Many iPhone users face the issue of their phones not ringing when locked. This can be frustrating, especially if you miss important calls. One key reason might be that the “Do Not Disturb” mode is enabled. You can check this by looking for a moon icon near the battery icon.
Another common cause is Bluetooth connections. If your iPhone is paired with a Bluetooth device, the call may ring through the connected device instead of the phone. To fix this issue, you can disconnect the Bluetooth device from the settings.
Also, consider checking if “Silence Unknown Callers” is turned on. This feature can prevent your phone from ringing for calls from people not in your contact list. Turning it off might help resolve the problem.
📱 Why Your iPhone Doesn’t Ring When Locked
When your iPhone doesn’t ring while the screen is locked, it’s often caused by:
- Silent or Do Not Disturb mode being enabled
- Focus modes (like Sleep or Work) muting notifications
- Ringtone or volume settings being too low
- Bluetooth devices redirecting audio
- Software glitches after an update
🧠Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Check the Ring/Silent Switch
- On the left side of your iPhone, flip the Ring/Silent switch up (no orange should show).
- If orange is visible, your iPhone is in Silent Mode, and it won’t ring.
2. Turn Off Focus or Do Not Disturb
- Go to Settings → Focus.
- Tap Do Not Disturb, Sleep, or any active Focus mode.
- Turn it off or adjust the settings to allow calls from certain contacts.
(source:Â iGeeksBlog)
3. Check Ringtone Volume
- Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics.
- Under Ringtone and Alert Volume, make sure the slider is turned up.
- Toggle Change with Buttons on if you want to adjust volume via the side buttons.
4. Ensure “Silence Unknown Callers” Is Off
- Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
- If this is on, calls from unknown numbers won’t ring — they’ll go straight to voicemail.
5. Disable Call Forwarding
- Go to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding.
- Make sure it’s off, or else calls may be redirected elsewhere.
(source:Â GeeksChalk)
6. Disconnect Bluetooth Devices
Sometimes, your iPhone routes audio to Bluetooth devices (like AirPods or car systems).
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth off temporarily and test if the phone rings normally.
7. Check for Software Updates
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- If an update is available, install it — Apple often fixes bugs that affect sound and notifications.
8. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can clear temporary glitches:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up/Down until the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
9. Reset All Settings (Last Resort)
If none of the above work:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.
- This won’t delete your data but will reset preferences like Wi-Fi, ringtones, and Focus settings.
⚙️ Additional Tips
- Test your ringer by calling your iPhone from another phone.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
- If your iPhone still doesn’t ring, it could be a hardware issue with the speaker — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
âś… Summary
| Possible Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Silent Mode | Flip Ring/Silent switch up |
| Focus or DND | Turn off or allow calls |
| Low Volume | Increase ringtone volume |
| Bluetooth | Disconnect audio devices |
| Software Bug | Restart or update iOS |
| Hardware Issue | Contact Apple Support |
In short: Start with basic checks (volume, silent switch, Focus), then move on to Bluetooth, updates, and resets if needed. In most cases, the issue is due to Focus mode or Silent Mode being enabled.
Key Takeaways
- Check if “Do Not Disturb” is on and turn it off.
- Disconnect any paired Bluetooth devices from your iPhone.
- Turn off “Silence Unknown Callers” if it is enabled.
Troubleshooting iPhone Ring Issues
This guide covers various methods to fix an iPhone that does not ring when locked. Users can check sound settings, manage Focus modes, and update software.
Analyzing Sound and Notification Settings
First, check the iPhone’s sound settings. Ensure the ringer volume is high enough. Turn up the volume using the buttons on the side. Also, verify the Ring/Silent switch. If the switch shows orange, the iPhone is in Silent Mode.
Double-check the Notifications settings. Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Ensure the Ringtone volume is not set to mute. Try changing the ringtone to see if it helps.
Understanding Focus and Do Not Disturb Modes
Focus Modes can silence calls. Check if Do Not Disturb is on. Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb. Ensure it is off or properly configured. The icon looks like a moon.
Silence Unknown Callers can also block calls from ringing. This setting blocks numbers not in the contact list. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it off.
Checking Physical and Hardware Considerations
Physical aspects of the iPhone can affect ringing. Check the Ring/Silent switch on the side. Ensure it is not stuck or damaged. Inspect the speakers and lightning port for debris.
Test the iPhone speaker by playing a song or video. If the sound is muffled, there might be a problem. Cleaning the speaker and port gently might help.
Software-Related Fixes and Updates
Sometimes, software glitches cause issues. Restart the iPhone to fix minor bugs. Another option is to update iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If problems persist, consider a factory reset. This will erase all data, so backup important information first. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Exploring Connectivity and External Device Issues
Bluetooth connections can impact the ringer. If the iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device, the sound might play through it. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and disconnect external devices.
Also, CarPlay can redirect calls to the car’s system, muting the phone’s speaker. Check if the iPhone is connected to a car. Disconnecting might solve the issue.
Understanding Call and Contact Settings
Check if Call Forwarding is on. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Turn it off, if enabled. Call filtering apps might also block calls. Disable these apps to see if the issue resolves.
Verify blocked contacts. Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Ensure important numbers are not listed. Finally, check if a custom ringtone is malfunctioning for specific contacts. Change it to a built-in tone to test.
