WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide relying on it to stay connected. However, we’ve all likely experienced the frustration of trying to make a WhatsApp call only to have it not go through or drop repeatedly. There are several potential reasons why your WhatsApp calls may fail or have poor quality.
Your Internet Connection
The most common reason for WhatsApp call issues is an unstable or slow internet connection. WhatsApp calls rely on a strong internet connection, as they are VoIP (Voice over IP) calls. This means the call audio data is transmitted as packets over the internet rather than over a cellular network like traditional phone calls.
Here are some internet connection-related factors that can disrupt WhatsApp calls:
- Weak WiFi signal – If you are connected over WiFi with only 1 or 2 bars of signal strength, you may experience lag, static, or call drops.
- Slow broadband speeds – WhatsApp recommends at least 128 kbps upload and download speeds for optimal call quality. At slower speeds, call quality will deteriorate.
- Bandwidth congestion – If there are many devices connected to the same WiFi network or multiple large downloads happening, bandwidth can be constrained, impacting WhatsApp call quality.
- Switching between WiFi and mobile data – The change in connections as your phone switches can cause temporary disruption.
- Unstable cellular connection – Weak cellular signal or “bars” can lead to the same call quality issues.
- Network congestion – During peak usage times, cellular and broadband networks see high traffic, leading to slower speeds and connection instability.
If you are experiencing WhatsApp call problems, first check your internet speeds and signal strength. Move closer to your WiFi router, disable other WiFi devices, or try switching between WiFi and mobile data to see if call quality improves.
Issues on the Other Caller’s End
Problems with the other person’s internet connection can also lead to call difficulties. If they have a poor connection, you will likely experience the same call drops, lag, static, or muffling from their end. You may have a great connection, but the call quality depends on both callers having stable internet.
Have the other caller try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check their signal strength and internet speeds
- Move closer to their WiFi router or switch to mobile data
- Disable bandwidth intensive activities like streaming, downloads, or gaming during the call
- Disable VPN connections which can slow speeds
- Try calling from different locations to identify any network issues
Coordinating troubleshooting efforts with the other caller can help identify who is experiencing the local connection problem impacting call quality.
Outdated App Version
Another common source of WhatsApp call problems is an outdated version of the app. WhatsApp frequently releases updated versions with bug fixes and performance improvements. However, the app does not automatically update on all devices.
Using an outdated version of WhatsApp can lead to suboptimal call performance and other glitches. Make sure both you and the other caller are running the latest version of WhatsApp by checking for and installing updates in the app store. This can resolve version-related calling problems.
Cellular Network Incompatibility
In rare cases, incompatibilities between cellular networks can prevent WhatsApp calls from going through smoothly. Because WhatsApp relies on internet data, calls have to route between the different carriers.
Occasionally incompatibility issues arise, leading to call failures between certain networks. Typically these problems are resolved in a matter of days. But if call issues persist between two specific networks, this may be the reason.
Typically, this problem arises when calling between smaller regional carriers. The biggest nationwide carriers are less prone to these conflicts. If you believe cellular network conflicts are the issue, try having one caller switch to WiFi calling mode which bypasses the cell network.
Incorrect Network Settings
Some WhatsApp call problems arise from incorrect network settings on one caller’s device. Network settings must be configured properly for VoIP calls to succeed.
Here are some settings to check on both Android and iPhone devices:
- Cellular data is enabled – WhatsApp cannot make calls without mobile data active.
- Background data usage allowed – Background data must be enabled for calls to function outside the app.
- Correct APN configured – The Access Point Name (APN) specifies how your device routes data traffic. The default APN may need to be corrected or added.
- VoIP settings enabled – Some carriers require enabling VoIP/IP calling in network settings for WhatsApp calls to work.
- Software updated – Outdated OS versions can have incompatibilities with WhatsApp’s calling protocol.
Incorrect configurations for cellular data, VoIP, and related settings has been known to block WhatsApp call functionality on some devices. Checking these settings can get calls working properly again.
App Permissions
The WhatsApp app requires certain permissions to be granted in order to place calls. If the appropriate app permissions are denied, it can lead to calls failing or features not working.
These are the key permissions required by WhatsApp for calling on both Android and iOS devices:
- Microphone – Allows WhatsApp to access your mic for call audio.
- Camera – Needed for video calling abilities.
- Contacts – Enables calling contacts through your address book.
- Phone – Used to integrate calling with your cellular network.
- Storage – Allows access to media files like photos, videos for sharing.
Check that WhatsApp is allowed access to these permissions in your app settings. If any have been denied, grant the app permission and then try making calls again.
Outdated Phone Software
As with the WhatsApp app itself, running outdated iOS or Android OS software can also cause performance issues with calls not working reliably. WhatsApp designs its calling capabilities to integrate with the latest software.
If you are running an older OS version that is no longer supported, certain bugs or incompatibilities can occur leading to call problems. Updating to the latest OS version recommended by your phone manufacturer can help resolve these kinds of issues.
Phone Hardware Issues
In some cases, the issue may originate from a hardware defect or damage to the phone itself interfering with WhatsApp call functionality. For example:
- Faulty microphone – Cannot send call audio
- Speaker damage – Cannot hear call audio
- Broken headphone jack – Call audio routing issues
- Cracked screen – Proximity sensor or button glitches
- Moisture damage – Microphone and speaker problems
- Outdated chipset – Incompatible with VoIP protocols
If you are experiencing call failures across multiple apps beyond just WhatsApp, it points to a hardware problem with the phone. Inspect your phone carefully for any physical defects or damage that require repair by the manufacturer.
Incorrect WhatsApp Settings
There are also some settings within WhatsApp itself that can prevent calls from going through. Make sure to check these options in WhatsApp to ensure proper call performance:
- Internet Calling Enabled – WhatsApp’s data calling option must be enabled for VoIP functionality.
