Top Reasons for Dropped Phone Calls and How to Resolve Them

The issue isn’t limited to poor coverage or bad luck. A dropped call can stem from network congestion, device problems, signal interference, or even software errors. Understanding why your calls drop is the first step to fixing the problem — and improving your overall communication experience.

Whether you’re using a personal smartphone or a business calling platform, this guide explains the top causes of dropped calls, how to troubleshoot them, and how modern tools like Voiso’s cloud-based VoIP technology can help ensure your calls stay connected and crystal clear.

Understanding what a dropped call is

In telecommunications, a dropped call, also known as a call drop or call termination failure, occurs when a voice connection ends unexpectedly before either party hangs up. It’s often measured by a metric called the Call Drop Rate (CDR), which tracks the percentage of calls that disconnect prematurely.

Dropped calls can impact business reliability and customer trust. For companies that rely on phone communication, even a small increase in call drop rate can lead to missed sales opportunities and lower customer satisfaction.

Common causes of dropped phone calls

Dropped calls can happen for a variety of reasons — from weak signals to carrier congestion or even small device glitches. Understanding the underlying cause helps you troubleshoot effectively and choose the right fix.

Below are the most frequent culprits behind call drops, along with explanations of how they occur.

Weak signal or poor network coverage

The most common reason for dropped calls is insufficient signal strength. Mobile networks rely on radio waves transmitted between your phone and the nearest cell tower. When you move out of range — for example, into a parking garage, elevator, or rural area — your device struggles to maintain that connection.

Other coverage factors include:

• Obstacles like thick walls, metal, or concrete.
• Low network density in rural or remote areas.
• Weather conditions that affect radio propagation.

Tip: Because Voiso operates over the internet instead of relying solely on cell towers, it can maintain stable, high-quality calls even in areas with limited cellular coverage — as long as a Wi-Fi or broadband connection is available.

Cell tower congestion

Like traffic jams on a highway, cell towers can become overloaded when too many users are connected at once. During busy hours like weekday mornings or evenings, high network demand can cause dropped or poor-quality calls.

Typical congestion scenarios include:

• Stadiums, concerts, or crowded events.
• Rush-hour commutes in densely populated cities.
• Peak usage times, especially during emergencies or holidays.

If your calls drop primarily at certain times of day, tower congestion is likely the cause.

Device-related issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t the network — it’s the phone itself. Outdated operating systems, firmware bugs, or hardware issues (like a damaged antenna or loose SIM tray) can all disrupt call stability.

Quick checks:

• Update your phone’s software and carrier settings.
• Inspect for physical damage or water exposure.
• Try calling with a headset or Bluetooth device disconnected.

SIM card problems

A faulty or poorly seated SIM card can cause network interruptions, dropped calls, or “No Service” messages.

Warning signs include:

• Calls drop even in areas with strong signal.
• The phone frequently loses network connection.
• SIM card errors appear intermittently. 

To fix this, remove the SIM card, clean the contacts gently, and reinsert it. If the issue persists, request a SIM replacement from your carrier.

Radio frequency interference

RF interference happens when electronic devices emit signals that disrupt your phone’s connection.
Common sources include:

• Wi-Fi routers
• Microwave ovens
• Bluetooth devices
• High-voltage power lines or metal structures

If your calls drop when you’re near certain equipment or buildings, interference may be the cause. Moving to a different spot often resolves the issue.

Carrier network issues

Even the best carriers experience temporary outages, especially during network upgrades or maintenance windows. Inconsistent handoffs between 4G, 5G, and VoLTE towers can also lead to dropped calls as your phone switches frequencies mid-call.

Most carriers post outage updates on their websites or social media channels. If multiple users in your area report call issues, it’s likely a network-side problem, not your device.

How dropped calls differ on mobile, landline, and VoIP

Dropped calls can happen for different reasons depending on how you connect. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences, and how to fix them.

Mobile networks

Cause: Handover failures between cell towers, weak signals, or network congestion.

When it happens: While driving, moving between 4G and 5G zones, or during peak hours.

