Written By: Ali Dirmilli
Few things are more frustrating than when your phone suddenly freezes in the middle of an important call. Whether it’s a work discussion or a chat with family, that moment of silence followed by the call dropping can be infuriating. This issue often appears simple but can stem from multiple complex causes — from corrupted software updates and overheating processors to failing logic boards or faulty storage chips.
At iMobile Denver, we’ve handled hundreds of devices showing the same symptoms — the screen locks up, audio lags, and the phone becomes unresponsive mid-conversation. The good news? In most cases, it can be fixed quickly with professional troubleshooting and the right diagnostic approach.
This guide explains why your phone freezes during calls, how to identify the root cause, and what fixes actually work, whether it’s a temporary glitch or a deeper hardware fault.
Section 1: Understanding Why Your Phone Freezes During Calls
1. Software Overload or Background Process Conflicts
Modern smartphones run dozens of background processes simultaneously — updates, syncs, notifications, and apps running silently. When your processor or RAM becomes overloaded, it can cause a brief freeze during resource-heavy tasks such as calls.
Clearing background apps and restarting your phone may help, but persistent issues often require deeper cleaning, like cache wipes or firmware updates.
If you’re unsure how to do this safely, you can always contact the experts at iMobile Denver for a quick diagnosis.
2. Outdated Operating System or Corrupted Firmware
Many users skip updates, thinking they’re unnecessary. But outdated firmware can cause system instability, freezing, and call drops. In some cases, an interrupted software update may even corrupt the OS, leading to recurring freeze loops.
Updating your device through official channels or performing a factory reset (after backing up data) can fix these glitches. If your system crashes even after updates, professional repair technicians can reinstall the firmware or re-flash the ROM — something best done at an authorized repair shop.
3. Faulty Apps or Incompatible Call Enhancers
Some third-party apps, especially those that modify audio or call behavior, can cause direct interference with system processes. Recording apps, call blockers, or screen filters sometimes conflict with the phone’s dialer service, freezing the interface mid-call.
The solution? Reboot your phone in safe mode to test if the issue persists. If it stops freezing, the culprit is one of your downloaded apps. You can uninstall the latest additions or run a full app diagnostic with help from iMobile Denver’s repair technicians.
4. Storage and Memory Shortages
Low storage or failing flash memory chips can slow down system operations. When your phone tries to access call logs or temporary files and can’t write data properly, it might freeze or crash. Clearing out unused files, moving data to cloud storage, and deleting cache can improve stability.
If none of this helps, the issue could be with the NAND storage chip — a hardware component that might require replacement. Our Denver phone repair specialists can test and repair this with precision.
5. Overheating and Power Management Faults
Frequent call freezes can also be a sign of overheating. During calls, your phone’s processor, modem, and audio circuits work harder, generating more heat. If thermal sensors detect danger levels, the system may throttle or freeze temporarily to protect itself.
Avoid using the phone under direct sunlight or while charging. Persistent heating even during light use could signal internal damage — often fixable through professional hardware inspection at iMobile Denver.
Section 2: Software Fixes You Can Try at Home
1. Restart and Clear Cache
Start simple. Restarting your phone clears temporary memory (RAM) and stops processes that could be causing conflicts.
For Android phones, you can also clear the system cache by entering recovery mode — a quick way to refresh the OS without deleting personal data.
2. Update or Reinstall the OS
Always keep your operating system updated. Manufacturers release patches to fix bugs that cause freezing, call drops, or lag.
If your phone is already up to date and still freezing, a clean reinstall may be required. This process deletes corrupted files and gives your device a fresh start.
Need help reinstalling safely? Schedule a service at iMobile Denver for expert guidance.
3. Run in Safe Mode
Safe mode disables all third-party apps and allows the phone to run with core system services only. This makes it easy to pinpoint if an app is causing the freeze.
If your phone works fine in safe mode, uninstall recent apps one by one until the issue disappears.
4. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a factory reset often resolves deep software conflicts.
