The situation is familiar to many: the phone vibrates or emits an incoming call melody, but the screen remains black. You try to accept the call blindly by clicking on the supposed location of the Answer button, but to no avail. The problem can appear sporadically or become permanent, and its causes vary from a banal glitch in the firmware to a serious breakdown of hardware components.

In this article we will look at why the screen of a smartphone does not turn on when there is an incoming call - from software errors to physical damage to the display. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when to contact a service center. We will pay special attention all possible reasonswhy the screen Android- the smartphone does not turn on when there is an incoming call - from software errors to physical damage to the display. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when to contact a service center. We will pay special attention models with AMOLED screens (Samsung Galaxy S/A-series, Google Pixel, OnePlus), which more often suffer from specific malfunctions associated with the backlight.

Important: if the screen does not respond only for calls, but works normally in other scenarios (watching videos, instant messengers, games), the problem most likely lies in the system settings or application conflict. If the display does not turn on in general is a sign of a hardware failure, and you cannot do without repairs.

Before you start diagnosing, answer two key questions:

  1. Screen completely black (no backlight, you can’t even see the time/notifications) or just does not light up when calling, but displays other information?
  2. The problem appears only with a specific subscriber or with all incoming calls?

The answers will help narrow down the range of possible reasons. For example, if the screen does not respond only to calls from one contact, the settings Black list or individual call parameters for this subscriber may be to blame.

1. Software failures: settings and application conflicts

In 60% of cases, the problem lies not in the hardware, but in the software. Android is a complex system where an error in one application can affect the operation of other components. Let's look at the most common software reasons why the screen does not turn on when there is an incoming call.

Crashes in the “Phone” application. The standard calling application (com.android.dialer or com.google.android.dialer depending on the firmware) may freeze due to cache or data corruption. This is especially true after system updates or installation of third-party launchers.

Conflict with blocking applications calls. Utilities like Truecaller, Call Blocker or the operator's built-in functions (for example, "Spam Protection" at MTS or Beeline) sometimes block not only spam, but also legitimate calls, while the screen may remain off.

Errors in energy saving settings. Aggressive battery saving modes (e.g. Ultra Power Saving Mode on Samsung or Battery Saver on Xiaomi) can limit the display during calls to reduce energy consumption.

To exclude software reasons, follow these steps:

  • 📱 Clear the cache and data of the Phone application:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
    2. Find Phone (or Dialer).
    3. Click Storage → Clear cache and Clear data.
    ⚠️ Attention: After clearing the data, call settings may be reset (for example, speed dialing or history).
  • 🔄 Disable third-party call blockers: temporarily remove or deactivate spam filtering applications (for example, Truecaller, Hiya).
  • ⚡ Check the energy saving settings: disable modes Adaptive battery, Application optimization or Deep sleep for the "Phone" application.
  • 🔍 Start the phone in safe mode: if calls work fine in it - one of the installed applications is to blame. Read more about safe mode below.

    • Clear the cache of the "Phone" application|Disable call blockers|Check power saving settings|Start the phone in safe mode|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

    2. Safe mode: how to identify the culprit application

    If the screen does not turn on during a call due to a conflict with third-party software, safe mode this mode will help to confirm this. Android loads only with pre-installed system applications, and all user apps are disabled.

    To enter safe mode:

    1. Hold the button Power until the menu appears turn off.
    2. Hold your finger on the option Turn off power (or Turn off) until a request to enter safe mode appears.
    3. Confirm the action and wait until the reboot.

    In safe mode, the inscription Safe mode (or similar in Russian) will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Now call the phone from another device:

    • If the screen turns on the problem is in one of the installed applications.
    • If the screen does not turn on the reason lies in the system settings or hardware parts.

    To exit safe mode, simply restart the phone.

    If a third-party application is to blame, find it using the elimination method:

    1. Return to normal mode.
    2. Delete or disable applications that you recently installed or updated (especially those that requested permission to work with calls).
    3. Check the screen operation after removing each suspicious application.

    Truecaller or other blocker|Launcher (Nova, Apex, etc.)|Battery saving application|Social network (WhatsApp, Telegram)|I don’t know, I didn’t install anything new-->

    3. Call settings: checking individual settings

    Sometimes the screen does not turn on during a call due to Incorrect settings for specific contacts or types of calls. For example, on Samsung there is a function Always display on the lock screen, which may become confusing after updates. Let's look at the key parameters that are worth checking.

    Phone application settings:

    • 🔈 Sound and vibration: Make sure that call sound or vibration is not turned off. Sometimes the screen does not light up if the phone is in mode Do not disturb with exceptions.
    • 📞 Display incoming calls: on some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) there is an option Show on lock screen —it must be enabled.
    • 👤 Individual settings for contacts: open the contact that is calling you and check if a special mode is set for him (for example, Vibration only or No sound).

    System settings:

    • 🔒 Lock screen: if is used PIN code, Pattern key or Fingerprint is not activated finger, make sure that the option Hide notifications on the lock screen.
    • 🌙 Dark theme or adaptive backlight: On some devices (for example, Google Pixel), adaptive backlight may conflict with the display of an incoming call. Try disabling it in Settings → Display.

