A phone not working can mean many things, so the first question is what exactly has stopped: the screen, the touch, the sound, calls, messages, the camera or the whole phone. Many people search "my phone is not working" when only one part is affected, and the fix for each is different.
This hub covers the general checks that solve most cases, then helps you sort the problem and points to a detailed guide for each one. It also explains the messaging problems that follow a move to a new phone or an eSIM, such as iMessage, FaceTime and text messages that stop after activation. Nothing here asks you to root, jailbreak or open the phone.
Common causes
1A temporary software glitch
How to tellLag, frozen apps, touch that works only sometimes
What fixes itRestart; if frozen, use the force restart combination for your model
2Storage almost full or old software
How to tellSlow phone, apps closing, update reminders for weeks
What fixes itFree up several gigabytes and install the pending system update
3A misbehaving app
How to tellProblem began after installing or updating one app
What fixes itUpdate or uninstall that app, or test in Safe Mode on Android
4Wrong settings or a SIM issue
How to tellCalls, messages or data fail but the screen and touch are fine
What fixes itCheck airplane mode, network mode, SIM seating and balance
5Battery or charging fault
How to tellShuts off at 30 or 40 percent, charges slowly, gets hot
What fixes itTry another cable and charger; see a service centre if it repeats
6Water or drop damage
How to tellLines on screen, dead touch zones, sound gone after a fall or splash
What fixes itSwitch off and go to authorised service; avoid rice or heat
Where to start
Restart the phone the right way
Hold the power key and pick Restart from the menu. If the phone is frozen, keep the power button pressed for around ten seconds on most Android models. On an iPhone, the force restart combination differs by model, so use the one for your version.
Charge it to at least a quarter
A very low battery causes odd behaviour. Charge with the original cable and adapter for a few minutes before judging the fault.
Free up storage
Open the storage page in Settings and check how much is free. Delete large videos, offline downloads and unused apps. Phones with less than a gigabyte of free space slow down and fail updates.
Install pending updates
In Settings, look for the software update page. Install on WiFi and while charging. Updates often fix touch, battery and calling bugs that the maker already knows about.
Test in a clean state
On Android, hold the power-off option and choose Safe Mode to run without third party apps. If the problem vanishes, a downloaded app is the cause. On an iPhone, check the battery usage list for an app that behaves badly.
Reset network or app settings
For calls, data or Bluetooth faults, use the reset network settings option under general or system settings. It removes saved WiFi passwords, so keep them handy. It does not delete your photos or apps.
Check the SIM and signal
Take out the SIM, wipe the gold side with a soft dry cloth, then reinsert it. If calls, outgoing calls or messages fail only after a new SIM or eSIM, see the section below.
Back up, then consider a factory reset
As a last software step, back up photos and chats, then use the reset option in settings. If the fault stays after a clean reset, it is hardware and needs a service centre.
Phone not working properly: sort the symptom first
Use this quick table to pick the right guide before trying random fixes.
| What the phone does | Likely area | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Will not charge or charges slowly | Cable, port or battery | Phone not charging |
| Screen black but sounds work | Display or brightness | Phone display not working |
| Taps are ignored | Touch panel, protector or software | Phone touch screen not working |
| Others cannot hear you | Microphone blocked or faulty | Phone microphone not working |
| Camera shows black | App, permission or lens | Phone camera not working |
| No data or signal | SIM, network or plan | Internet not working |
iMessage, FaceTime, eSIM and call problems
On an iPhone, iMessage not working and FaceTime not working usually share a cause: no internet, a wrong date and time, or the account for these services not signed in. Open Settings, then Messages, and switch iMessage off and on; do the same for FaceTime. Check that your number or email is ticked as a way to be reached. If FaceTime is not working on an iPhone only for one contact, ask them to check the same settings.
