Call Drops: Common Causes and Fixes

A dropped call is a sudden end of phone calls on its own before you or the other party hangs up the call. This means you’re talking, and then, without any warning, the line cuts off. In simple terms, a dropped call breaks the connection and stops your conversation unexpectedly. It can happen with any calls-cell phones, landlines, or internet-based calls.

Calls drop mainly due to weak network signals, overloaded networks, or technical issues with the device or service provider.

However, the exact cause may be different for cell phones and landline phones.

Dropped calls on cell phones often happen when you call from a poor network. Also, sometimes, the issues may be in your software or the phone’s hardware.

1. Weak Signal Strength
When you’re in an area with low network coverage-like remote locations, basements, or inside buildings with thick walls-the signal may not be strong enough to maintain a stable call connection. Often, your phone keeps dropping calls when you dial from those areas.

2. Network Congestion
If you experience dropped calls when calling from a crowded place or busy area, then it may be due to network overload. Network congestion happens when too many users try to connect to the network at the same time. This commonly happens during peak office hours when many people are on their phones.

3. Outdated Software 
Sometimes, using the outdated software may also result in the call drops. If your phone’s operating system or calling app hasn’t been updated to the latest version, it may struggle to meet the new requirements to maintain a stable connection.

4. Phone Hardware Issues 
Your calls may also drop when there is an issue with your phone’s hardware. For instance, if the hardware that handles connectivity (your transmitter or antenna) is damaged or malfunctioning, it can disrupt the signal and result in frequent disconnections.

5. Interference from Nearby Electronics
Did you know that electronic devices, like microwaves or wireless routers, can interfere with cell signals? This is common when you’re using Wi-Fi networks to make a call. When there’s an interference, it can weaken your signals, which can cause your calls to drop.
 

How to Prevent Call Drops on Cell Phones?
 

To prevent call drops on cell phones, always make a call from an area with a strong network and keep your software up to date. Here’s what you can do to reduce the chances of dropped calls:

1. Improve Signal Strength 
Many times, adjusting your location can boost signal strength and reduce the likelihood of dropped calls. When making a call, try moving to an open area, such as a nearby window or simply outside of your closed room.

2. Keep Software Update
Check if your phone software is operating on the latest version or not. If not, update it. Software updates often come with the improvements to boost your network. So, it can help your device maintain a stronger connection and prevent unexpected call drops.

3. Avoid Network Congestion 
If your phone is dropping calls regularly or on a daily basis, figure out what time you’re making a call. If it’s the same time of the day, you’re probably making a call during rush hour when the network is overloaded. Try to avoid peak hours when making calls.

4. Use Wi-Fi Calling in Low-Signal Areas
If you’re in an area with a weak cellular signal but have access to a stable Wi-Fi network, consider using Wi-Fi calling. Many carriers today support this feature. So, consider making calls over Wi-Fi when needed instead of relying solely on cellular coverage.

5. Check for Hardware Issues 
As hardware issues may also cause call interruptions, make sure that your phone is in good condition. Check for any issues with your hardware. You can take your phone to a professional repairer to identify any possible hardware problems that might be affecting the phone connections.

Dropped calls on landline phones are usually caused by faulty wiring, interference from electronic devices, outdated equipment, or issues with the service provider.

1. Faulty Wiring
Over time, your wires may become loose or damaged. This can disrupt the signal and cause calls to disconnect. Moreover, a too-old wire may also cause interruptions. Sometimes, your wire may look good from the outside but may have been damaged from the inside.

2. Interference from Other Electronics 
If you are using cordless landlines, there’s more chances of dropping calls compared to wired landlines. This is because cordless phones uses the radio frequencies to connect. And, these frequencies can interfere with the nearby electronic devices which can affect your call quality.

3. Outdated Equipment 
Outdated phones may not perform well with newer technology. So, if you’re using old landline equipment, you can face frequent connection problems. Upgrading to modern landline equipment can improve your connection stability.

4. Service Provider Issues
Sometimes, the problem may be from your service provider’s side. Your carrier may be updating a network or facing technical difficulties at the time you’re making the call. These issues are temporary and are resolved within a short period.

How to Fix Call Drops on Landline Phones?
 

To prevent your landline phone from dropping calls, check your wiring for any damages. Also, make sure that you’re using the latest equipment.

Here’s what you can try to avoid dropping calls on landline phones:

1. Inspect and Repair Wiring
Inspect your wire for visible damage or loose connections. If you notice consistent disruptions, consider hiring a professional to inspect. Upon finding any damages, repair or replace the equipment immediately. However, do not forget to use modern technology when replacing it.

2. Reduce Interference from electronics
Move devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or Wi-Fi routers away from your landline setup. By doing so, you keep the electronic devices away from interfering with your landline signal. This ultimately improves your call quality and prevents disconnections.

3. Upgrade to Modern Equipment
If your landline equipment is outdated, consider upgrading to newer models. Switching to up-to-date equipment can improve your call stability and reduce drop frequency.

4. Contact Your Service Provider
You can also contact your service provider to find out if the issue lies with your service provider. They may inform you if any technical difficulties or network maintenance is causing the problem. You can try calling once the issue is resolved.

Dropped calls create a negative brand image. When calls drop suddenly, it affects the customer experience and may even drive clients to competitors.

Here’s how dropped calls can affect your business:

Reduced Customer Satisfaction: Frequent call drops frustrate customers. They feel neglected or undervalued, especially when they’re looking for support and assistance.

Damaged Brand Reputation: Repeatedly dropped calls create an impression of unprofessional business. It can significantly harm your company’s image.

Missed Sales Opportunities: When calls end suddenly when you're trying to make a sale, potential customers may discontinue the conversation. So, you may lose customers, too.

Lowered Employee Productivity: Dropped calls disrupt work processes as the employee needs to repeat the conversation. It kills time and impacts overall productivity.

Competitive Disadvantage: Good customer experience is must stay competitive. If your company struggles with dropped calls, customers may instantly switch to your competitors.

Dropped calls disrupt both personal and business communication. While upgrading to modern devices and technology can help, network signal issues often remain the biggest culprit. If you’re facing frequent network-related call drops, consider upgrading to a cloud phone system like Calilio.

Calilio is built on robust internet-based technology. We provide clear, consistent connections as long as there’s a stable internet connection. With us, you can avoid drop calls and enjoy uninterrupted calls from any location with good internet access. Sign Up today.

To avoid call drops, try moving to an area with better signal strength. You may also try restarting your phone to fix any temporary glitches or bugs.

When someone drops your call, it means the call was intentionally or unintentionally disconnected. Sometimes, the receiver may hang up intentionally. But most of the time, it can be due to poor network signaling.

When a call drops, try redialing or checking your signal strength. If you cannot find a good network, you can also try Wi-Fi calling.