To fix a ZTE phone ringtone that plays only once, check for enabled features like Do Not Disturb or Call Forwarding, verify the ringtone file format, and ensure the sound settings are correctly configured.
Common settings issues and fixes
Do Not Disturb (DND) or Silent Mode: These modes often send calls straight to voicemail after a single ring.
Fix: Go to Settings > Sound & vibration (or Notifications > Do not disturb) and ensure DND is toggled off and the phone is not set to Silent or Vibrate-only mode. Also, check for any active schedules that might automatically enable DND.
Call Forwarding or Barring: Misconfigured call forwarding can redirect calls after one ring.
Fix: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots (menu) and select Settings. Navigate to Supplementary services or More settings, check Call forwarding and Call barring options, and disable any active forwarding or blocking of all incoming calls.
Volume Levels: The ringtone volume might be too low, making it seem like it only rings once.
Fix: Go to Settings > Sound > Volumes (or Sound & vibration > Volume) and adjust the Ringtone volume to an audible level.
Accidental Silencing: You might be inadvertently pressing the side volume buttons or covering the speaker when a call comes in, which can silence the ringer.
Fix: Be mindful of how you handle the phone during incoming calls and ensure the speaker area is clean and unobstructed.
Bluetooth Interference: Your phone might be connected to a Bluetooth device (like headphones or a car system) and sending the call audio there.
Fix: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings and turn off Bluetooth.
Ringtone file specific issues
If you are using a custom ringtone that only plays once, the issue might be with the file itself or its location.
File Format/Location:
Fix: Verify the ringtone file (e.g., an MP3 song) has not been deleted or moved from its original path (especially if it was on an external SD card). Re-select the file from its current, stable location in Settings > Sound > Phone ringtone.
Looping Metadata (Advanced): Some custom audio files may not contain the proper metadata to loop automatically.
Fix: Use an audio editor on a computer to add an "ANDROID_LOOP" field with a value of "true" to the file's metadata, and save it as an OGG Vorbis file (*.ogg), which is guaranteed to not have silence removed from the end of the file.
General troubleshooting
Restart the Phone: A simple restart can often clear temporary software glitches.
Update Software: Outdated software can cause unexpected behavior in phone settings.
Factory Reset: If all else fails, backing up your data and performing a factory reset can resolve deep software problems.