If you’re experiencing an error message on your Android phone that says, “Cannot place a call as there is an unanswered incoming call. Answer or reject the incoming call prior to placing a new call,” you’re not alone. This issue is common on certain Android devices, especially Chinese phones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and others that use the MIUI interface. However, this problem can occur on any Android phone, regardless of the manufacturer.
Temporary Solution: Activate Airplane Mode
While this error can be frustrating, there is a quick, temporary solution that can help you bypass it. You can activate airplane mode on your phone and then immediately deactivate it. This simple action should make the error disappear for a short period. However, the problem may return after some time, which is why a more permanent fix is required.
How to Fix the Issue Permanently
To permanently fix this issue, you need to identify the source of the error, which, in most cases, is related to the “Telephony Services” app on your Android phone. Luckily, since Android is an open-source operating system, it’s relatively easy to find and fix the cause of the problem by searching the source code online. The issue often stems from the phone’s telephony services, so by resetting this application, you can resolve the issue.
Here’s how to do it:
Open Your Phone’s Settings
Start by opening the settings menu on your Android phone.
Navigate to Apps
Scroll down to find the “Apps” section. Depending on your phone’s brand or launcher, this might be labeled differently, but it will always contain a list of all installed apps.
Show System Apps
In some cases, you may need to tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “Show System Apps” to make sure you can see all apps, including system-related ones.
Find the Phone Services App
Look for the “Phone Services” app. On some devices, it might be called “Telephony Services,” but in most cases, it will be listed as “Phone Services.”
Clear Cache and Storage
Once you’ve located the app, tap on it to open its settings. Then, go to the “Storage & Cache” option. First, clear the cache and then clear the storage. Technically, clearing storage also clears the cache, so you can perform both actions if you wish. If your device’s launcher (like MIUI) offers options to delete the cache and everything, it won’t hurt to use both options.
Reboot Your Phone
After clearing the cache and storage, reboot your phone. This step ensures that the changes take effect properly.
Does This Fix the Problem Permanently?
After following these steps, the error should disappear either permanently or for a prolonged period. If the issue returns at some point, you can simply repeat the same process, and it should be gone again.
Conclusion
While the “Cannot place a call as there is an unanswered incoming call” error can be annoying, it’s easy to fix once you know what’s causing it. By resetting the phone services or telephony services app, you can eliminate this issue for good—or at least for a long while. If it returns, just repeat the steps, and you should be good to go!