After an eSIM activation or transfer, esim sms not working is common for a short time. Restart the phone, confirm the eSIM line is turned on and selected for messages and calls in the mobile settings, and make sure the other line is not set as default for messages. If outgoing calls are not working after the change, check that the line is set as default for voice, that airplane mode is off, and that the operator has completed the activation. If messages and calls do not return after a few hours, contact the operator with the phone model ready. If esim not working on iphone is the exact problem, also check that the eSIM line is not switched off under mobile or cellular plans. When Move to iOS not working stops a transfer from Android, keep both phones close together, charged and unlocked, leave WiFi switched on for the Android phone, and avoid switching apps during the transfer. If an outgoing call not working message appears on only one contact, check whether you blocked or forwarded that number. Do not share your OTP with anyone, even the person calling about activation.
Dial codes that show phone information
Some people search *#0*# not working, *#*#4636#*#* not working or *#9900# not working. These are maker hidden menus that exist only on certain Android models and versions, and many newer phones have removed them for safety. If a code does nothing on your phone, that is normal and not a fault. Do not use these menus to change settings you do not understand, and never type codes sent by a stranger, since some dial codes can erase data or divert calls.
All phone problem guides
Each guide below explains one fault from the quickest check to the repair decision.
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Phone not charging | No charge, slow charge or charging that stops. |
| Phone power button not working | Button that is dead, stuck or will not wake the phone. |
| Volume button not working | Volume keys that do nothing or change the wrong level. |
| Phone touch screen not working | Screen that ignores taps or touches on its own. |
| Phone display not working but phone is on | Black or blank screen while sounds and vibration still work. |
| Phone speaker not working | No sound from the loudspeaker or in calls. |
| Phone microphone not working | People cannot hear you in calls or voice notes. |
| Proximity sensor not working | Screen stays on or turns off wrongly during calls. |
| Flashlight not working | Torch that will not light or switch on. |
| Phone camera not working | Camera app crashes, shows black or will not open. |
| Front camera not working | Selfie camera blank or missing. |
| Back camera not working | Rear camera black, blurred or failing to focus. |
| Fingerprint sensor not working | Fingerprint unlock that fails or is not recognised. |
| Face ID not working | Face unlock on iPhone that fails or gives a camera message. |
| Google Assistant not working | Voice commands that do not respond on Android. |
| Siri not working | Voice commands that do not respond on iPhone. |
| AirDrop not working | File sharing between iPhones, iPads and Macs that cannot find devices. |
| One earbud or AirPod not working | One side silent or not connecting. |
| USB tethering not working | Sharing the phone's internet over a cable to a computer. |
| Apple Pencil not working | Stylus that does not pair or write. |
| Apple CarPlay not working | Car display that will not link to the iPhone. |
When the phone needs a service centre
Go to an authorised centre for a cracked or lined display, a battery that swells, a charging port that is loose, water exposure or a camera that stays black after a reset. Cost depends on the part, the model and whether the screen and board are affected. A sealed phone opened at home may lose its warranty, so check that first.
Take a backup before handing over the phone, and turn off find-my-device or screen lock only when the service centre asks you to.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my phone not working properly?
Most often it is low storage, an old update, a misbehaving app or a temporary glitch. Restart, free space, update and test in a clean state. If the fault stays after a reset, it is hardware.
Why is iMessage not working on my iPhone?
Check internet, the date and time, and that iMessage is switched on with your number or email ticked. Turning it off and on again, then restarting, solves most cases.
Why are my outgoing calls not working?
Check airplane mode, signal bars, the SIM tray, balance and validity, and that the right SIM is chosen for calls on a dual SIM phone. If it began after an eSIM change, ask the operator to confirm activation.
Why is FaceTime not working?
It needs internet and FaceTime switched on in settings, and the other person must have it on too. Check the date and time, sign in again to the account and restart.
Is it safe to try a factory reset?
Yes, after a backup. A reset removes everything, so first save photos and chats. Use it only after simpler steps fail.