
Almost everyone texts these days, so if a guy wants to call instead of text you’re right to wonder what this means.
Is this a sign that the guy is interested in you?
Or, does it mean that he’s checking up on you and trying to avoid texting for some reason?
The truth is, there could be a number of reasons why he prefers to call; some positive, and some might be red flags.
Here is a list of reasons why some guys prefer to call than text, how you can tell what their reason is, and what you should do about it:
10 Reasons Why a Guy Wants to Call Instead of Text
1. He Finds It a More Intimate Way of Connecting
Whether you’re in a relationship with the guy calling or not, one reason guys like to call is that they find it a more intimate way of connecting.
This is definitely a good sign if you’re interested in the guy!
If you’re not interested in him, you might want to set some boundaries on calling you and kick him back into a texting relationship.
Related – Here’s why you shouldn’t talk on the phone for hours with a girl!
2. He Loves Hearing Your Voice
Another sweet reason why a guy might want to call you instead of text is that he loves hearing your voice.
This could be a sign that he’s interested in you and wants to get to know you better.
If this is the case, you should definitely return his calls if you like him, too!
On the other hand, if you’re not interested in him, it’s a good idea to put a stop to the calls and keep him at a text-distance.
3. He Doesn’t Like Waiting for Text Replies
Another reason why some guys might want to call instead of text is that they’re impatient and don’t like waiting for text replies.
This could be a red flag that he’s needy and clingy, which are not qualities you want in a partner.
If this is the case, it’s best to nip the calls in the bud and stick to texting or at least make it clear that you can’t be available whenever he wants to talk.
4. He’s Not Tech-Savvy and Finds Texting Difficult
Dare I say that some older guys might want to call instead of text because they’re not very tech-savvy and find texting difficult.
This isn’t a reason to write him off completely, of course, it’s not a crime to be bad at texting!
But it’s something to keep in mind going forward when you think about how the two of you want to communicate.
5. He Wants to Check on What You’re Doing
Another reason to call is that the guy calling what’s to check-in and get a better idea of what you’re doing.
This is a red flag for controlling behavior and is definitely not something you want in a partner.
If you think a guy is calling to check up on you, you shouldn’t answer. Or at the least tell him it’s not acceptable behavior.
6. He Wants to Hear Your Reaction to Something He Has to Say
Some guys might want to call instead of text because they want to hear your reaction to something they have to say.
This could be a good or bad thing, depending on what it is he has to tell you!
If it’s something positive, like he got a promotion at work or he just won the lottery (image that!), then you can’t replicate that kind of excitement in a text!
7. He Thinks You Prefer Talking on the Phone
It might actually be the case that the guy thinks you prefer talking on the phone, he might actually prefer to text!
This could just be a misunderstanding that can easily be cleared up.
Just let him know that you’re happy to talk on the phone sometimes, but you also like texting. Whatever you prefer, make sure you communicate that clearly to him.
Related – Here is how guys text and call their crush.
8. He Doesn’t Want a Record of Your Texts on His Phone
Another potential reason why some guys prefer to call instead of text is that they don’t want a record of your texts on their phone.
This could be due to an innocent reason, although I can’t really think of why he wouldn’t want you to text him.
It’s more likely a red flag that he’s up to something though if I’m honest. Maybe he’s in a relationship, using someone else’s phone, it could be a number of things.
9. He’s Feeling Lonely
A more touching reason why a guy might want to call instead of text is that he’s feeling lonely and wants some company.
This is definitely a sweet gesture and if you’re interested in him, you should definitely return his calls!
There is no question that talking to someone is a much more personal way to connect than texting, especially if you’re slow to reply to text messages.
10. It’s Just how He Prefers to Communicate with Everyone
Some guys just prefer to communicate via phone calls. There isn’t a reason per se, it’s just how they prefer to communicate.
If this is the case, you should try to be understanding and accommodating if you can as it’ll make their life easier.
But if it’s not convenient for you and you’d prefer to text, you should also make that very clear to him so you can at least meet somewhere in the middle.
Is Calling Better than Texting when Dating?
When dating, most couples do a combination of calling and texting depending on the nature of what they want to say or talk about.
A lot of communication issues stem from not knowing someone well and understanding the most appropriate way to contact them.
You’d hope those issues were not as present when you’re in a relationship, it’s more so when the relationship is new and you’re getting to know someone.
However, to answer the questions, in the early stages of a relationship I think most couples prefer to talk more as they’re still learning more about each other.
Texting is often a lazier way to text and can even fall into the bad habit category over time.
So, if you’ve been with someone for a long time and notice you rarely talk on the phone anymore, why not give them a call and surprise them!
Does It Mean a Guy Likes You When He Calls Instead of Texting?
There is no certain answer to this question, it could mean he likes you or it could mean any number of things.
If you don’t know the guy very well – and especially if you have a hunch he likes you – I think calling shows that he wants to hear your voice and connect with you on a more personal level.
But at the end of the day, it’s best to just ask him why he prefers to call instead of text and see what he says!
Related – Here is why it’s cute when a guy uses your name in a text.
Is Calling Instead of Texting Coming on Too Strong?
Some people might say that calling instead of texting is coming on too strong, but I don’t think so.
I think it just shows that the guy is interested in you and wants to talk to you.
If you’re not interested in him, then you can just let him know and he’ll hopefully get the message.
Obviously, there is a line where a guy can call too often or not listen when you’re telling him that you don’t want to keep talking on the phone.
As long as he respects your boundaries, it’s sweet that he wants to talk to you, especially in this age of frantic texting!
What to Say to A Guy if You Prefer Texts and Not Calls
If you’re interested in a guy but prefer to text while he prefers to call, you need to let him know and see if he’s open to changing or meeting in the middle.
You could say something like, “I’m really flattered that you want to call me, but I’m just not a big phone person. Would you mind if we texted instead?”
If he’s interested in you, he’ll be more than happy to switch to texting or at least meet in the middle and call every once in a while.
The bottom line is that you should communicate with each other and see what the other person is comfortable with.
If you can’t get on the same page over something as simple as this for some reason, it’s not a good sign for the future if you’re interested in each other romantically!
Image credits – Photo by Chase Chappell on Unsplash

Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.