iPhone 5 For Dummies, 6th Edition

Problems with Calling or Networks

If you’re having problems making or receiving calls, problems sending or receiving SMS text messages, or problems with Wi-Fi or your wireless carrier’s data network, this section may help. The techniques here are short and sweet — except for the last one, restore. The inconvenient, time-consuming restore technique, which we describe in the preceding section, entails erasing all your data and media and then restoring it.

First, here are some simple steps that may help. Once again, we (and Apple) suggest that you try them in this order:

1. Check the cell signal icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.

If you don’t have at least one or two bars, you may not be able to use the phone or messaging function.

2. Make sure you haven’t left your iPhone in airplane mode, as described in Chapter 14.

In airplane mode, all network-dependent features are disabled, so you can’t make or receive phone calls, send or receive messages, or use any apps that require a Wi-Fi or data network connection (that is, Mail, Safari, Stocks, Maps, and Weather).

3. Try moving around.

Changing your location by as little as a few feet can sometimes mean the difference between four bars and zero bars or being able to use a Wi-Fi or wireless data network or not. If you’re inside, try going outside. If you’re outside, try moving 10 or 20 paces in any direction. Keep an eye on the cell signal or Wi-Fi icon as you move around, and stop when you see more bars than you saw before. ...