence notifications; they can also prevent them from appearing on screen. Some phones have "Driving Mode" or other similar "Focus" modes that can do the same thing. * **How to check:** Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones). Look for an icon that looks like a crescent moon, a minus sign in a circle, or something similar to indicate DND or Focus. Make sure it's *off*. * **Deep dive:** Go to **Settings** > **Do Not Disturb** (Android) or **Settings** > **Focus** (iOS). Check if any schedules are active or if the mode is inadvertently turned on. For iOS, specifically check if "Calls from" is set to "No One" when you don't want it to be. **Did it work?** Another test call, please! Still no joy? Right, let's clear some digital cobwebs. ### 4. Clear the Cache and Data for the Phone App Just like I mentioned earlier, cache files can get corrupted. It's like having a build-up of gunk in your speaker terminals – it just stops things working properly. Clearing the cache for the phone app specifically can fix a surprising number of call-related issues without deleting any important call history or contacts (clearing *data* for the phone app *will* usually clear call history, so be aware). #### For Android phones: * Go to **Settings** > **Apps** (or "Apps & notifications"). * Find and tap on the **Phone** app. * Tap on **Storage & cache**. * First, tap **"Clear cache"**. Try a test call. * If that doesn't work, come back and tap **"Clear storage"** or **"Clear data"**. **WARNING:** This will delete your call history, voicemail settings, and possibly some blocked numbers. Your contacts are usually safe as they're synced to your Google account or SIM. But if you're worried, back things up first. Only do this as a last resort for app-specific issues. #### For iPhones (iOS): Unfortunately, iOS doesn't have a direct "Clear cache" option for individual apps like Android does. The closest you can get is to offload or delete and reinstall the app, but you can't delete the built-in Phone app. If you suspect cache issues on an iPhone, a full factory reset (after backing up!) is sometimes the only way, but let's save that for later. **Did it work?** You know the drill – test call! If you're on Android and cleared data, you'll have to re-do any specific phone app settings you had. ### 5. Check for App Conflicts (Especially Third-Party Diallers or Call Blockers) Have you installed any apps recently that deal with calls, messages, or phone customisation? Things like third-party diallers, call recording apps, spam blockers, or even certain security apps can sometimes interfere with the default phone app. I once had a cheap call recorder app that caused all sorts of havoc on an old Samsung of mine. Took it off, and suddenly everything was fine. Sometimes these apps aren't properly coded and they just hog permissions or interfere with system processes. * **How to check:** Think back to any apps you've installed around the time this problem started. If you have a third-party dialler or call management app, try uninstalling it temporarily. If it fixes the issue, you've found your culprit. You might need to find an alternative or just stick to the default. * **Safe Mode (Android only):** If you suspect a rogue app but can't pinpoint it, booting into Safe Mode can help. In Safe Mode, only system apps run, disabling all third-party apps. If calls come through fine in Safe Mode, then you know it's one of your downloaded apps causing the trouble. You'll then have to uninstall apps one by one until you find the problem child. (Google "how to boot [your phone model] into safe mode" for specific instructions, as it varies). **Did it work?** If removing an app helped, then fantastic! If Safe Mode showed it was an app, start removing them. If not, keep reading. ### 6. Update Your Phone's Software and Apps This is a pretty basic step, but it's often overlooked. Software updates, both for your phone's operating system (Android or iOS) and individual apps, often include bug fixes. Your problem might be a known bug that's already been patched. It's like updating the firmware on your AV receiver; sometimes it just makes everything run smoother and fixes those little niggles. * **System Update (Android):** Go to **Settings** > **System** > **Software Update** (or "About phone" > "Software update"). Check for and install any available updates. * **System Update (iOS):** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Software Update**. Check for and install any available updates. * **App Updates (Android):** Open the **Google Play Store** app, tap your profile icon (top right), then "Manage apps & device," and "Updates available." Update your apps, especially the "Phone" or "Dialler" app if it shows up there. * **App Updates (iOS):** Open the **App Store**, tap your profile icon (top right), and pull down to refresh the updates list. Update any apps. **Did it work?