Have you ever picked up your phone and noticed it making calls without your input or that you’re getting a call from your own number.
This is a common issue among mobile phone users and could be caused by various reasons including software glitches, hardware malfunctions, or even clever scams.
If your smartphone is an important part of your life, it is absolutely important to know why it might be acting on its own. Apart from being annoying, this issue can be potentially harmful if not taken care of.
What are the Common Causes of Phones Making Calls By Themselves
1. Software Glitches
When your device makes random calls on its own, the issue could be software glitches like bugs in the operating system, outdated software, or corrupted files.
For example, some users using the older iOS version have reported that their phones often make random calls due to conflict with apps or system errors.
Features like voice commands (e.g., Siri) may also misinterpret background noise as a command to place a call, leading to unintended dialing.
2. Hardware Malfunctions
Hardware issues can also trigger random calls. A malfunctioning touch screen might register phantom touches, causing the phone to dial numbers without user input.
Similarly, faulty buttons or accessories like Bluetooth devices can send unintended signals to the phone, resulting in calls being made autonomously.
3. Network Interference
In some cases, network-related problems can cause phones to behave erratically.
Poor signal strength or interference in the network can confuse the device and lead to unintended actions such as dialing random numbers. VoIP systems are particularly prone to such errors, where a dropped or incomplete call might result in the phone redialing itself or another contact.
4. App Permissions and Third-Party Apps
Certain apps with excessive permissions can initiate calls without explicit user consent.
For instance, some third-party applications may exploit call permissions to dial numbers for marketing purposes or due to poor programming practices.
This issue often arises when apps are downloaded from unverified sources
5. Caller ID Spoofing and Scams
Caller ID spoofing is another common reason for unusual phone behavior.
Scammers use technology to make it appear as though your phone is calling itself or others in your contact list.
This tactic is designed to bypass call-blocking systems and trick users into answering the call, potentially exposing them to fraud
By understanding these causes, users can better identify why their phones might be making calls on their own and take steps to resolve the issue effectively.
What to do when your Phone Starts Making Calls by Itself
1. Diagnose the Issue
Diagnosing the root cause of your phone making calls by itself is crucial before attempting any fixes.
Here are some steps to help you identify the problem:
I. Check Recent App Installations: If the issue started after installing a new app, it might be the culprit.
Review your recent downloads and consider uninstalling them temporarily to see if the problem persists.
Many apps, especially those with call permissions, can initiate calls without your consent.
II. Inspect Hardware: Ensure your touchscreen or buttons aren’t faulty. If your phone has a removable case or screen protector, try removing them to see if the issue resolves.
Faulty touchscreens can lead to “ghost touches,” which might trigger calls1.
III. Network and Bluetooth Connections: Check if your phone is connected to any Bluetooth devices.
Sometimes, these devices can initiate calls without your knowledge, especially if you accidentally press the callback button on the Bluetooth device.
IV. Turn off Your Phone Screen Before Putting It Away: Make sure your phone is locked before putting it away. This simple habit can prevent accidental calls when your phone is in your pocket.
2. Apply these Software Fixes
Software-related issues are common and often easy to resolve:
I. Boot into Safe Mode (Android): This temporarily disables third-party apps, allowing you to determine if an app is causing the problem. If the issue doesn’t occur in safe mode, uninstall recently installed apps
II. To enter Safe Mode on your Android device, press and hold the power button of your device until the power options appear. Tap and hold the “Power Off” button until you see the “Reboot to Safe Mode” prompt. Then, tap on the prompt. Your device will automatically reboot into Safe Mode.
III. Update Operating System: Ensure your phone’s OS is up-to-date. Updates often fix bugs that might be causing random calls. For Android, go to Settings > Software Update and follow the prompts. For iOS, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update
IV. Reset All Settings (iOS): This reverts your iPhone to its default settings without erasing data, which can resolve issues caused by misconfigured call settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then select Reset All Settings.
V. Disable Direct Call Features: Some phones have features like “Direct Call” that can trigger calls when the phone is held near your ear.
Disabling these features can prevent accidental calls. On Samsung phones, go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motion and Gestures to turn off Direct Call.
3. Hardware Solutions
For issues related to hardware, consider these solutions:
I. Use Protective Cases: A sturdy case can prevent accidental touches when your phone is in your pocket.
This is especially useful if you have a habit of carrying your phone in a tight space where buttons might get pressed unintentionally.
II. Inspect for Faulty Touchscreens or Buttons: If your phone’s touchscreen or buttons are malfunctioning, consider professional repair or replacement.
Faulty touchscreens can lead to “ghost touches,” which might trigger calls without your input.
III. Lock Your Phone: Always lock your phone before putting it away to prevent pocket dialing. This simple habit can save you from embarrassing situations and unwanted calls.
4. Scam Prevention Tips
To avoid falling victim to scams like caller ID spoofing:
I. Be Cautious with Unknown Calls: Avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially if they appear to be from your own number. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make it seem like the call is coming from a trusted source3.
III. Report Suspicious Activity: Inform your carrier or local authorities if you suspect scam activity. Reporting these incidents can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
IV. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and how they work. Knowledge is key to avoiding these scams effectively.
5. Advanced Solutions
If the problem persists, consider these advanced steps:
I. Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset to restore your phone to its original settings. This will erase all data, so ensure you backup your device first. For Android, go to Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset. For iOS, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then select Erase All Content and Settings.
II. Professional Repair: If hardware issues are suspected, consult a professional repair service to diagnose and fix any faults. This is especially important if you suspect a malfunctioning touchscreen or other hardware components.
III. System Recovery Tools (for iOS): If you want to avoid losing data during a factory reset, consider using tools like MagFone iOS System Recovery. These tools can repair system issues without erasing your data.
Real-Life Scenarios and User Experiences
Understanding how others have dealt with phones making calls by themselves can provide valuable insights and reassurance. Here are a few real-life scenarios shared by users:
I. Pocket Dialing Mishaps: Many users have reported embarrassing situations where their phones dialed contacts while lying in their pockets or bags.
One user shared how their phone called their boss during a meeting, simply because the touchscreen registered accidental pressure.
II. Software Bugs Leading to Calls: In online forums, iPhone users have discussed instances where software glitches caused random calls. For example, iOS updates sometimes introduce bugs that result in unintended dialing.
One user noted that their iPhone 14 made calls while sitting untouched on a table, leading them to disable features like “Return Missed Calls” and “Voice Dial” to prevent further issues.
III. Caller ID Spoofing Confusion: A common scenario involves receiving calls from your own number or similar numbers due to caller ID spoofing.
Scammers use this tactic to bypass call-blocking systems and trick users into answering. Many people initially think it’s a technical glitch or even something ominous, only to discover it’s a scam.
These stories highlight the importance of identifying the root cause of the issue and taking preventive measures.
Whether it’s adjusting phone settings or staying vigilant against scams, these experiences underscore the need for proactive solutions.
Conclusion
Phones making calls by themselves can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even concerning.
From software glitches and hardware malfunctions to scams like caller ID spoofing, the causes are varied but manageable.
By diagnosing the issue, applying targeted fixes, and adopting preventive measures like disabling risky features or reporting scams, you can regain control over your device.
