iPhone 5 Dropping Calls

[gvill]

I've been with Verizon for roughly 13 years now.  Through numerous phones, I've always had great service - reliable, good signal, MAYBE 2 dropped calls in all those years.  I recently exchanged my old flip phone for an iPhone 5.  For the most part, I'm greatly enjoying the phone.  Except . . . it's dropping calls like crazy.  In fact, a couple of days ago, it dropped 9 times in a single phone conversation (I was ready to just drive to my friend's house rather than continue.)  I haven't had any issues with internet, e-mail or anything else, just phone calls.  However, considering this is a phone, that's a HUGE issue and extremely frustrating.

When the call drops, I can call the person back right away, but again - frustrating!
Any suggestions (aside from switching back to a more traditional phone?  Which I am about ready to do.)

[vzw_customer_support]

Dr_Porcupine, there's no question! We're commited to ensuring that you have a working device. In fact, this is why we provide the one year manufacturer warranty. If we're unable to resolve your issues after troubleshooting, we can provide you with a warranty replacement device. Please be advised that this replacement option does not cover physical or liquid damage. Keep us posted. We're standing by to further assist you.

LasinaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[Dr_Porcupine]

LasinaH,

I appreciate the reply, but clearly you haven’t read the posts I’ve made, which drives my earlier point home. Just because Verizon makes you say that you care, this simply doesn’t mean you actually do care, or actually have the authority do anything about this problem if you do care.

I stated previously that I am on my SECOND iPhone 5s that is having this problem, the first of which was replaced by Apple under THEIR warranty (let’s be clear that Verizon does not offer a 1 year warranty on these phones, Apple does). Whomever designs the firmware that controls communications between the phone and the network is likely the one to blame here because it appears the issue is primarily related to how the iPhone 5s is able to manage connection between LTE and 3G in areas where LTE gets weak. Based on all of the reading I have done on this topic and my own experiences, this seems to be the issue. I’ve read several threads in forums and articles on the problem on sites like CNET.

Again, here is the problem in my estimation: When you go into an area where LTE service is weak or nonexistent, the phone has difficulty switching to the more reliable 3G signal and this lag is what is causing dropped calls. I am telling Verizon what the problem appears to be and I am waiting for Verizon to actually pay attention to this recommendation and acknowledge it.

[vzw_customer_support]

Dr_Porcupine

We definitely want to make sure you can maintain the signal you need on your device. Have we opened a ticket with our engineers since you received this replacement device? We would need to have them review the area and your line's connection before we can start looking into any replacement options.

RuthW_VZW
Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[Dr_Porcupine]

No, I have not because I presumed there was nothing else that could be done. What do I need to do?

Thank you for the reply and actually paying attention.

[vzw_customer_support]

Dr_Porcupine,

I can definitely help get that ticket filed for you, but to do so I need access to your account. I've requested to follow you. Please approve, follow me back, and then send a Direct Message using these steps http://vz.to/1cOOY6O

SarahO_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[kypata]

I have the same problems inside my home.  It has progressively gotten worse over the past very months.  I have coverage everywhere but home and this is my primary phone so I need to be able to make calls.  I haven't had any issues receiving texts.  My son's iPhone 4s can be right next to mine and have 3 bars and mine will only have 1 bar.

I have been told by the Technical Team that the coverage in my area is weak - wonder what changed as it did not used to be an issue.  Until recently I could talk inside my home.  I think they are trying to sell Network Extenders but I have no intention of purchasing one.  Looks like I need a new carrier - I've been with Verizon for 10 years probably.

[vzw_customer_support]

Thank you for reaching out, kypata. We would be heartbroken to lose you! Is the signal fluctuating in your home or is it consistently weak? Are incoming calls going right to voice mail? Many factors can affect reception in your home that may be beyond our control however I would be happy to continue troubleshooting.

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWsupport

[Sunlover82]

I have been having and my wife also. We both have an iphone 5, mine is the 32gb hers is the 16 gb. I have contacted tech service with no help. We've had verizon for aprox 10 years. We've had service at our home not the best but never had problems with dropped calls or cutting in and out till maybe 6 months ago. Our son has a iPhone 4S with no problems and our daughter has a droid bionic with no problems. We are getting very frustrated, we have few problems anywhere else but at home. We've even had problems Outside at home keep in mind we have had verizon for years without problems but now we can't continue to pay premium prices for substandard service. As for a verizon network extender I'll try one if it's provided by verizon but I will not buy one, it's not like we just moved to a new house we've lived here for 27 years and our phones worked here for years. Our zip code is 24210. I also work at 24202 and I also experience dropped calls there as never before with verizon. Verizon has problems and either not admitting it or they are blind. Just google verizon iphone 5 dropped calls you'll see Lots of people with similar problems.

WE NEED HELP!!!!!

[Sunlover82]

My wife and I have been having the same problems!!!

[vzw_customer_support]

Sunlover82,

Dropped calls are a serious red flag around these parts. So we want to get to the bottom of this. Now, may I ask if these issues are predominantly indoors only that you're referring to? What did tech support advise when you spoke them? For now, please try this out, test, and share results http://vz.to/16ZnIy8 .

EvanO_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[Sunlover82]

Tech support was supposed to start a ticket and I haven't heard anything yet but it's no better. The first person I spoke with used the textbook response may be seasonal changes leaves etc and also Verizon doesn't guarantee service indoors etc. But I've had Verizon well over 10 years and It's been working all this time till the last approximately 6 months. Another person suggested turning off LTE But it did NOT help either, the last person was supposed to have someone check the area. I just reset all the network settings as you suggested.

