WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily connect with friends and family. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls through the app. If you want to be able to receive incoming WhatsApp calls, there are a few simple steps you need to take to get this set up.
What are the requirements for receiving WhatsApp calls?
In order to receive incoming calls on WhatsApp, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device
- Be connected to the internet – WhatsApp calls require a WiFi or mobile data connection
- Allow WhatsApp access to your microphone if prompted
- Enable call notifications in your WhatsApp settings
- Accept the call when it comes in by swiping to answer
As long as your device meets these requirements, you should be able to receive WhatsApp voice and video calls without any problems. WhatsApp calls work between Android smartphones, iPhones, and even WhatsApp Web once you’ve connected your account.
Step 1: Update to the latest version of WhatsApp
To enable calling in WhatsApp, you’ll need to make sure you’ve downloaded the latest version of the app. WhatsApp regularly releases new updates that contain bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features like call capabilities.
On an Android device, open the Google Play Store app. Search for WhatsApp, then tap Update next to the listing if an update is available. The latest version will download and install automatically.
On an iPhone, open the App Store app. Tap your profile icon in the top right, then scroll down to see pending updates. Tap Update next to WhatsApp to install the latest version.
You can also enable automatic updates on both platforms so you always have the most up-to-date WhatsApp version.
Step 2: Make sure you’re connected to the internet
Since WhatsApp calls are made over the internet, you’ll need an active internet connection to receive them. This means connecting to either WiFi or mobile data.
To check your connectivity status on an Android device:
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi to see available networks and connect
- Or go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network to enable mobile data
On an iPhone:
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi and toggle Wi-Fi on, then select a network
- Or go to Settings > Cellular and enable Cellular Data
As long as you’re connected to one of these networks, WhatsApp will be able to facilitate calls.
Step 3: Allow WhatsApp microphone access
For incoming and outgoing calls, WhatsApp will need access to your device’s microphone. When you make your first call, WhatsApp will prompt you to allow microphone access.
On Android, tap Allow when this popup appears. You may need to open your phone’s app settings to manually enable the microphone if you denied the initial prompt.
On iPhone, tap OK when prompted to give WhatsApp access. You can manually enable the microphone by going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
Step 4: Enable WhatsApp notifications
To be notified of incoming WhatsApp calls, you’ll need to make sure call notifications are enabled in the app settings:
- In Android, open WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Calls and toggle “Allow notifications” on
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp > Allow Notifications > Calls
This will ensure a notification sound and popup appear when you’re receiving a WhatsApp call so you don’t miss it.
Step 5: Accept the incoming call
Once your device is set up to receive WhatsApp calls, the last step is to actually accept the call when it comes in. This will connect the call:
- On Android, swipe up on the incoming call notification
- On iPhone, tap Accept on the incoming call screen
If you miss a call, you’ll also get the option to call back right from the notification.
Troubleshooting tips
If you’ve followed all these steps but are still having trouble receiving WhatsApp calls, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Force close and reopen WhatsApp – this refreshes the app
- Check your internet connection – turn airplane mode on and off to reconnect
- Update your device software in case of a bug with WhatsApp calling
- Clear cache and data for WhatsApp to reset the app
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp if issues persist
- Contact the sender to have them double check your number is correct
With a few quick settings adjustments, you’ll be ready to receive incoming voice and video calls over WhatsApp. This allows you to seamlessly communicate with your WhatsApp contacts in a variety of ways for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp use my phone number to receive calls?
Yes, WhatsApp uses your phone number to connect calls. Your contacts will need your phone number added in their WhatsApp contact list in order to call you within the app.
Can I receive WhatsApp calls on multiple devices?
With WhatsApp’s multi-device capability, you can receive calls on up to 4 linked devices using the same WhatsApp account. This includes your smartphone plus up to 3 additional PCs or tablets.
Do WhatsApp calls work offline?
No, an internet connection is required to make or receive WhatsApp calls. The calls are facilitated over your WiFi or mobile data network. Without connectivity, calls cannot be completed.
Can I block incoming WhatsApp calls?
Yes, you can block specific contacts in WhatsApp to prevent receiving calls and messages from those users. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked to manage your blocked contacts.
How do I decline a WhatsApp call?
When receiving a WhatsApp call, you can decline it by pressing the red Decline button on Android or the red Slide to Decline slider on iPhone. This will reject the call so your contact hears busy ringtone.
Conclusion
Enabling WhatsApp calling is a quick and easy process. By updating the app, connecting to the internet, allowing microphone access, enabling notifications, and accepting incoming calls, you’ll be able to receive voice and video calls from all your WhatsApp contacts.