- Notify for Internet Calls – Allows call notifications when WhatsApp is running in the background.
- Low Data Usage – May degrade call quality by using less data on cellular networks.
- Reduce Call Data Usage – Compresses the call which can impact quality.
Correct configuration of these WhatsApp calling settings can optimize performance and reliability. Internet calling capability must be specifically allowed. Notify and low data usage options should also be configured correctly.
Blocked Contacts
If you have blocked a contact in WhatsApp, calls to that particular contact will not go through. Unblocking the contact is required to restore call capabilities with that person.
Similarly, if the contact has blocked your number, your outgoing calls to them will not complete. They will need to remove your blocked contact entry to again allow calls from your number.
Make sure neither party has blocked each other in WhatsApp’s settings to permit uninterrupted calling.
Extra Security Features
Some of WhatsApp’s enhanced security capabilities can interfere with proper call functionality in certain situations. For example:
- Two-step verification – Adds extra account login security but may cause linking issues.
- Account privacy settings – Very strict account privacy may disrupt call signaling.
- Banned accounts – Calling banned accounts will fail as they are restricted.
Try temporarily disabling some of these extra security measures such as two-factor authentication to determine if that resolves any ongoing call failures.
Third-Party Apps
Using certain third-party apps alongside WhatsApp can also contribute to call performance problems in some instances. Examples include:
- Antivirus apps – May block necessary VoIP network traffic
- Firewall apps – Can interfere with call data packet routing
- VPN clients – Encrypted VPN tunnels may degrade call quality
- Ad blockers – Can prevent essential call functionality
- Task killers – Shutting down WhatsApp’s background processes will disrupt calls
Try disabling or removing any suspicious third-party apps and determines if it resolves the call connectivity problems in WhatsApp.
Call Forwarding Enabled
If call forwarding has been enabled on your phone, it can inadvertently be forwarding WhatsApp calls to another number. This prevents the call from ever reaching you successfully.
Check your phone settings and network dashboard for any call forwarding or diversion to another number. Disable any forwarding rules that may be rerouting your WhatsApp calls.
Do Not Disturb Active
Having your Do Not Disturb mode enabled can block incoming WhatsApp calls. While useful when you need to avoid interruptions, DND will stop calls from coming through.
Make sure Do Not Disturb is disabled on both the caller and receiver’s phones for unimpeded call connectivity on WhatsApp.
Jailbroken or Rooted Device
Jailbreaking an iPhone or rooting an Android device provides more administrative control over the OS. But this can also create issues with WhatsApp’s protocol leading to call failures.
The extra access and customization on jailbroken or rooted devices may interfere with WhatsApp’s expected network environment. Reverting your device back to a normal state can allow calls to work properly again.
Exceeding WhatsApp’s Call Limit
To prevent abuse, WhatsApp enforces a limit on how many devices can be linked for calls to the same account. The current limit is 4 devices per account at once.
If your account already has 4 smartphones, tablets or desktops linked up, trying to add more devices will lead to call failures on the additional units. Make sure to unlink unused devices to open call access.
Using WhatsApp Web or Desktop App
The web and desktop versions of WhatsApp offer added convenience, but lack full feature support compared to the mobile experience. Notably, voice and video calling capabilities are not currently available on WhatsApp for Windows/Mac or via the web portal.
So any attempts to place calls on these platforms will fail. Make sure to only use WhatsApp’s mobile apps on smartphones and tablets for calling and video chat functionalities.
Service Outages
Like any service relying on online access, WhatsApp is occasionally subject to downtime and connectivity failures. Server outages or disruptions in WhatsApp’s service can temporarily render calls inoperable.
WhatsApp typically resolves widespread outages affecting the general public within hours. Check sites like DownDetector to see if a temporary WhatsApp outage may explain the inability to place calls.
Banned or Restricted by Government
Some repressive governments choose to outright ban or restrict services like WhatsApp and VOIP calling within their countries. This can prevent users in those regions from utilizing WhatsApp’s call features successfully.
If you are traveling internationally, research ahead if time to see if WhatsApp usage is limited by the local government. In such areas, VPN connections may be required to circumvent restrictions and enable calling.
Conclusion
WhatsApp calling has revolutionized modern communication, but can still encounter technical glitches or failures in certain situations. By troubleshooting your device settings, internet connection, WhatsApp configurations, and any other external factors, you can get WhatsApp calls connecting successfully again.
Coordinating with the other caller to fix issues on both ends will ensure call quality is optimized. With both parties enabling proper permissions, updating software, verifying network settings, and having strong connectivity, WhatsApp calls can work reliably.
If problems persist even after systematic troubleshooting, it may require uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp to reset all settings. Or ultimately upgrading your smartphone hardware if defective components are the root cause. Getting professional technical help to dig into any complex or reoccurring issues can get WhatsApp calls functioning smoothly again.
| Potential Cause | Fixes to Try |
|---|---|
| Weak internet connection |
|
| Issues on other caller’s connection |
|
| Outdated WhatsApp version | Update to latest version in app store |
| Cellular network incompatibility | Try switching one caller to WiFi |
| Incorrect network settings |
|
| App lacks required permissions | Grant microphone, contacts etc permissions |
| Outdated phone software | Perform recommended OS update |
| Hardware damage or defect | Inspect device and repair if needed |
| Incorrect WhatsApp settings | Enable internet calling, disable data saving |
| Blocked contacts | Unblock user to allow calls |
| Extra security enabled | Disable two-step verification temporarily |
| Third party apps | Disable antivirus or VPN to test |
| Call forwarding enabled | Disable call diverting options |
| Do Not Disturb on | Make sure DND is turned off |