WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to exchange texts, photos, videos and make voice and video calls easily. However, many users face problems with WhatsApp calls from time to time. The good news is that most WhatsApp call issues can be fixed by trying some simple troubleshooting steps.
Quick Fixes to Try
Here are some quick things you can try to fix WhatsApp call problems:
- Restart your phone – This refreshes the app and clears any minor glitches
- Force stop WhatsApp – This closes the app completely so it can restart fresh
- Update WhatsApp – An update may include a fix for call issues
- Check your internet connection – Calls need a stable internet connect, so check your WiFi or mobile data
- Delete and reinstall WhatsApp – This gives the app a fresh start
Trying the steps above will solve many common WhatsApp call problems. If the issues persist, keep reading for more troubleshooting tips.
Network and Internet Connectivity Issues
One of the most common reasons for WhatsApp call failures is network problems. Here are some things to check:
1. Check your internet connection
Make sure you have an active internet connection on your phone. Try these steps:
- Check if WiFi is connected – Go to phone settings to see if you’re connected to a WiFi network.
- Check mobile data – Turn off WiFi and check if you have a mobile data connection.
- Run a speed test – Use Speedtest.net to check your actual download and upload speeds.
- Try a different network – Switch from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa.
If you have a very slow or unstable internet connection, it can disrupt WhatsApp calls. Getting on a faster, more reliable network can help.
2. Restart your router
If you’re on a WiFi network, restarting the router can help. Unplug the router from power for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This will refresh the connections.
3. Check carrier coverage
Make sure you have good cellular coverage if trying to make calls over mobile data. Low signal strength can negatively impact WhatsApp call quality and reliability. Try moving to a location with better carrier coverage.
4. Turn on Airplane mode
Sometimes toggling Airplane mode off and on can force your device to re-establish a strong network connection. Open Settings, turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off and try making a WhatsApp call.
Account and Phone Issues
Aside from network problems, issues with your account and phone can also disrupt WhatsApp calls.
1. Update your phone software and apps
Having outdated software can cause performance issues. Try these updates:
- Update your phone OS – Install the latest iOS or Android OS update.
- Update WhatsApp – Go to the Play Store or App Store to get the latest WhatsApp version.
- Update other apps – Your other apps like Facebook and Instagram should also be updated.
2. Reinstall and log in again
If updates don’t help, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. Delete the app from your phone, restart your device, then install WhatsApp again. Log in using your phone number and wait as your chats restore.
3. Log out on other devices
Make sure to log out of WhatsApp on any old phones or tablets you don’t use anymore. Having the same account logged in on multiple devices can create conflicts.
4. Delete call history
A buildup of call history data can slow down performance over time. Open WhatsApp > Calls > Menu > Delete Call Log. This will wipe the slate clean.
5. Disable battery optimizations
Phone battery saving features can sometimes disrupt WhatsApp’s processes. Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Battery > Optimize Battery Usage > All apps > Don’t Optimize. This ensures WhatsApp isn’t put to sleep.
Call Quality Issues
You may be able to successfully connect a WhatsApp call but experience issues with call quality:
- Call keeps dropping
- Audio cuts out
- Echo or background noise
- Video freezes or lags
This can happen due to network problems, but here are some other fixes:
1. Check microphone and speaker
Make sure your phone’s microphone and speaker are clean and not blocked. You can also try using earphones to isolate audio issues.
2. Improve lighting conditions
Make sure you’re in a well-lit area for video calls. Poor lighting can negatively impact video quality.
3. Turn off battery saver mode
Battery saver settings can sometimes lower performance. Make sure any battery optimization for WhatsApp is disabled.
4. Turn off WiFi calling
If your phone has a WiFi calling option, try turning it off as it can affect call performance at times. Use mobile data instead.
