Skip to main content

My Bell Home phone is not working

Let us do the troubleshooting. Our Virtual repair tool will detect and fix most issues or help you book a technician visit, if necessary.

Run Virtual Repair

Or, you can use the following tips to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

  • Ensure that all phones are properly hung up.
  • If you are using a cordless phone, make sure the battery is working and charged.
  • Confirm that other devices connected to your phone line are plugged in correctly (e.g., answering machine, fax, computer modem, alarm system).
  • Ensure the volume on your phone is turned up.
  • If your phone requires power, ensure that it is connected to a power outlet.
  • If using a cordless phone, try changing the channel / frequency (you may need to consult your phone user guide).
  • Ensure that there is no physical damage to the visible phone lines inside your home.
  • If your Bell services are powered by fibre technology, try these additional steps :
    • Ensure the modem has power.
    • Check Internet modem for any messages or lights (red, yellow) indicating there is a problem with your Internet connection.
    • If that's the case, troubleshoot Internet.

If there is no dial tone on your phone line and you hear either static or nothing at all, try the following:

  1. Unplug all your phones and devices from every phone jack on your line (phones, answering machines, fax machines, modems, splitters, etc).
  2. Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug in a basic corded phone.
  3. Listen for a dial tone. If you hear a dial tone, plug in another device and then listen again. If you still hear a dial tone, continue plugging in the rest of your devices, checking for dial tone after each one.
  4. If you don't hear a dial tone after plugging in a device, unplug it. It may be causing the problem and you should have it checked.

If the steps above were not successful, contact us.

If you hear noises such as static, clicking or radio interference on your phone line, try the following:

  1. Unplug all your phones and devices from every phone jack on your line (phones, answering machines, fax machines, modems, splitters, etc).
  2. Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug in a basic corded phone.
  3. Listen for noise on your phone line. If the line sounds clear, plug in another device and then listen again. If the line remains clear, continue plugging in the rest of your devices, checking for noise after each one.
  4. If using a cordless phone, move the receiver closer to the base.

If the steps above were not successful, contact us

If your phone doesn't ring when people call you, even though the caller hears ringing, try the following:

  1. Ensure the ringer volume on your phone is turned up.
  2. Unplug all your phones and devices from every phone jack on your line (phones, answering machines, fax machines, modems, splitters, etc).
  3. Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug in a basic corded phone.
  4. Use your mobile phone to call your home phone or have someone else call. If your phone rings, plug in another device and then try calling again. If your phone rings, continue plugging in the rest of your devices, checking if the phone rings after each one.
  5. If your phone does not ring after plugging in a device, unplug it. It may be causing the problem and you should have it checked.