Back up your important data, then reset through system settings. After the reset, avoid restoring all apps immediately — test call stability first. If your device still freezes, it’s likely a hardware issue.
Section 3: Hardware Issues That Cause Freezing During Calls
1. Faulty Battery or Power IC
A weak or damaged battery can’t deliver stable voltage during intensive use. When you make calls, the system demands more current for network, mic, and speaker functions. A weak battery may cause voltage dips, triggering freeze or restart cycles.
If your phone battery drains fast or swells, visit iMobile Denver’s Sheridan Blvd store for a quick battery diagnostic.
2. Failing Logic Board or Solder Joint Cracks
Repeated drops or minor impacts can loosen tiny solder joints on the logic board. This can disconnect essential communication circuits and cause momentary freezes during network spikes.
A board-level technician can inspect and repair micro-connections under a microscope. This kind of repair should always be handled by a professional repair shop like iMobile Denver.
3. Damaged Audio or Call IC
The Audio IC (Integrated Circuit) manages microphone, speaker, and sound routing during calls. If this chip is damaged, the phone may freeze whenever the audio system activates.
This is a common issue on older iPhones and certain Samsung Galaxy models. A chip-level repair or replacement usually restores performance.
4. Poor Network Antenna Connection
If your phone loses signal or switches bands frequently, it can stall the modem process and freeze the interface. Antenna flex cables or connectors may need reseating.
Technicians can replace or realign antennas to ensure stable calls without freezing.
Section 4: Preventive Steps to Keep Your Phone Running Smoothly
- Keep software updated: Always install official updates promptly.
- Free up storage regularly: Remove unused apps and photos.
- Avoid overheating: Don’t use your phone while charging or in hot environments.
- Handle gently: Drops and shocks often lead to hidden motherboard damage.
- Use certified chargers only: Poor-quality accessories can cause power fluctuations.
To ensure long-term performance, schedule a periodic phone diagnostic with iMobile Denver’s expert technicians — it’s the simplest way to catch early warning signs before they turn into expensive repairs.
Section 5: When to Seek Professional Repair
If your phone freezes repeatedly during calls even after all troubleshooting steps, it’s time to involve professionals.
At iMobile Denver, our certified team uses advanced diagnostic tools to check:
- Logic board signal flow and solder integrity
- Battery health and voltage regulation
- Modem and audio IC performance
- Memory and storage chip stability
- Firmware corruption or bootloop patterns
You can get an instant quote or visit our Sheridan Blvd repair center for a same-day inspection. Financing options are available through our Apply for Financing page for approved customers.
Conclusion
Phone freezes during calls can start as a minor annoyance but often signal deeper issues inside your device. Ignoring them can lead to total logic board failure, data loss, or complete shutdowns.
By understanding both software and hardware causes, you can act early — performing safe troubleshooting or seeking expert help before it’s too late.
iMobile Denver has years of experience restoring freezing, lagging, and unresponsive devices to full health. Whether it’s an overheating chip, bad app, or storage failure, our team ensures your phone performs like new again.
For questions, repairs, or quotes, contact iMobile Denver today.
FAQs
Q1: Why does my phone freeze only when I make or receive calls?
This usually indicates a software conflict or audio IC problem. Background apps or firmware bugs can interrupt the call process. If it persists, get a professional diagnosis.
Q2: Can overheating cause my phone to freeze during calls?
Yes. Overheating triggers the system’s thermal protection, pausing background functions — which can freeze your device mid-call.
Q3: Is a logic board repair worth it?
If your phone is relatively new, yes. Professional micro-soldering can extend its life significantly compared to buying a new phone.
Q4: Will a factory reset fix freezing during calls?
If the issue is software-related, it often does. But hardware issues require inspection from a certified repair shop like iMobile Denver.
Q5: How long does it take to fix this issue?
Minor software fixes can take under an hour, while board-level repairs may need a few days depending on parts availability.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only. While the troubleshooting steps provided are safe to perform, any advanced repairs involving hardware, soldering, or system reinstallation should be handled by a certified technician. iMobile Denver is not responsible for damage caused by unauthorized repairs.
