Alcatel has earned a reputation for making affordable and reliable flip phones that serve as a great emergency backup option or for those looking for simple calling and texting. However, like any phone, Alcatel flip phones can still experience technical issues from time to time.
When your Alcatel flip phone starts having problems, it can be annoying trying to figure out how to get it working again.
The good news is, many common Alcatel flip phone problems have quick troubleshooting solutions. Before you decide to replace your device or call customer support, try applying some of these troubleshooting fixes. They require no tools or technical knowledge and could have you back up calling or texting on your Alcatel phone.
Some typical issues covered include what to do for a frozen screen, battery problems like rapid draining or turning off, keypad malfunctions, inability to make calls, and more.
Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems with Alcatel flip phones:
Frozen Screen
If your Alcatel flip phone screen freezes, the first step is trying to restart the phone. Hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until the phone restarts. This will force any frozen apps to close and reboot the system.
If that doesn’t work, try removing the battery for 60 seconds, then reinserting it to force a hard reboot. Make sure to only use original Alcatel batteries as low quality batteries can cause freezing issues.
Battery Issues
If your battery is draining very fast or the phone keeps turning off, the battery may need to be replaced. Alcatel flip phone batteries lose capacity over time and should be swapped out every 12-18 months. Only use OEM Alcatel batteries for the best performance and to avoid damage.
You can also try a battery calibration – charge the phone to 100% while turned off, then drain it completely by leaving it on until shutdown. Then fully recharge. This can re-sync the battery meter.
Read also: Alcatel Flip Phone Won’t Turn On
Keypad Not Working
Make sure the phone is not just locked. Press and hold the * key to unlock the keypad. If still not responding, try restarting the phone using the power button method above.
Examine the keypad for any dirt, dust or stuck keys as well which could be preventing contacts from closing properly when buttons are pressed.
Use compressed air to try and dislodge anything stuck. As a last resort, the keypad flex cable could need replacement if buttons stop working entirely.
Calling Issues
If you can’t place or receive calls, first check if cellular signal bars are being displayed. If not, try restarting the phone and moving to a location with better signal.
Check if call barring or call forwarding is enabled in your settings if calls won’t go through. For persistent calling problems, contact your service provider to make sure your SIM and account are active.
Doing these basic troubleshooting tips should get your Alcatel flip phone working again. If problems continue even after hard reboots and factory resets, contact an Alcatel technician for additional support.