With over 1 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most convenient ways to stay in touch with people across different devices. Activating call capabilities ensures you can make full use of the app and connect how you want.
If you follow these steps but are still having issues receiving WhatsApp calls, don’t hesitate to troubleshoot your setup or reach out for further support. With the right troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to resolve any lingering problems and enjoy seamless calling through WhatsApp.
| Platform | Steps to enable WhatsApp calling |
|---|---|
| Android |
|
| iPhone |
|
Troubleshooting tips
| Issue | Troubleshooting tip |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp crashing | Force close and reopen the app |
| No internet connection | Turn airplane mode on and off to reconnect |
| Calls not working after update | Update device software in case of bug |
| Calls were working before | Clear cache and data for WhatsApp |
| Calls still not working | Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp |
| Can’t receive calls from specific contact | Contact sender to verify your number |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does WhatsApp use my phone number to receive calls? | Yes, WhatsApp uses your phone number to connect calls. Contacts will need your number added in their WhatsApp list to call you. |
| Can I receive WhatsApp calls on multiple devices? | Yes, with multi-device you can receive calls on up to 4 linked devices using the same WhatsApp account. |
| Do WhatsApp calls work offline? | No, an internet connection is required to make or receive WhatsApp calls over WiFi or mobile data. |
| Can I block incoming WhatsApp calls? | Yes, you can block specific contacts in WhatsApp to prevent receiving calls and messages from those users. |
| How do I decline a WhatsApp call? | You can decline by pressing the red Decline or Slide to Decline button when receiving the call. |
WhatsApp calling allows users to make free voice and video calls to contacts over an internet connection. With over 1 billion users worldwide on Android, iPhone, and WhatsApp Web, it has become one of the most popular communication platforms. This guide covered the key requirements and steps to successfully enable receiving incoming WhatsApp calls on your device. Following the correct setup, you’ll be able to seamlessly receive calls and fully utilize the app’s messaging capabilities.
The main steps include updating WhatsApp to the latest version, connecting your device to the internet via WiFi or mobile data, allowing microphone access for WhatsApp, enabling call notifications in WhatsApp settings, and accepting the incoming call when it arrives by swiping or tapping Accept. Useful troubleshooting tips were also provided in case issues arise after setup.
WhatsApp calling provides a convenient free alternative to standard calling and is integrated directly in the chat app interface. As long as your device meets the requirements and calling is properly enabled, you’ll be able to receive voice and video calls from all your WhatsApp contacts anytime.
With over 1 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become the most popular messaging app, allowing users to connect with friends and family through messaging, group chats, video calls, and voice calls. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls, allowing users to seamlessly communicate without additional costs. If you want to receive incoming WhatsApp calls, there are a few key steps required to get this set up properly on both Android and iPhone devices.
The main requirements include updating to the latest WhatsApp version, connecting your device to WiFi or mobile data for an internet connection, allowing microphone access for WhatsApp, enabling call notifications within WhatsApp settings, and accepting the call when it comes in by swiping or tapping the accept button. Users should also troubleshoot issues like force closing the app, checking internet connectivity, updating device software, clearing app cache/data, uninstalling/reinstalling WhatsApp, and verifying their number with the contact if calls are still not coming in.
By following these simple steps to enable WhatsApp calling, you can ensure you never miss important calls from friends, family, and groups. The integrated calling feature makes WhatsApp one of the most convenient communication platforms available on mobile devices. Stay connected with your contacts anytime, anywhere by properly setting up and receiving WhatsApp voice and video calls on your smartphone.
WhatsApp has transformed how people communicate on mobile devices, becoming the most popular messaging app with over 1 billion users worldwide. One of the key features that makes WhatsApp so useful is the ability to make voice and video calls directly within the app interface. This allows users to seamlessly call their WhatsApp contacts free of charge, without needing a separate calling app or phone plan.
To take full advantage of this useful calling feature on WhatsApp, you need to properly enable and set up your account to receive incoming calls. There are a few key steps required on both Android and iPhone devices to get WhatsApp calling activated. This includes updating to the latest WhatsApp version, connecting to WiFi or mobile data for internet access, allowing microphone permissions, enabling call notifications, and accepting calls by swiping or tapping the option.
Useful troubleshooting tips are also provided in this guide, such as force closing and reopening the WhatsApp app, turning airplane mode on and off to reconnect to the internet, updating your device software, clearing WhatsApp cache/data, reinstalling WhatsApp, and having the caller double check your number entered in their contacts. Following this simple WhatsApp call setup will allow you to receive voice and video calls seamlessly right within the WhatsApp interface.