Applies To: iPhone 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • All Pro/Max/Plus models • iOS 15-18
✅ Compatible iPhone Models
Series | Models | iOS Version |
|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 Series | iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max | iOS 18 |
iPhone 15 Series | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | iOS 17/18 |
iPhone 14 Series | iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max | iOS 16/17/18 |
iPhone 13 Series | iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max | iOS 15-18 |
iPhone 12 Series | iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max | iOS 14-18 |
Note: iOS versions may vary by model, but the settings locations are consistent across all recent versions.
🎯 Introduction
If your iPhone is ringing intermittently or not at all for incoming softphone calls, several iOS features could be interfering. Common causes include :
🔕 Focus Modes (Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Work) — Silences calls based on schedule or activity
🔇 Silent switch / Ring/Silent toggle — Physical switch on side of iPhone
🔋 Low Power Mode — Reduces background activity, including notifications
📶 Background App Refresh — May be disabled for your softphone
🔊 Bluetooth / AirPlay — Audio routing to connected devices
📱 Notification settings — Alerts may be disabled or set to "Delivered Quietly"
This guide provides step-by-step solutions for all iPhone models running iOS 15 through iOS 18.
⚡ Quick Checks (Try These First)
Check | Action |
|---|---|
🔇 Silent switch | Check the physical Ring/Silent switch on the left side of your iPhone (above volume buttons). Toggle toward screen to enable ring . |
🔕 Focus Modes | Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right) → look for Focus icon (crescent moon) → tap to disable |
🔊 Volume level | Press volume up button and ensure ringer volume is turned up (visible in Control Center) |
🔄 Restart iPhone | Press and hold Power + Volume buttons → slide to power off → wait 30 seconds → turn back on |
🎧 Bluetooth | Control Center → tap Bluetooth icon to toggle off temporarily to test speaker audio |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Solutions (All iPhone Models)
1️⃣ Disable Focus Modes (Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Work, etc.)
Navigation | Control Center (swipe down from top-right) → tap the Focus tile to disable |
|---|---|
Settings > Focus → check each mode (Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Personal, Work) and ensure they are OFF or properly configured to allow calls from your softphone | |
Under "Allowed Notifications", ensure your softphone app is added to "People & Apps" list |
2️⃣ Disable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode significantly reduces background activity, including notifications and app refreshes .
Navigation | Settings > Battery → toggle Low Power Mode OFF |
|---|---|
Control Center → tap Battery icon if you've added Low Power Mode to Control Center |
3️⃣Enable Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to check for updates and receive notifications when not in use .
Navigation | Settings > General > Background App Refresh |
|---|---|
Ensure it's set to "Wi-Fi & Cellular Data" (or at least "Wi-Fi") | |
Scroll down and ensure your softphone app is toggled ON |
4️⃣Check Notification Settings
Navigation | Settings > Notifications → select your softphone app |
|---|---|
Ensure "Allow Notifications" is toggled ON | |
Under "Alerts", enable Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners | |
Check "Sounds" is enabled (not "None") |
5️⃣Check Cellular Data Settings
If you're on mobile data, ensure your softphone has permission to use cellular data .
Navigation | Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) |
|---|---|
Scroll down to the list of apps and ensure your softphone app is toggled ON | |
If using Wi-Fi calling, ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled under Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling |
6️⃣Check Call Forwarding & Do Not Disturb While Driving
Navigation | Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding → ensure it's OFF unless intentionally set |
|---|---|
Settings > Focus > Driving → check if Do Not Disturb While Driving is enabled and configure to allow calls from your softphone | |
Add your softphone app to "Allowed Apps" under the Driving Focus |
7️⃣Reset All Settings (Last Resort)
Warning: This resets all system settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, etc.) but does NOT delete personal data.
Navigation | Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset |
|---|---|
Select "Reset All Settings" and confirm |
📱 Quick Reference by iOS Version
iOS Version | Notes |
|---|---|
iOS 18 | Enhanced Focus modes, new Control Center layout |
iOS 17 | StandBy mode, improved Focus filters |
iOS 16 | Lock Screen customization, Focus filters |
iOS 15 | Focus modes introduced, Notification Summary |
✅ Troubleshooting Checklist
# | Task |
|---|---|
1 | Ring/silent switch set to ring mode (not orange) |
2 | All Focus modes (Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Work) disabled |
3 | Low Power Mode turned OFF |
4 | Background App Refresh enabled for softphone |
5 | Notification settings allow alerts with sound |
6 | Cellular data enabled for softphone |
7 | Bluetooth turned off to test speaker audio |
8 | iPhone restarted |