** After updating everything, reboot your phone and give it a test call. No luck? Still got a few tricks up our sleeve. ### 7. Reset App Preferences (Android Only) This option can be useful if you suspect a lot of permissions or default app settings have been mucked about with across various apps. It won't delete any app data, but it will reset all your notification settings, default apps (like your default browser or SMS app), and app permissions. It's a bit like giving all your digital filing cabinets a good shake, but not throwing out the contents. * Go to **Settings** > **Apps** (or "Apps & notifications"). * Tap the three dots or a gear icon in the top right corner (or scroll down) and look for **"Reset app preferences"** or **"Reset default apps"**. * Confirm the reset. **Did it work?** Test call. If you had issues with other apps, this might have sorted those too. ### 8. Check Accessibility Settings This one's a bit of a curveball, but I've seen it happen. Sometimes, accessibility features, designed to help users with specific needs, can inadvertently interfere with normal phone operation. For example, some phones have a setting that reads out caller ID or changes how notifications are presented for visual impairment. If you've recently fiddled with these, or perhaps they were enabled by accident, they could be the cause. * Go to **Settings** > **Accessibility**. * Carefully review the settings here. Look for anything related to "TalkBack," "Voice Assistant," "Select to Speak," or any settings that alter how notifications or calls are handled visually. If you see anything enabled that you don't recognise or use, try disabling it temporarily and testing. **Did it work?** Another test call! Still stuck? We're getting into the more drastic measures now. ### 9. Check Permissions for the Phone App Your phone app needs certain permissions to function correctly, like access to your microphone, contacts, and possibly even the camera (for video calls). While it's unlikely these would be revoked for a system app, it's worth a quick look, especially if you've been messing with privacy settings. * Go to **Settings** > **Apps** (or "Apps & notifications"). * Find and tap on the **Phone** app. * Tap on **Permissions**. * Ensure that all necessary permissions (Microphone, Contacts, Phone, etc.) are **Allowed**. **Did it work?** If you had any permissions denied that shouldn't have been, allowing them might sort it. Test again. ### 10. Network Settings Reset (Careful with this one) This isn't directly about calls *displaying* on the screen, but sometimes network issues can cause all sorts of knock-on effects. A network settings reset will clear all your Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data settings. It won't delete personal data, but it's a faff to set up again. Only try this if nothing else has worked and you suspect some underlying network instability might be interfering with call signalling. * **Android:** Go to **Settings** > **System** > **Reset options** > **Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth** (or similar wording). Confirm. * **iOS:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Transfer or Reset iPhone** > **Reset** > **Reset Network Settings**. Confirm. **Did it work?** You'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices. Then test a call. If it's still playing up, we're down to the big guns. ### 11. Factory Reset (The Last Resort) Right, if you've gone through all of that and your phone is *still* playing hide-and-seek with incoming calls, then a factory reset is usually the final software solution. This will wipe your phone completely, returning it to how it was when you first took it out of the box. It's a pain, but if it's a persistent software glitch, this will usually nuke it from orbit. Make sure you back up *everything* first – photos, videos, contacts (if not synced), messages, app data, everything. You don't want to lose precious memories for the sake of a phone call! * **Backup everything:** Use Google Drive, iCloud, an external hard drive, whatever you need. Ensure your photos and contacts are synced. * **Android:** Go to **Settings** > **System** > **Reset options** > **Erase all data (factory reset)**. You'll need to confirm a few times. * **iOS:** Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Transfer or Reset iPhone** > **Erase All Content and Settings**. You'll need your Apple ID password. **Did it work?