    On Samsung Galaxy (especially on One UI 5.0+) there is a hidden setting that can affect the display of calls:

    1. Open Settings → Lock screen.
    2. Go to Notification settings.
    3. Make sure the option Show incoming calls is turned on.

    If you use dual SIM cards, check the settings for each of them separately. For example, on Xiaomi you can configure different screen behavior for SIM 1 and SIM 2.

    How to reset the settings of the "Phone" application to factory settings?

    If clearing the cache did not help, You can reset the Phone application settings without deleting data:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Advanced.
    2. Select Reset settings (or Restore default settings).
    3. Confirm the action.

    This method saves call history, but resets all user settings (for example, speed dial settings).

    4. cable, sensors

    If software methods do not help, the problem most likely lies in hardwareLet's consider the most common faults due to which the screen does not turn on when there is an incoming call, but works in other cases.

    Damage to the display cable. The cable connects the screen to the motherboard and transmits signals about touches, backlight and sensors. If it is damaged (for example, after falling or disassembling the phone), the screen may not respond to incoming calls, but work in other modes. Characteristic sign: screen flickers when you press the body or bend the phone.

    Proximity sensor malfunction. This sensor turns off the screen when you bring the phone to your ear during a call. If it is broken or dirty, the phone may “think” that you are already talking and not turn on the display when there is an incoming call. Samsung and Xiaomi the sensor often fails after moisture gets in.

    Problems with backlighting (AMOLED screens). On smartphones with AMOLEDdisplays (Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 7, OnePlus 10 Pro), a defect is often encountered when the backlight turns off when the battery is low or overheated. As a result, the screen appears to be off, although in fact it simply is not backlit.

    Faulty vibration motor or speaker. If the phone does not vibrate or make a sound when calling, but the screen does not turn on, the problem may be in the power circuit of these components. On some models (Redmi Note series), the vibration motor and the screen backlight are connected to the same controller - if it burns out, both stop working.

    For To diagnose hardware problems, follow these steps:

    • 🔦 Check the proximity sensor: call your phone and place your hand at the top of the screen (where the sensor is located). If the screen goes blank, the sensor is working. If not, it may be faulty.
    • 💡 Check the backlight: in a dark room, shine a flashlight on the screen during an incoming call. If you see a weak image (time, subscriber name), there is a problem in the backlight.
    • 🔧 Check the cable: gently press the phone body in the area between the screen and the back cover. If the screen starts to flicker, the cable is damaged.

    If you suspect a hardware malfunction, but are not sure of its cause, contact a service center. Self-repair (for example, replacing a cable) can lead to even more serious damage.

    💡

    On Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22 a defect is often encountered when the screen does not turn on when making a call due to oxidation of the cable contacts. If the phone has been dropped or gotten wet, do not try to disassemble it yourself - contact specialists with ultrasonic cleaning equipment.

    5. Resetting settings and flashing: extreme measures

    If none of the previous methods helped, two radical solutions remain: Factory reset or Flashing the phone. These methods should only be used if you are sure that the problem is not hardware.

    Factory reset Deletes all user data, but returns the phone to its original state. This helps if the problem is caused by:

    • Corruption of system files.
    • Conflict after update Android.
    • Incorrect settings that cannot be reset otherwise.

    To perform a reset:

    1. Make a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
    2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
    3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
    4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete.

    Flashing the phone is a more complex procedure that requires downloading the official firmware for your model and using utilities like Odin (for Samsung), Fastboot (for Google Pixel, Xiaomi) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTekdevices).

    Flashing will help if:

    • The phone is infected with a virus that is blocking the screen.
    • Update failed Android.
    • System files are damaged due to incorrect rooting.

    Instructions for firmware vary greatly depending on the model. For example, for Samsung Galaxy you will need:

    1. Download the firmware from the site samfw.com or sammobile.com.
    2. Install drivers Samsung USB Drivers and utility Odin.
    3. Start the phone in Download Mode (hold Volume down + Power + Bixby).
    4. Connect the phone to the PC and flash files via Odin.
    ⚠️ Attention: incorrect firmware can turn the phone into a “brick”. If you are not confident in your skills, contact the service center. Also keep in mind that the firmware will reset all data on the phone.
    💡

    Resetting settings and flashing are extreme measures. Before using them, make sure that the problem is not hardware, and make a backup copy of all data.

    6. Special cases: specific models and firmware

    Some models of Androidsmartphones suffer from unique problems associated with the screen during incoming calls. Let's consider the most common cases.

    Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22 and Note series

    • 🔋 Problem with Adaptive. battery: Adaptive battery POCO series: the One UI 4.0+ function aggressively optimizes the screen, which can lead to it turning off during calls Solution: disable Adaptive battery in the settings.
    • 🌡️CPU overheating Exynos: When the temperature is high, the system forcibly turns off the screen backlight. Check the temperature via the app AIDA64.

