If you try to call a phone number that has blocked you on WhatsApp, the call will not go through. Instead, it will fail instantly and you will likely get a message that the call could not be completed. The specific error message may vary depending on your device and service provider.
Why does calling a blocked number on WhatsApp not work?
There are a few reasons why you can’t call a number that has blocked you on WhatsApp:
- WhatsApp blocks all forms of communication with a blocked contact, including calls. So even though regular cellular calls may still work, WhatsApp calls will fail.
- When you are blocked on WhatsApp, you are removed from the contact’s WhatsApp list. Since WhatsApp calls rely on the app’s contact list to connect, the call cannot be placed without that contact link.
- Blocking prevents your WhatsApp status updates from reaching the blocked contact. This removes the underlying connection needed for WhatsApp calls.
- On the technical side, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for calls which relies on a mutual authentication process. Blocking breaks this process, preventing the call.
In summary, by blocking you on WhatsApp, the contact has severed the app-level connection between you that is necessary for WhatsApp calling to work. A regular cellular call may still go through if they haven’t blocked your phone number itself.
What error message do you get trying to call a blocked contact?
When you attempt to call a blocked contact on WhatsApp, you will typically see one of these error messages:
- “Call couldn’t be completed, please try again later.”
- “Sorry, this call can’t be made. Try contacting the recipient by SMS or send them a WhatsApp message instead.”
- “Call failed. Please try again later. [Contact name] may not be reachable at the moment.”
The exact wording can vary across device platforms and WhatsApp versions, but the core message is that the call could not be completed normally to the blocked contact. Some versions may explicitly mention that the recipient is not reachable or that the call cannot be made.
Can the blocked contact see that you tried to call them?
No, a blocked contact has no indication that you tried to call them on WhatsApp. Your call attempt does not show up in their call history or produce any kind of notification for the recipient. For all intents and purposes, it is as if the call never happened from their end.
This is because the call is blocked at the WhatsApp server level before it ever reaches the recipient’s device. So there is no record of the call on their end that could notify them of your attempt to make contact.
Does trying to call notify WhatsApp of the block?
WhatsApp is aware whenever a call fails due to a block, but you will not receive any specific notification that the recipient has blocked you. The non-specific error message about the call failing is the only response.
However, if you try to call a blocked number repeatedly, WhatsApp may limit additional call attempts as abuse prevention. But a single call attempt will not trigger any warning or action against your account.
Can you tell if a number is blocked before calling it?
There is no specific way to check if a number has blocked you prior to attempting a call. Some signs that may indicate you’re blocked include:
- Seeing only one check mark after sending a WhatsApp message instead of two check marks indicating delivered and read.
- Your messages never show “read” even though the contact is actively using WhatsApp.
- Your messages deliver immediately rather than taking some time to send.
- Profile photo, last seen, and online status no longer display for the contact.
However, these signs could also mean the contact has generally restricted their privacy settings. The only foolproof way to confirm a block is attempting to call, which will fail instantly if you are blocked.
What happens if the blocked number calls you?
If you have blocked someone on WhatsApp but they call you, you will not receive the call at all. The call will be rejected automatically by WhatsApp before it has a chance to notify you.
You will see no signs of a call attempt from a blocked number in your call history or notifications. It’s as if they never called as far as your end is concerned. They will get a standard error that the call couldn’t be completed.
Can you unblock a number and then call it?
Yes, if you unblock a number that previously blocked you, you will then be able to call them normally on WhatsApp. The block is lifted entirely when reversed, so all forms of communication are restored.
To unblock a contact on WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp contact list and tap on the contact you want to unblock.
- Tap the three dots menu in the top right corner.
- Select Unblock from the menu options.
Once unblocked, you can call, message, or video chat the contact again if they haven’t also blocked you separately.
What happens if the number you’re calling deleted WhatsApp?
If the number you are trying to call has deleted their WhatsApp account entirely, you will get a similar “Call couldn’t be completed” error as if they had blocked you.
However, on your end the difference is you can no longer see their name or profile photo in your contacts list. The number will still be there but with limited details, indicating they are no longer on WhatsApp.
Can you call a blocked number from a different device?
No, calls from blocked numbers will fail no matter what device you use to try to call them. The block applies at the account level, not the device level.
So even if you try to call from a new phone that the contact has never seen before, the block will still prevent the call as long as you are using the same WhatsApp account.
Conclusion
Calling a blocked contact on WhatsApp instantly fails with a nonspecific error message. The recipient has no indication you attempted to call. Unblocking the contact restores your ability to call them normally. Overall, blocking acts as a total communication barrier that prevents unwanted calls along with messages and other contact attempts.