** Set up your phone from scratch (don't restore from a backup immediately, just in case the backup itself is corrupted). Install one or two essential apps, then test a call. If it works, gradually restore your apps and data, testing after each batch to see if the problem reappears. If it still doesn't work after a factory reset and setting up as new, then you're likely looking at a hardware fault. ## When All Else Fails: Could It Be Hardware? If you've done a factory reset and set your phone up as new, and the problem *still* persists, then I'm afraid it might not be a software gremlin after all. It could be a hardware fault. This is rarer for something as specific as incoming call display, but not impossible. Perhaps a faulty display connection, a logic board issue, or even a subtle issue with the phone's sensors that tell it to wake up the screen. Honestly, at this point, it's beyond what most of us can fix at home. * **Contact your phone manufacturer:** If it's under warranty, get in touch with them. They might repair or replace it. * **Visit a reputable repair shop:** Get a professional diagnosis. They might be able to identify a specific hardware component that's failed. ## Quick Comparison: Android vs. iOS Troubleshooting While the core principles are the same, the steps for Android and iOS do differ slightly. Here's a quick rundown of the main differences in approach: | Feature / Step | Android | iOS | | :---------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Notification Settings** | Very granular, per-app, per-notification category. | Less granular, general app notifications, then specific options like Banners/Alerts. | | **Clear App Cache/Data** | Directly available for almost all apps (Settings > Apps > App > Storage). | Not directly available for system apps like Phone. Requires offloading/reinstalling or factory reset. | | **Do Not Disturb / Focus** | DND mode with schedules, exceptions. | Focus modes (Personal, Work, Sleep) with customisation. More integrated and powerful. | | **Third-Party Apps** | More prevalent third-party diallers/SMS apps. Safe Mode helps diagnose conflicts. | Less common third-party replacements for core phone functions. No Safe Mode for troubleshooting apps. | | **App Permissions** | Managed per-app, can be easily reviewed and changed. | Managed per-app, generally more restrictive by default, but changeable. | | **Factory Reset** | "Erase all data (factory reset)" in System settings. | "Erase All Content and Settings" in General settings. | ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q1: Why does my phone vibrate and ring, but the screen stays black or shows my home screen? This is usually down to notification settings for the phone app being incorrectly configured, or a "Do Not Disturb" mode being active. Your phone knows there's a call, but it's being told not to show it on the display. It could also be an app conflict or a corrupted cache file for the phone application. ### Q2: Will clearing my phone app's data delete my contacts? No, generally not. Your contacts are usually synced to your Google account (for Android) or iCloud/Apple ID (for iOS) or stored on your SIM card. Clearing the phone app's *data* (not just cache) will delete your call history, voicemail settings, and possibly any custom blocked numbers you've set directly within the app, but your main contact list should be safe. ### Q3: What's the difference between clearing cache and clearing data for an app? Clearing cache removes temporary files that an app stores to speed things up. It's usually harmless and doesn't affect your personal settings or data within the app. Clearing *data* (or "storage" on some Android phones) is much more drastic. It effectively resets the app to its factory state, deleting all its settings, saved information, login details, and user data. For the Phone app, this means losing call history and any custom settings. ### Q4: My phone works fine in Safe Mode, but not normally. What does that mean? If your phone shows incoming calls correctly when in Safe Mode (Android only), it almost certainly means a third-party app you've installed is causing the problem. In Safe Mode, all downloaded apps are temporarily disabled. You'll need to systematically uninstall recently added apps, starting with any that interact with calls or notifications, until you find the culprit. ### Q5: I've tried everything, even a factory reset, and it's still not working. What now? If a full factory reset, setting up your phone as new (without immediately restoring a backup), doesn't solve the issue, then it's highly probable you're dealing with a hardware fault. At this point, your best bet is to contact the phone manufacturer's support or take it to a reputable professional phone repair shop for a diagnosis. It's a bummer, but sometimes components just fail. ## Final Word It's a right pain when your phone decides to act up, especially with something as fundamental as incoming calls. It feels like a piece of basic kit should just *work*, doesn't it? But with all the complexity packed into these little devices, glitches are bound to happen. Most of the time, it's just a case of patiently going through the settings, clearing out some digital cobwebs, or rebooting the thing. Think of it like a speaker crossover that's developed a dry joint – a bit of prodding and cleaning, and it's usually back to normal. Don't rush straight out to buy a new phone; give these steps a go first. You'd be surprised how often a bit of systematic troubleshooting can save you a fair few quid and a lot of hassle. If all else fails, then yeah, maybe it's time for an upgrade, but at least you'll know you've exhausted all other avenues. Good luck getting those calls back on your screen! Cheers.