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. However, some users may want to limit calls while still receiving WhatsApp messages.
There are a few different options to stop WhatsApp calls selectively on both iPhone and Android devices. With a few adjustments in the app settings or device settings, you can disable calls while continuing to send and receive WhatsApp messages.
Disable WhatsApp Calls on iPhone
For iPhone users, there are a couple of ways to disable WhatsApp calls while keeping messages enabled. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Mute Notifications for WhatsApp Calls
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Notifications.
3. Scroll down and select WhatsApp.
4. Under Allow Notifications, switch off Calls to disable call notifications and ringtones. The rest of the WhatsApp notifications for messages will still come through.
Method 2: Block Contact Access to iPhone Microphone
1. Open Settings and go to Privacy.
2. Select Microphone.
3. Find WhatsApp in the list of apps and switch the toggle off. This prevents WhatsApp accessing the microphone which is required for calls.
With this method, you won’t get any WhatsApp call interface. Calls will fail to connect as the app won’t have microphone access. Messages will continue as normal.
Stop WhatsApp Calls on Android
Similarly for Android users, you can apply selective settings to disable WhatsApp call functions only.
Method 1: Android App Settings
1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Tap on Notifications.
3. Select Calls and turn off Allow Notifications.
This will mute call notifications and ringtones only, while keeping message notifications active.
Method 2: Android Device Settings
1. Go to Settings on your Android phone.
2. Tap on Apps & notifications.
3. Select WhatsApp > Notifications.
4. Switch off Allow notifications for Calls.
This disables WhatsApp call notifications at the device level while retaining notifications for messages.
Method 3: Denying Microphone Access
1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Select App permissions.
3. Choose Microphone and disable access for WhatsApp.
With no microphone access, WhatsApp calls cannot function although messaging will continue unaffected.
Other Ways to Limit WhatsApp Calls
Beyond app and device settings, there are some other options to consider for stopping WhatsApp calls selectively:
- Enable Do Not Disturb mode – This will mute all calls during selected hours.
- Block specific contacts – Prevent calls from certain contacts only.
- Use a third party app – Some apps can block calls based on rules and filters.
- Aircraft mode – Turning on airplane mode stops all calls but allows WiFi for messages.
Understanding the Impact
When you disable WhatsApp calls through app settings, it prevents call connectivity, ringing, notifications and voicemail. However, it does not block the calling interface from opening. Users can still open your chat and tap the call button, but the call will fail or get rejected.
On the caller side, it will appear like the call was rejected, signaling you are unavailable. They will still be able to send messages. On your side, you simply won’t receive any calls made through WhatsApp.
| Setting | Impact on User | Impact on Caller |
|---|---|---|
| Disable Notifications | No call alerts or sounds | Call goes through but no indication if received |
| Revoke Microphone Permission | Call screen doesn’t open | See’s call fail or rejected |
| Block Contact | No call or message received from contact | Messages and calls will not deliver |
As you can see, the exact experience depends on the method used to stop WhatsApp calls. Fine-grained control is possible in each mobile OS.
Conclusion
There are many scenarios where limiting WhatsApp calls while keeping messaging enabled is useful. Whether you want to avoid disruptions, save battery life, or increase productivity, the above settings provide selective ways to disable call functions.
By muting notifications, revoking microphone access or blocking contacts, iPhone and Android users can easily stop incoming WhatsApp calls. Make sure to choose the option that best suits your needs and usage. With the right settings applied, you can enjoy messaging on WhatsApp without the distraction of voice and video calls.
WhatsApp’s native flexibility and extensive OS integration allows customizing call and message behaviors independently. Understanding these options is key to getting the experience you want. So try out the techniques outlined above to take control of your WhatsApp call settings while continuing to message freely.