We have problems inside and outside both.

I'm about through with this it's getting very very annoying.

Maybe you can help.

Help me Oboe One your my only hope!

[vzw_customer_support]

Sunlover82, we appreciate your business for the last 10 years. Although wireless service can be challenging indoors, submitting a trouble ticket for your service issue was the right thing to do. Please allow 3-5 business days for a resolution. We will contact you once it's completed. Meanwhile, we thank you for your patience and allowing us the opportunity to assist you.

LasinaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[Sunlover82]

We are having trouble indoors AND outdoors

[rwalker1]

LISTEN, HERE IS THE TRUTH

You can not fix this problem. The problem is the the antenna in the Iphone 5 does not work well with the metals that are in your home. Apple and Verizon will not be any help with this because they know the only way to fix the phone is to not use an Iphone 5, which would kill sales.

I have had this same problem for months. I run a business from my iphone 5 and i get like 10 or more dropped calls a day. Even if you were to switch over to the Iphone 5S you would get the same problem.

My only solution to you would be to get an Android phone, or to try the Iphone 5C which is in what appears to be a hard plastic casing. I just purchased this phone through sprint yesterday and currently testing to see if i have any dropped calls. So far I have had none. If this problem continues to exist, I am going to switch over to Android unfortunately. My wife has A Samsung Galaxy 3 and has no dropped calls with it (verizon), others that come to our home with Android Verizon have no dropped calls. 

It is 100% the Antenna inside the Iphone which is weak when its under a home full of metal. I can be reached at >>removed<<  if you have questions or comments.

>> Personal information removed to comply with the <<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

[vzw_customer_support]

I know its frustrating to run a business and have phone issues RodneyWalkerInc(dot)com . I'm sorry you're having so many problems. We stand behind our network and want you to know you're with the best because we strive to give the best coverage outside your home or building. We are unable to guarantee service inside and different phones my work differently inside depending on the connection to the network. How is service when your outside? If you had service with your iPhone 5 previously and then suddenly started to drop calls, we can do trouble-shooting. For instance, try resetting the network settins periodically http://vz.to/1dtBgcR. We can also look into replacing the device. Have you been through any of the steps above? We no longer have email option as a way to correspond with us but you can correspond here, Twitter, FAcebook, chat or by phone.

KinquanaH_VZW

follow us on twitter @vzwsupport

[talisabush]

I've had MANY dropped calls since switching to the 5s, mostly inside my home.  Signal and service was never an issue for before the 5s, thought I was the only one with these issues. Tried the rebooting/powering down, nothing works, hate the idea of switching to a different phone, but it's looking like this May be my next step.

[vzw_customer_support]

Dropped calls can be very frustrating, Sunlover82. The bizarre part is that it started after the purchase of the 5s. Are you having problems with any other services inside your home? Messages or data? Did you try resetting your Network Settings? Have we completed any troubleshooting? Please provide me with a few more details.

ChaunceyM_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[maryshome8]

I have had the iphone 5 for several months and everything has worked perfectly.  I live in the 37601 zip code.  I woke up this morning and every call I make drops or when I call, there is silence. I have changed NOTHING. This is my only phone, so I have to wait until tomorrow to get it fixed.  It has happened very often when I go to another state (in a large city where Verizon has a huge presence).  I have power cycled it, reset network settings.  You would think that there would be a way to troubleshoot the device online, but there isn't.  I have tried for two hours to search on this website to see if there was a problem with a tower in my area and every time I click on the link, it sends me someplace else.

Internet, wifi, text is fine...it's just the calls.  I have tried them calling me, me calling them, etc..nothing helps.  I cannot even call tech support b/c they rerouted me to another number that I cannot dial.

It would be nice if there was step by step INSTRUCTIONAL help instead of "We are really sorry this is happening to you..please call customer service".  NOBODY likes to go into the Verizon store at Christmas time because you mine as well pack for two days of food and a drink because that is how long you will be there.  99% of the time they can't fix your problem anyway.

[sfme]

I am having the same problem. My iPhone 4s worked perfectly for 2 and a half years and now I'm sorry I upgraded to the 5s.  The 5s worked perfectly for the six weeks I used it  -- until I took a trip. When I came back it dropped calls like mad. Now Verizon wants to sell me a 'booster' that will increase the signal so they say. It doesn't seem logical to me since the signal was perfect for so long. And no one else has reported a problem in my area. Sounds like something is wrong with the phone which I bought from Verizon. Would love to know any resolution to the problem.

[vzw_customer_support]

sfme,

This is definitely out of the ordinary since the signal worked prior to the trip. We would like the opportunity to look into this further for you. If I was in your shoes, i'd be frustrated with repeated dropped calls. Does this primarily happen indoors and what zipcode is your area? Thank you for your patience.

WiltonA_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[mjmitchmitch]

I'm having a similar problem. I've had the iphone 5 for around a year and a half, with no problems. On Monday, 1/27/14, as I was driving through town on my normal route, my call started breaking up and then I got a message that said "call failed". This happened probably 10 times on Monday, and another 10 or so on Tuesday. The one call I tried to make today (Wed), the same thing happened again, so I'm limited to texting at this point.

My zip code is 28056 and this happens when I'm driving around town--in the normal coverage range where I've lived for years. Please help!