Fixes:

• Move closer to a window or higher ground.
• Switch temporarily to 4G or Wi-Fi calling.
• Restart your device to refresh network registration.

Landlines

Cause: Physical connection issues such as damaged cables, faulty jacks, or corrosion.
When it happens: During bad weather or in older buildings with outdated wiring.

Fixes:

• Test with another handset.
• Replace damaged cords or splitters.
• Ask your provider to run a line quality test.

VoIP

Cause: Unstable internet, weak Wi-Fi, or high latency leading to packet loss.

When it happens: During large file uploads, poor router placement, or inconsistent broadband.

Fixes:

• Use a wired Ethernet connection for critical calls.
• Check upload/download speeds and router quality.
• Optimize network settings to prioritize voice traffic (QoS).

Step-by-step troubleshooting guide

If your phone calls keep dropping, you don’t necessarily need to rush to your carrier.

Try these proven troubleshooting steps first. These tips can resolve most call drop issues on mobile devices, landlines, and VoIP systems.

Check your signal strength

Weak signal is one of the most common culprits behind dropped calls. Even if your phone shows two or three bars, that doesn’t always mean you have a stable connection. Signal quality is affected by your surroundings, building materials, and distance from the nearest cell tower.

What to do:

• Look at your signal bars — fewer than two bars means your connection is unstable.
• For more precision, use “Field Test Mode”:
  • iPhone: Dial *3001#12345#*, press call, and look for your RSRP value. Closer to -70 dBm means strong signal; below -100 dBm indicates poor reception.
  • Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → Status → SIM Status → Signal Strength.

Fixes:

• Move closer to a window, balcony, or open space.
• Turn on Wi-Fi calling if available.
• Avoid basements or enclosed rooms where cell signals can’t penetrate.

Restart or reset your device

It sounds simple, but a restart often resolves temporary software bugs, memory conflicts, or carrier registration issues that can cause call drops. A quick reboot clears your device’s network cache and re-establishes a fresh connection to the cell tower or router.

How to do it:

• Perform a soft restart (turn off, wait 30 seconds, and power on again).
• If call drops persist, try a network settings reset to clear outdated configurations.
• As a last resort, back up your data and perform a factory reset to eliminate deep software conflicts.

Tip: Restarting also forces your phone to reconnect to the nearest, least congested cell tower — improving overall stability.

Update software and network settings

Your phone’s firmware and operating system control how it communicates with your carrier’s network. Outdated software can cause incompatibility with newer technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or 5G, resulting in dropped calls.

What to check:

• Ensure your OS and carrier settings are up to date.
• Update your VoIP or calling apps (like Voiso, WhatsApp, etc.) regularly to fix performance bugs.
• Keep background apps closed to prevent bandwidth drain during calls.

Why it matters:

• Updates often contain signal optimization patches.
• They fix call-handling errors during tower handoffs or internet switching.
• A fresh carrier profile ensures your phone uses the best available frequency band in your area.

Test with a different SIM or device

This step helps isolate whether the dropped calls are caused by your device or your network.

Try the following:

• Place your SIM in another phone. If the problem persists, your carrier or SIM may be at fault.
• Insert a different SIM into your phone. If calls work fine, your device is likely the issue.

Common findings:

• SIM fault: Damaged or outdated SIM cards can’t maintain stable network registration.
• Device issue: Hardware problems like damaged antennas or software corruption can disrupt call continuity.

Fix:

• Replace your SIM if it’s more than three years old.
• Visit your carrier or a repair technician if hardware damage is suspected.

Long-term solutions for reducing dropped calls

If your phone calls frequently drop, quick fixes might not be enough. To ensure lasting call stability, it’s best to invest in long-term improvements that strengthen your connection and reduce future disruptions.

Here are some proven strategies that make a real difference.

Use Wi-Fi calling or VoIP services (recommended first)

Wi-Fi calling and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems use the internet instead of cell towers to transmit voice data. This means they’re not affected by weak cellular signal, making them ideal in areas with spotty coverage.

