If your Android phone is ringing but you don’t see anything on your screen, you might have a settings or software-related glitch that can easily be resolved (usually). The first thing you’ll want to check is to see if ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode is enabled or if there’s an issue with the default phone application’s permissions. Another major cause of this issue is if your phone is connected to a Bluetooth device and calls are being forwarded there instead. The other device may be taking over the call notifications so you may have to disable it to revert back to your phone.
By systematically checking these recommendations on this page, you should be able to restore normal functionality to your device’s call display.
Before You Do Anything Else
Before doing any troubleshooting, restart your phone. If you want, you could even turn it off, let it sit for a few minutes, and then turn it back on. Restarting/re-booting your phone will terminate any software that may be malfunctioning, close any programs or apps that may be stuck, and reset the RAM memory. When you restart your phone, everything that was running in the background will be cleared out, so if any of those were the culprit you would know (or at least be able to rule them out).
Troubleshooting Android Incoming Call Display Issues
Here are some common causes and solutions to fix the phone ringing but nothing shows up on the screen issue:
Check Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb (DND) mode silences most notifications and calls. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel.
- Look for the Do Not Disturb icon (it might look like a moon or a circle with a line through it).
- Tap the icon to disable DND if it’s active.
Verify App Permissions
Your phone app needs the right permissions to display incoming calls. Here’s how to check:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find the “Apps” or “Apps & notifications” section.
- Locate your default phone app (usually just called “Phone”).
- Tap on “Permissions.”
- Make sure the “Phone” permission is enabled.
Clear App Cache
Temporary glitches in your phone app’s cache can cause issues. Here’s how to clear it:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find the “Apps” or “Apps & notifications” section.
- Locate your default phone app (usually just called “Phone”).
- Tap on “Storage.”
- Tap on “Clear cache.”
Check for Software Updates
Outdated software can have bugs that interfere with incoming calls. Check for any updates:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find the “System” or “Software update” section.
- Look for available updates and install them if any exist.
Other Potential Solutions
Here’s a quick table of other things to try that might help:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Third-party app interference | Temporarily uninstall any recently downloaded or updated apps to see if they’re causing the problem. |
| System Glitches | Restart your phone to fix temporary problems. |
| Network Issues | Contact your carrier to check if there are network problems in your area. |
If none of these solutions work, you may want to consider a factory reset of your phone. Make sure to back up your data before doing so.
Key Takeaways
- An Android phone not displaying incoming calls can be fixed with troubleshooting methods.
- Checking volume settings and Bluetooth connections is a simple and effective starting point.
- Adjusting notification settings and app permissions may resolve the display issue.
YouTube Video That Might Help
You can watch the video above to see if that helps with your issue. Note that different Android versions may have slightly different screens, settings area, and may call things by different names. The general idea is to:
Check Notification Settings
Notification settings can sometimes be the culprit. For the phone app, it’s crucial to ensure that notifications are enabled. Here’s how to verify:
- Go to Settings on the phone.
- Tap on Apps & Notifications.
- Select the Phone app.
- Choose Notifications and make sure they’re turned on.
If Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is activated, the call notification might not appear. Disable DND by:
- Swiping down from the top to access the quick settings.
- Tapping the DND icon if it’s highlighted.
Check App Permissions
App permissions play a key role, particularly special app access. The Phone app needs permission to display over other apps to show calls. To check:
- Access Settings and select Apps & Notifications.
- Choose Advanced and then Special app access.
- Tap on Display over other apps.
- Ensure the Phone app is allowed to display over others.
Screen and Display Troubleshooting
The phone’s screen may not wake up for an incoming call due to a glitch or display settings issue. Investigate with these steps:
- Confirm that the screen is set to wake up for notifications in the display settings.
- If the screen is not functioning properly, consider restarting the phone as it can often resolve minor software issues.