iPhone 8 / 8 Plus Dropping Calls on US Cellular: How to Fix It Fast

If your iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus keeps dropping calls on US Cellular in 2025, you're definitely not alone. Many users across the Midwest and rural regions where US Cellular operates have reported sudden call failures, network cuts after a few seconds, and weak signal performance — even in areas where coverage used to be stable.

This guide gives you the fastest, most reliable fixes that actually work for US Cellular users. These steps are based on real-world troubleshooting patterns and common issues seen on older iPhones running iOS 16 and iOS 17.

1. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

This forces your iPhone to reconnect to the nearest US Cellular tower.

• Swipe down → toggle Airplane Mode on
• Wait 10 seconds
• Turn it off

Call drops caused by temporary network handoff failures often get fixed instantly.

2. Reset Network Settings (Most Effective Fix)

US Cellular sometimes updates local tower configurations, and older devices like the iPhone 8 may not adapt correctly until the network cache is cleared.

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

Your calls, SMS registration, and carrier configurations all refresh after this step.

3. Update Carrier Settings

US Cellular frequently pushes small patches that improve LTE reliability, VoLTE compatibility, and tower switching behavior.

Settings → General → About

If an update appears, install it.

4. Turn VoLTE On or Off

Some US Cellular regions still have mixed LTE/legacy networks. VoLTE issues are a common reason for dropped calls on older iPhones.

Try toggling:

Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Enable LTE

• Try “Voice & Data” first
• If calls still drop, switch to “Data Only”

5. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card

If your SIM has minor contact issues (common on iPhone 8 frames), you may experience call cuts. Cleaning the SIM gently before reinserting often solves it.

6. Disable Wi-Fi Calling Temporarily

US Cellular Wi-Fi Calling can fail on congested home routers or public Wi-Fi networks.

Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Calling → Off

If calls become stable, the issue is your router — not your phone.

7. Turn Off Low Data Mode

Low Data Mode can interfere with VoLTE stability on legacy models like the iPhone 8.

Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Low Data Mode → Off

8. Check Coverage & Local US Cellular Network Issues

US Cellular still has patchy LTE pockets. Many users experience drops when moving between tower zones — especially in rural Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Maine.

If calls drop only in specific locations, it’s likely a regional network congestion or tower alignment issue.

9. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Each new iOS update includes carrier optimizations and modem firmware improvements.

Settings → General → Software Update

If you're already on the latest iOS version and still see issues, a full backup + restore through iTunes/Finder often refreshes modem behavior.

When to Contact US Cellular

You should reach out to US Cellular if:

• Calls drop only in one specific town or neighborhood
• Your SIM is older than 4 years (they replace them free)
• You recently ported your number and calls fail after 1–2 rings

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 8 series is still functional in 2025, but its older modem sometimes struggles with modern LTE/VoLTE configurations. The steps above fix the most common causes of dropped calls on US Cellular — especially after recent carrier updates that affected older devices.

If the issue continues, it may be time to consider upgrading simply because newer iPhones handle tower switching and VoLTE far better.