Why it works:

• Wi-Fi and VoIP rely on broadband or fiber connections, which are often more stable than cellular networks.
• Calls automatically switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi for continuous connectivity.
• Businesses can maintain professional-grade communication even when employees are remote or traveling.

Tip: Voiso’s cloud-based platform is designed for uninterrupted, high-quality calls. It uses intelligent routing to detect connection issues in real time and instantly re-route calls through the most stable network path. This makes it a powerful solution for teams that rely on constant communication, even in challenging network conditions.

Install a signal booster or femtocell

A signal booster (also known as a repeater) captures weak cellular signals, amplifies them, and rebroadcasts them indoors. 

A femtocell (or microcell) connects to your broadband network and acts like a miniature cell tower, creating a private signal zone in your home or office.

When to use:

• If you live or work in a building with poor indoor reception.
• If signal strength drops drastically between rooms or floors.
• When calls drop frequently despite a good outdoor signal.

Switch to a provider with better local coverage

Sometimes, no amount of troubleshooting can fix a fundamentally weak carrier network. If your area simply lacks adequate coverage, switching providers might be the most effective long-term fix.

Before switching:

• Check your carrier’s coverage map online.
• Ask neighbors or coworkers which network performs best in your area.
• Use apps like OpenSignal or RootMetrics to test real-world performance.

When to contact your service provider

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting and long-term solutions but your calls are still dropping, the issue might be beyond your control. Sometimes, the problem lies with your carrier’s infrastructure, regional network performance, or account configuration — and that’s when it’s time to get your provider involved.

Here’s how to prepare and what to expect when you contact support:

1. Gather key details before you call: Note when, where, and how often your calls drop so your provider can pinpoint patterns or coverage issues quickly.
2. Ask about network outages or maintenance: Check whether your area is affected by temporary outages, tower upgrades, or 5G/VoLTE rollouts that may cause short-term instability.
3. Request a network refresh or SIM replacement: Ask your carrier to reset your network registration or issue a new SIM if yours is outdated or damaged — both are quick fixes for random disconnects.
4. Verify account and network settings: Confirm your account supports modern features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, and that your device’s carrier settings are up to date.
5. Escalate the issue if it persists: If frontline support can’t help, request escalation to a network engineer who can review tower logs, signal data, and routing paths for deeper analysis.

FAQs

Can weather cause my phone calls to drop?

Yes. Severe weather — such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or snow — can weaken radio waves and interfere with cell tower signals. High humidity and atmospheric pressure changes can also reduce signal range. VoIP services are generally unaffected by weather since they rely on internet connections rather than outdoor towers.

Why do my calls drop after exactly a few minutes?

If your calls consistently drop after a fixed amount of time (for example, at the 2- or 5-minute mark), it could indicate a carrier timeout setting, router idle timeout, or VoIP session limit. Check your phone’s power-saving or sleep settings, as they can interrupt active connections. Updating your firmware or router settings usually fixes the issue.

Does using a phone case affect signal strength?

In some cases, yes. Metal or thick protective cases can partially block your phone’s antennas, leading to weaker signal reception and more dropped calls. If you notice improved performance after removing your case, consider switching to one made of silicone or polycarbonate instead.

How can I check if my carrier is experiencing a network outage?

You can visit your carrier’s status page, follow their social media channels, or use independent tools like Downdetector and Outage.Report. These platforms crowdsource real-time outage data so you can confirm whether the problem is widespread or localized to your device.

Will switching from 5G to 4G improve call stability?

Sometimes, yes. 5G networks are still expanding, and handovers between 4G and 5G towers can occasionally cause dropped calls. If you experience instability, try switching your phone’s network mode to 4G/LTE only for a more consistent signal, especially indoors or in rural areas.

Can changing my phone number fix dropped calls?

Unlikely. Dropped calls are almost never linked to your phone number itself. The real causes are typically network congestion, hardware issues, or poor coverage. Changing your number won’t help — but switching to a more reliable communication platform like Voiso can drastically improve call stability and clarity.