iPhone 8 Not Ringing? Here's The Real Fix!

David Lynch

SEPTEMBER 4, 2017

Your iPhone 8 won't ring and you're starting to miss important calls and texts. Don't worry — this problem can typically be fixed after a few simple troubleshooting steps, so your frustration is almost over! In this article, I'll show you what to do when your iPhone 8 is not ringing so you can fix the problem for good!

The Fix When Your iPhone 8 Won't Ring

5 Steps Total
1.

Check The Ring / Silent Switch On Your iPhone 8

You can use the Ring / Silent switch to quickly toggle your iPhone 8 ringer on or off. If the switch is flipped to the Silent side, your iPhone 8 won't ring.

How Do I Check The Ring / Silent Switch On My iPhone 8?

  1. Examine the Ring / Silent switch on the left-hand side of your iPhone.
  2. If the switch is pulled towards the back of your iPhone and you see a small orange line, your iPhone 8 is on silent.
  3. To turn the ringer on, pull the Ring / Silent switch towards the front of your iPhone 8.
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2.

Turn Ringer Volume All The Way Up On Your iPhone 8

It's possible that the ringer volume on your iPhone 8 has been set independently of the volume of other sounds. Even if the rest of the sounds your iPhone makes are getting louder, the volume of your ringer may be stuck on silent or a very low volume.

How Do I Turn Ringer Volume All The Way Up On My iPhone 8?

  1. Open up the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Sounds & Haptics.
  3. Using your finger, drag the Ringer And Alerts slider all the way to the right to turn the ringer volume all the way up.
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3.

Make Sure Do Not Disturb Is Turned Off

All calls, texts, and other notifications get silenced when Do Not Disturb is turned on.

How Do I Make Sure Do Not Disturb Is Turned Off?

There are a few ways to turn off Do Not Disturb on your iPhone 8:

Turn Off Do Not Disturb In Control Center

  1. Open Control Center by swiping up from below the bottom of your iPhone 8's display.
  2. Tap the Do Not Disturb icon to turn it off. You'll know its off when the moon icon is white inside of a dark gray square (see image 1).

Turn Off Do Not Disturb In Settings

  1. Open up the Settings app.
  2. Tap Do Not Disturb.
  3. Tap the switch next to Do Not Disturb at the top of the screen.
  4. You'll know Do Not Disturb is off if the switch is positioned to the left (see image 2).

Turn Off Do Not Disturb With Siri

  1. Press and hold the Home button to activate Siri.
  2. Say, "Turn off Do Not Disturb."
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4.

Look For Debris In Your iPhone's Charging Port

If debris, gunk, or lint has gotten stuck in your iPhone's charging port, it may get stuck in headphones mode — even if headphones aren't plugged in! When your iPhone is stuck in headphones mode, you won't hear it ring.

How Do I Look For Debris In My iPhone's Charging Port?

  1. Use a flashlight to take a close look inside your iPhone's charging port.
  2. Use an anti-static brush or unused toothbrush to remove any debris from inside the port.
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5.

Repair Your iPhone With Apple

Apple repairs iPhones at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores and through their online mail-in repair service. Apple repairs are high-quality, but out-of-warranty repairs can be much more expensive than third-party solutions. If you're looking to save some money you're not covered by Apple's warranty, you may want to check out our other recommendations.

How Do I Repair My iPhone With Apple?

How To Repair Your iPhone With Apple's Mail-In Service

  1. Visit Apple's support website to begin the online mail-in repair process.
  2. Alternatively, call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to set up a repair.

How To Repair Your iPhone At The Genius Bar Inside Your Local Apple Store

  1. Visit Apple's website to make a Genius Bar appointment before you go into the store. Apple Stores are extremely busy, and if you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait for hours or end up being turned away. (Editor's note: I'm a former Apple tech and we're not exaggerating — please, do yourself a favor and make an appointment first!)
  2. When you arrive, go to the Genius Bar to check in for your appointment.
  3. Genius Bar appointments always include free diagnosis. If you're under warranty, many repairs can be done on the spot, but it all depends upon which parts are in stock. If you're not under warranty, the Genius will give you a quote for the cost of a repair.
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Put A Ring On It!

Your iPhone 8 is ringing and you aren't missing calls or texts anymore. Now that you know what to do when your iPhone 8 is not ringing, make sure to share this article with your friends and family if they have a similar problem. Feel free to leave a comment down below if you have any other questions!

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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Doug
Doug
9 months ago

Thank you, my phone is now ringing

Susan
Susan
1 year ago

my iPhone is stuck in silent mode and I can’t disengage it. any ideas?

Simon
Simon
1 year ago

Unfortunately none of this has fixed my problem. The phone makes noises for texts and everything else, but will not ring or vibrate for phone calls. I miss every call.

shawn lambie
shawn lambie
2 years ago

Thank you

Anon
Anon
2 years ago

Very helpful.

John
John
2 years ago

My IPhone 8 doesn’t ring for certain people. Other calls no problems.

Glenda
Glenda
2 years ago

My problem was #4 on your list. It was a used phone (my son’s). I was beginning to think the rings were going to my hearing aides. Don’t always wear them so I wouldn’t know if was ringing or not. Thanks for your help.

Stuart
Stuart
2 years ago

Brilliant! tried everything and couldn’t find the problem. It was hidden by the case, which of course is permanetly on…and also has a habit of turning it off everytime you take it off. What a numpty. All sorted. Thanks very much!

Linda Sosnowski
Linda Sosnowski
3 years ago

God bless you. Went to many sites, but I actually understood yours.

Liam Shotwell
3 years ago

I’m glad we could help!

Jim Wolf
Jim Wolf
3 years ago

Thank you. This is my first iPhone and it’s a company issue. There was no instruction, manual, etc., and my learning has been flat. The situation was working my nerves. Thanks again.

Liam Shotwell
3 years ago
Reply to  Jim Wolf

If you know anyone else having trouble with their iPhone, be sure to send them our articles to help them out!

Kris
Kris
3 years ago

Thanks for your help!

Liam Shotwell
3 years ago
Reply to  Kris

No problem! Thanks for stopping by

Tricia Price
Tricia Price
3 years ago

Thank you for your help I had no idea about the silent switch, I should read the manual.

Liam Shotwell
3 years ago
Reply to  Tricia Price

You’re not the only one, don’t worry! I’m glad this article was able to help! ? If you want to help others learn about the silent switch too, you could share this article with others you know that have iPhones. I’m sure they would appreciate it! ?

John
John
3 years ago

Thanks David. Problem here was I didn’t read the manual about the silent switch!

Carole
Carole
4 years ago

My phone won’t ring

Debbie
Debbie
4 years ago

Very helpful, fixed the problem as soon as I read your suggestions.

Bob Siemering
Bob Siemering
5 years ago

Identified the problem in no time. I had no idea there was a little manual switch to turn off the ringer – thanks for the help

Paul Freebery Sr.
Paul Freebery Sr.
5 years ago

worked. thanks

Norene Chase McShane
Norene Chase McShane
5 years ago

Thanks…your tips worked for us rookies!

Hasan Avdiu
Hasan Avdiu
5 years ago

Thank you, helpfull

Melissa Doty
Melissa Doty
6 years ago

Thank u! It worked!

Laila Bruni
Laila Bruni
6 years ago

That Ring/silent switch has gotten me many times! It is wonderful to be able to go on line and get this type of help.