If your Lumia 950 restarts unexpectedly during calls, it can be frustrating and disrupt your communication. This issue may happen due to software glitches, outdated updates, or hardware conflicts. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix this problem.
This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to stop your Lumia 950 from restarting during calls while using Windows 11. Whether you’re a beginner or have some tech knowledge, these instructions are clear and straightforward.
By following these solutions, you can improve your phone’s stability and enjoy smooth calling without interruptions. Let’s start by checking a few quick things before diving into the fixes.
Remember, patience during troubleshooting is key, and trying the simplest steps first often resolves the issue.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check Battery Health: A failing battery can cause unexpected restarts. Ensure your battery is in good condition or properly charged.
- Close Background Apps: Running many apps simultaneously can overload your phone during calls. Close any unnecessary apps before making a call.
- Verify Storage Space: Low storage can cause performance issues. Make sure your Lumia 950 has enough free space (at least 1 GB recommended).
- Stable Network Signal: Poor or fluctuating mobile network signals can sometimes trigger restarts. Try calling from a location with strong signal reception.
Step 1: Restart Your Lumia 950
Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches that cause restarts during calls. To restart your phone:
- Press and hold the Power button until the phone vibrates and the screen turns off.
- Release the button and wait for about 30 seconds.
- Press the Power button again to turn the phone back on.
This refreshes the phone’s memory and closes background processes, which might be causing conflicts during calls.
Step 2: Update Windows 11 and Phone Firmware
Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Ensuring your Lumia 950 and connected Windows 11 PC are up to date can resolve many issues.
- Update Windows 11:
- Click the Start button, then select Settings (gear icon).
- Navigate to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, download and install them, then restart your PC if prompted.
- Update Lumia 950 Firmware:
- On your Lumia 950, go to Settings > Update & Security > Phone update.
- Tap Check for updates.
- If an update appears, download and install it. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery.
These updates fix bugs that might be causing instability during calls.
Step 3: Disable Background Apps That May Interfere
Some apps running in the background might conflict with the phone’s calling functions, causing restarts. To disable unnecessary background apps:
- Open Settings on your Lumia 950.
- Go to Privacy > Background apps.
- Review the list and toggle off apps that you do not need running during calls.
Disabling these apps frees system resources and reduces the chance of software conflicts.
Step 4: Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset can fix minor software issues without deleting your data. It’s like rebooting your phone’s system more deeply.
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons for about 10-15 seconds until the phone vibrates and restarts.
- Release the buttons once the phone restarts.
This action clears temporary caches and can resolve issues causing restarts during calls.
Step 5: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If the problem persists after trying all previous steps, a factory reset may be necessary. This deletes all data and settings, so back up your important files first.
- Go to Settings > System > About.
- Scroll down and tap Reset your phone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
- After resetting, set up your phone again and check if the restart issue during calls is resolved.
This step removes any corrupted settings or apps that might be causing the problem.
Alternative Methods and Advanced Options
If you are comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, consider the following options:
- Check Event Logs on Windows 11: Use the Event Viewer to analyze any errors related to your phone connection or calling apps.
- Use Windows Phone Recovery Tool: This official tool can reinstall the Lumia 950 firmware and fix software problems.
- Test with a Different SIM Card: Sometimes, the SIM card may cause network-related restarts. Try using another SIM to check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my Lumia 950 restart only during calls?
This usually happens due to software conflicts, outdated firmware, or battery issues that strain the phone when the calling function is active.
Will updating my phone erase my data?
No, updating your phone’s firmware or Windows 11 does not erase your data. However, a factory reset will delete all content.
Is the factory reset reversible?
Factory reset is irreversible. Always back up your important data before proceeding.
Can a bad SIM card cause restarts?
Yes, a faulty or damaged SIM card may cause network issues leading to restarts during calls.
Do hardware problems cause this issue?
Sometimes, yes. Problems with the battery or internal hardware components can cause unexpected restarts.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above solutions solve the restarting issue, consider these final steps:
- Contact Microsoft Support: Reach out to official Lumia or Microsoft support for professional assistance.
- Visit a Service Center: A certified technician can diagnose and repair hardware problems.
- Consider Replacement: If the device is old or severely damaged, replacing it might be more practical.
- Use Windows Phone Recovery Tool: Download from Microsoft’s official site for firmware reinstallation:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12379/windows-10-mobile-device-recovery-tool-faq.
Conclusion
Unexpected restarts during calls on your Lumia 950 can be resolved by following simple and effective troubleshooting steps. Starting with basic restarts and updates often fixes the issue. Disabling background apps and performing a soft reset can also improve stability.
If necessary, a factory reset or professional help may be required. Always back up your data before advanced steps. By maintaining your phone’s software and hardware health, you can enjoy uninterrupted calling experiences on your Lumia 950 with Windows 11.