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/9/10 and POCO series

    • 🔄 Bug with Double SIM cards: if one of the SIM cards is inactive, the screen may not turn on when calling the second one. Solution: reboot the phone or turn off the unused SIM.
    • 📱 Conflict with MIUI Launcher: update the launcher to the latest version or install a third-party one (for example, Nova Launcher).

    Google Pixel 4/5/6/7

    • 🔍 Problem with Ambient Display: The “Raise to Wake” function may conflict with the display of incoming calls. Solution: disable Ambient Display in the screen settings.
    • 🔊 Bug with Call Screen: The auto-answer feature for spam calls sometimes locks the screen. Disable it in the settings of the “Phone” application.

    Devices on MediaTek processors (Realme, Oppo, Tecno)

    • 🔋 Power controller error: on some models (Realme 7/8, Oppo Reno5), the controller incorrectly distributes energy between the screen and the communication module. Solution: roll back to an older firmware version.

    If your model is not on this list, check the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers) for known bugs with the screen during calls. Manufacturers often release patches in the following updates.

    Phone model Typical problem Solution
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra The screen does not turn on when making a call through Wi-Fi Calling Disable Wi-Fi Calling or update the firmware
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro The screen goes blank 1 second after the call starts Clear the application cache Phone and disable Adaptive brightness
    Google Pixel 6 The screen does not respond to calls in mode Extreme Battery Saver Disable economy mode or add the application Phone to exceptions
    Realme 8 Pro The screen flickers when there is an incoming call Update the firmware or roll back to the previous version
    OnePlus 9 Pro The screen does not turn on when making a call via VoLTE Disable VoLTE in the SIM card settings

    7. When to contact the service center

    If you have tried all the methods in this article, but the screen still does not turn on when there is an incoming call, it is time to contact a specialist. Here are the signs that the problem definitely hardware and requires professional repair:

    Symptoms of serious malfunctions:

    • 💥 Screen completely black even when connected to charging (no logo when turned on).
    • 🔌 Phone not detected by the computer when connected via USB.
    • 🔥 artifacts (stripes, flickering, dead pixels) appear on the screen not only during calls.
    • 💧 The phone fell into water or has been subjected to strong mechanical influences.
    • 🔋 Battery swollen or the phone turns off when the charge level is above 20%.

    What can be done in the service center center:

    • 🛠️ Replace display cable or the screen itself (if the matrix or backlight is damaged).
    • 🔧 Resolder power controller or display control chip.
    • 💧 Pass ultrasonic cleaning boards after hitting moisture.
    • 🔋 Replace the battery if it is swollen or does not hold a charge.

    The cost of repairs depends on the phone model and the type of fault. For example:

    • Replacement of a cable for Samsung Galaxy A52 —from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
    • Replacement of a screen for iPhone 13 (despite the fact that this is not Androidprices for comparison) - from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles.
    • Repair of the power controller for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 - from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles.

    Before visiting the service center:

    1. Make a backup copy of your data (if the phone still turns on).
    2. Check whether the center provides a guarantee for repairs.
    3. Check reviews about the workshop (for example, on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS).
    ⚠️ Attention: If the phone is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty. Contact the manufacturer's authorized service center.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem with the screen during calls

    The screen does not turn on when making a call, but works when messages. What's the matter?

    Most likely the problem is in the application settings Phone or a conflict with the call blocker. Try:

    1. Clear cache and application data Phone.
    2. Disable spam blocking applications (Truecaller, Hiya).
    3. Check your settings Do not disturb —calls may be blocked but messages are not available.
    After falling, the phone rings, but the screen does not turn on. What should I do?

    This is a classic symptom damage. cable or detachment of display contactsIt is not recommended to repair it yourself - contact the service center. If the screen sometimes flickers when you press the case, this confirms a problem with the cable.

    Temporary solution: answer calls using headphones (if connected) or voice commands (for example, OK Google, answer the call).

    On Samsung Galaxy A53 The screen does not turn on when making a call via Bluetooth. Why?

    This is a known firmware bug. One UI 5.0/5.1Solutions:

    • Update your phone to the latest software version.
    • Disable Wi-Fi Calling in the SIM card settings.
    • Reset the network settings (Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings).
    The screen turns on, but immediately turns off when making a call. How to fix it?

    Reason - faulty proximity sensor or a failure in its settings. Try:

    1. Disable the proximity sensor through the engineering menu (code ##4636##, then Equipment testing → Sensors).
    2. Clean the sensor area (upper part of the screen) from dirt and film.
    3. If the sensor is broken, replace it at the service center.
    Is it possible to replace the screen cable yourself if the phone does not turn on when you make a call?

    Theoretically, yes, but:

    • For Samsung i Google Pixel you will need special glue and tools to peel off the screen.
    • On Xiaomi i Realme the cable often comes assembled with a frame, which complicates replacement.
    • Errors during replacement can lead to damage to the matrix or motherboard.

    If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust the repair to professionals.