Increasing dialing time on Android: from simple settings to deep optimization

Are you faced with a situation where, during an outgoing call, the subscriber does not have time to answer, and the connection is already interrupted? Or do incoming calls drop after 10-15 seconds, preventing you from picking up the phone? The problem of reduced dialing time on Android smartphones is more common than it seems. The reasons lie both in the operator’s settings and in the software limitations of the device itself. In this article we will look at 7 proven methods increasing the waiting time for a response - from basic adjustments to technical tricks that are silent even in service centers.

It is important to understand: the standard dialing time (before the call is dropped) on most networks is 30-45 secondsbut some operators or firmware shorten it to 15-20 seconds. This creates problems when calling on busy lines, in poor coverage conditions, or when using virtual numbers. We will not offer “magic buttons” - only working solutionsconfirmed by tests on devices from Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to budget Redmi Note 12.

1. Checking basic network settings

Start by diagnosing the current mobile communication parameters. Often the problem lies in the automatically selected network mode, which is not optimized for voice calls. For example, priority 4G/VoLTE may conflict with outdated operator stations, reducing dialing time.

Open Settings → Mobile network → Network mode and try the following combinations:

• 📶 3G only - if your operator has poor coverage VoLTE, this mode often gives the most stable call time.
• 🔄 Automatic (2G/3G/4G) - a universal option, but may drop calls when switching between standards.
• ⚡ Only 4G (with VoLTE disabled) —suitable for urban areas with good coverage, but requires manual disabling Calls by 4G in the SIM card settings.

After changing the mode, restart your smartphone and test the dialing time to a number with an answering machine (for example, a bank hotline). If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

2. Changing the call timeout through the engineering menu

On most Android devices, the timeout for waiting for a caller to respond is hard-coded in the system files. However, some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung on firmware up to Android 12) allow you to change this parameter through engineering menu.

Enter in the application Phone combination:

##4636##

Go to the section Phone information and find the item Set preferred network type or Calling settings. There may be a parameter here Call drop timer (call drop timer) - set the value 45-60 seconds (by default, usually 20-30).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ engineering menu is often blocked. An alternative is to use ADB commands (section 5). Also, changes in the engineering menu may be reset after updating the firmware.

If there is no item with a timer, try an alternative code for Mediatek chipsets:

##36446337##

In the menu Engineer Mode → Telephony → Call Settings look for parameters related to T308 or T310 (network wait timers).

3. Configuring modem parameters via USSD commands

Some operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) allow you to manually activate advanced voice communication settings via USSD requests. These commands are not officially documented, but work on most SIM cards:

Operator	USSD command	Effect
MTS	*111*345#	Activates extended response waiting time (up to 60 seconds)
Beeline	*110*769#	Resets dialing settings to factory settings (sometimes increases timeout)
Tele2	*152*1#	Enables priority of voice calls over data
Megafon	*105*8#	Checks the current timeout settings (SMS response required)

After entering the command, wait for an SMS response from the operator. If you receive an error message, it means that the function is not supported for your tariff or region. In this case, try the following method.

4. Optimizing the operation of the SIM card

Problems with dialing are often associated with incorrect initialization of the SIM card the slot. This is especially true for devices with hybrid slots (for example, Samsung Galaxy A54 or Honor 90), where the second SIM may conflict with the main one.

Follow these steps:

• 🔧 Move the SIM card to first slot (if you are using two numbers). Most smartphones prioritize the first slot for voice communication.
• 📱 In the SIM settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks), disable the option Ability to switch or Double call —it may interrupt connection.
• 🔄 Turn on and off Airplane mode for 30 seconds - this will reset the registration on the network.
• 📌 If you use eSIM, check the operator’s profile: go to Settings → Mobile network → eSIM and update the profile (button Update or Download).

For devices with support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) (for example, Google Pixel 7) additionally check the setting Preferred SIM for calls —it should be assigned to one slot.

Remove and reinsert the SIM into the slot|

Clean the SIM card contacts with a dry cloth|

Check the integrity of the chip (for scratches)|

Update the eSIM profile (if used)|

Reboot the phone after changes-->

5. Editing system files via ADB

For advanced users: call time can be increased by editing system parameters via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on most devices with Android 8.0+, but requires unlocked USB debugging.

Connect your smartphone to the PC, activate Developer mode (7 taps on the build number in Settings → About phone) and turn on USB debugging. Then run in the command line:

adb shell settings put global call_drop_timer 60000

This command sets the call timeout in 60 seconds (value in milliseconds). To check the current value, use:

adb shell settings get global call_drop_timer

If the command does not work, try an alternative method by editing the file /system/build.prop (root access required):

ro.telephony.call_ring.delay=5000
ro.telephony.call_waiting.timer=60000

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of warranty or "brick" of the device. Before making changes, create a backup via TWRP or similar tools. On devices with Android 14+ access to build.prop is often blocked even with root.

6. Using third-party applications to manage calls

If software methods do not help, consider specialized utilities. They do not change system files, but work at the interface level, extending the waiting time for a response:

• 📞 Call Timer (Play Market) - allows you to manually set a timeout for outgoing calls (up to 90 seconds). Supports Android 7.0+.
• 🔗 Dual SIM Call Manager - optimizes the operation of two SIM cards, preventing call drops. Relevant for Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo.
• 🛠️ Network Signal Guru - analyzes the quality of communication and automatically switches network modes for stable dialing.

When choosing an application, pay attention to reviews from users of your smartphone model. For example, Call Timer may not work on Samsung One UI 5.0+ due to manufacturer restrictions.

Also check if your antivirus or firewall phone functions are blocked. Applications like Avast or Kaspersky sometimes terminate calls, considering them suspicious activity. Add the application Phone to the exceptions.

7. Hardware reasons: when the smartphone is to blame

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may lie in the hardware:

• 📡 Damaged communication module - if dropped or exposed to moisture, the antenna unit may be unstable. Check to see if the coating grid in the top panel is missing.
• 🔋 Weak battery - when the discharge is below 15%, many smartphones automatically reduce the call time to save energy. Replace the battery if its capacity is below 80% of the nominal value.
• 🛠️ Faulty SIM slot —oxidized contacts or cracks on the board may interrupt the signal. Check operation with another SIM card.

To diagnose hardware problems, use service codes:

#0#

— display and sensor test (indirectly indicates power problems);

*#06#

— IMEI check (if is displayed Null or an error, the communication module is faulty).

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, contact the service center. Independent repair of the antenna unit or replacement of the modem chip without experience can lead to complete failure of the device.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about call time on Android

Is it possible to increase the call time to infinity?

No, the maximum value is limited by the network protocol (usually 90 seconds for GSM and 120 seconds for VoLTE). Exceeding these limits will result in the operator automatically dropping the call.

Why did the dialing time decrease after updating Android?

Manufacturers often tighten timeouts in new firmware to save resources batteries. For example, in Android 13 for Samsung the standard wait time has decreased from 30 to 20 seconds. You can return the previous settings through ADB (section 5).

Does the type of SIM card (nano, eSIM) affect the call time?

No, the type of SIM card does not affect the timeout. However eSIM there may be delays when first connecting to the network (up to 5 seconds), which reduces the effective dialing time. The solution is forced registration on the network via ##4636##.

Can a virus reduce dialing time?

Yes, some malicious apps (for example, Joker or FakeApp) block outgoing calls to impose paid services. Check the device via Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

How to check the real dialing time on your phone?

Call a test number with an answering machine (for example, 112 - do not dial the real call, just start the timer). Record the time from the start of dialing to reset. An alternative is to use an application Call Recorder with a call logging function.