Screen Unresponsive During Calls? Unable To End Call: iOS 16
Screen unresponsive during calls iOS 16
Is your iPhone screen unresponsive during calls? Are you unable to end call after iOS 16 update? Taps and button presses not recognized? Call ends only when the conversation partner hangs up? You’re not alone!
iPhone Screen Unresponsive During Calls?
This issue has been initially reported by Menon (iPhone 11 Pro):
“With iOS 16.1.1 I’ve noticed that my screen goes completely dark, like the screen is off but I’ll still be able to hear the number ring. trying to turn the screen on to cut the call doesn’t work, no matter which button I press or tap the screen repeatedly.”
and confirmed by Anupam (iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 16.1.1):
“Screen is locked during call & unable to unlock it or use any other application or buttons, unless call gets connected by person on other side, even I can not cancel or drop call from my side.”
and Ajay:
“I can’t disconnect the call after calling someone, till the time other person dosen’t disconnect the call. This problem stared after recent download of iOS 16.1.1 version.”
We couldn’t replicate the issue. We did manage to find some similar complaints complaints on Apple’s Discussion forums (1 and 2) but they aren’t iOS 16-related.
Are you also unable to end call on iPhone after iOS 16 update? Please share it in the comments, as we’re still trying to figure out how wide spread this problem is.
How to Fix Unable To End Call On iPhone
Here are some of the troubleshooting options for this unexpected behavior:
1. Restart iPhone
First, you should reboot your device. This often can help with lost of minor iOS glitches and Menon confirmed that this works as a temporary fix.
Tip: We recommend you to use the force restart combo – Volume Up (click & release), Volume Down (click & release), Side Button (press & hold). More details available here.
2. Downgrade iOS
A more drastic fix requires you to revert to a previous iOS version that did not include the can’t end call bug. At the moment, you have two options:
- 1. Downgrade to iOS 16.1.
- 2. Downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC -> 15.7.1.
Click the above links for detailed step-by-step how to guides.
Workarounds For Cannot End Call On iPhone
There are also some tricks that you can apply if you choose to cope with this issue until it’s addressed in an upcoming software update:
3. Drop Call With Siri
Use Siri to hang up the call if iPhone screen is unresponsive and buttons are not working either.
Tip: You will have to use the Hey Siri voice command. Go for ‘Hey Siri, end call.’
Does it work? Confirm it in the comments please. (Hey Siri should be enabled in Settings -> Siri & Search -> Listen for Hey Siri + Allow Siri When Locked.)
4. Use Speakerphone
Apparently, you can avoid the screen unresponsive during calls iOS 16 issue if you enable speakerphone:
- Open Settings and go for Accessibility.
- Tap on Touch and scroll to Call Audio Routing.
- Select Speaker.
Credits: This tip has been shared by Chayan in the comments.
Have you managed to fix screen unresponsive during call in iOS 16? Do you have a better solution, or other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: For more iOS 16.1.1 bugs and available fixes check our detailed review over here.
Yes. I am also facing the same issue with my iPhone 11 after recent update
Thanks for the feedback. Are you using an iPhone which had an aftermarket screen replacement?
I have the same problem with my 11, of the screen going black during the call and then the phone being unresponsive to tapping the screen or the button. I found that if I plug my charger in the phone will ‘wake up’ so I can end the call. My phone has a full or better than 75% charge.
I’m also finding that my Home Screen will change from my picture to a black background. I do a hard restart and it comes back but only briefly.
Thanks for reporting. Any idea if your device has had an aftermarket screen replacement in the past? We’ve found that this issue with screen unresponsive during calls is common in these cases.
Yes, the black background is a widespread iOS 16 bug reported by many. Try to add a new Lock Screen and use recent pictures from the Photos app or resend your old ones.
I am facing the exact same issue. For some reason, my screen blacks out during phone calls and I am unable to end an ongoing call myself. I have to tell the person I am talking to do it. Sometimes this becomes real annoying as the other person just drops the phone without ending the call, and I get stuck m
Thanks for reporting. Has your iPhone got a screen replacement using an aftermarket display? If the other person doesn’t end the call you can try to force restart your device to end it. Of course, it’s not an ideal workaround but one that should work until you fix the source of the issue.
I assume it happened after iOS 16 update. You still have the option to downgrade to iOS 15 as shown here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
I am having the same problem screen goes black during a call and i cannot disconnect. my phone is an apple refurbished iphone x. i dont know what was done to it to refurbish but i have not had the screen replaced. the Siri work around does not work for me, i can use the speaker phone option or a blue tooth headset or when hooked to my vehicle it works.
Thanks for reporting. iOS 16.3 will be released next week, let us know if it makes any difference. Else, you can still downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-2-to-15-without-losing-data-ios-15-6-rc/
I have same issue with my 11Pro. Screen goes black during calls and I cannot end them. Very Annoying also for the other person especially when the call goes into message box and doesn’t end!!
I have tried forced restart which is hit and miss. Leaving it sit for a while and then doing forced restart seems to work. Please sort asap.
Have you updated to iOS 16.3?