Group Call Issues
WhatsApp group calls have more complexity than one-on-one calls, leading to more potential issues:
- Can’t start a group call – Tapping the group call button doesn’t work
- Group call drops – All participants disconnect from the call
- Can’t hear some participants – Some members’ audio is missing
- Lags and freezes – Video/audio quality is jumpy and inconsistent
Group call problems typically stem from network connectivity issues among participants. But you can try these steps:
1. Start with fewer participants
Group calls work better with 4-5 participants rather than 8. Remove some members and try again.
2. Make sure all members have good connectivity
Ask participants to check their internet connectivity before joining the group call.
3. Switch devices or networks
Your particular device or network may not work well for group calls. Ask participants to try switching devices or moving to a different network.
4. Update WhatsApp on all devices
Make sure everyone in the group call updates to the latest WhatsApp version. This ensures compatibility.
WhatsApp Call Not Connecting
If your WhatsApp call won’t connect at all, there are a few other things you can check:
1. Verify your number
Open WhatsApp > Tap More Options > Settings > Account > Verify your number. Re-verifying your number can help with connection issues.
2. Clear app cache and data
Go to phone Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. This erases temporary files and resets the app.
3. Check if you’re blocked
One possibility is the recipient has blocked you, preventing calls from connecting. Use a different phone to message them and see if your texts deliver.
4. Make sure WhatsApp isn’t restricted
Check that WhatsApp has proper permissions. Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and enable all options.
Emergency Call Issues
WhatsApp also allows emergency calls to contacts, police, hospitals and more in some countries. But sometimes these encounter problems too:
- Emergency call option missing – Can’t find the emergency call shortcut
- Call doesn’t go through – Emergency call won’t connect
- Accidental emergency call – Pocket dialed and can’t hang up
If you face any emergency call issues, try these steps:
1. Update your WhatsApp version
Confirm you’re on the latest WhatsApp update by checking your app store. Emergency calling is still a newer feature.
2. Check it’s enabled in your country
WhatsApp emergency calling may not be enabled yet in your specific country. Refer to their support site for availability info.
3. Allow location access
WhatsApp needs location permission to route emergency calls properly. Enable location access in WhatsApp and phone settings.
4. Try toggling airplane mode
If an emergency call won’t connect, toggle airplane mode on and off to reset the network connection.
5. Update your address
Make sure your registered address in WhatsApp is current so emergency services reach you accurately.
Other Potential Fixes
If you still face WhatsApp call problems after trying the above steps, here are some other fixes to test out:
- Try calls from a different location in case it’s an area-specific issue.
- Contact your cell provider in case there are tower issues in your locality.
- Use a VPN to channel calls through a different network.
- Temporary turn off phone passcodes/face unlock to eliminate obstacles.
- Check for any software updates available for your phone model.
- Try testing calls on a different phone to isolate device-specific problems.
Preventing WhatsApp Call Problems
While you can troubleshoot call issues as needed, it also helps to follow some best practices to avoid problems in the first place:
- Keep your WhatsApp version updated at all times.
- Don’t use WhatsApp on unstable public WiFi networks.
- Disable battery optimizations for WhatsApp so it runs smoothly.
- Restart your phone and router regularly to clear out glitches.
- Monitor your storage usage and clear space when needed.
- Back up your chats so you can reinstall WhatsApp cleanly if needed.
When to Contact WhatsApp Support
If you’re still unable to fix your WhatsApp call problem after exhausting the troubleshooting steps, it’s time to contact WhatsApp support for additional help.
You can contact them via:
- In-app chat support
- Twitter @WhatsAppHelps
- WhatsApp support email
WhatsApp can investigate your specific issue, check server status on their end and suggest other advanced troubleshooting steps as needed to resolve your call problems.
Conclusion
WhatsApp call problems can certainly be annoying, but some smart troubleshooting and preventive habits can help minimize issues.
Follow the step-by-step guide outlined here to get your voice and video calls working smoothly again. With patience and some diligence, you can troubleshoot from basic network issues all the way to advanced device-specific problems.
If problems still persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to WhatsApp’s dedicated support channels. They have extensive experience resolving call issues that may require a deeper technical investigation on their backend.
Stay calm, rule out the common causes, and you should be back to seamless WhatsApp calling in no time.