WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily connect with friends and family. A handy feature of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, making it easy to have face-to-face conversations. However, you may find yourself wanting to stop incoming WhatsApp calls without outright blocking the caller. There are a few different options to stop calls while still receiving the caller’s messages.
Why Would You Want to Stop WhatsApp Calls?
There are several reasons you may want to stop WhatsApp calls from certain contacts without blocking them outright:
- You want to avoid disruptive calls during certain times, like at work or while sleeping, but still allow messages.
- You want to temporarily pause calls during busy times or when you can’t verbally talk.
- You want to avoid calls from certain persistent contacts while still allowing their messages.
- You want to reduce distractions from frequent callers.
- You want to control when you are available for calls.
Blocking a contact on WhatsApp prevents any messages or calls from coming through at all. But you may want to only limit calls while still receiving texts from the person. The techniques below allow you to stop calls selectively while maintaining text messaging capabilities.
Turn Off WhatsApp Call Notifications
One easy way to stop WhatsApp call disruptions is to turn off call notifications. With notifications off, you won’t get sound/vibration alerts for incoming WhatsApp calls. However, the calls will still appear in your log.
To disable WhatsApp call notifications:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the More Options icon (3 vertical dots).
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Tap Call Notifications and toggle it off.
With this setting, you can maintain uninterrupted focus while avoiding constant call disruptions. You can check your call log later to return any missed calls. This technique avoids blocking the contact altogether.
The drawback is that truly important calls could be missed if you don’t notice them. But for limiting distractions, it’s an effective approach.
Use WhatsApp’s Ignore Feature
WhatsApp has an ignore feature that auto-rejects calls from certain contacts. When activated, calls from the ignored contact are automatically declined. The caller will hear a busy tone indicating you can’t take the call.
To ignore a contact’s calls:
- Open the WhatsApp contact’s chat.
- Tap the name/profile picture at the top.
- Select Ignore. Confirm ignoring calls from this chat.
The contact’s calls will now be declined automatically. However, you can continue exchanging WhatsApp messages with the ignored contact.
To disable call ignoring, follow the same steps and tap Unignore when viewing the contact’s profile.
The ignore feature is useful for screening unwanted calls from particular people while maintaining text communication. However, it may irritate the caller since their calls are always “busy.”
Block Calls with Do Not Disturb Mode
You can use your device’s Do Not Disturb mode to block WhatsApp calls during certain times or events. When enabled, Do Not Disturb will reject all incoming calls. But you can customize it to allow calls from certain contacts.
To block calls using Do Not Disturb:
- Open phone Settings and select Do Not Disturb preferences.
- Toggle on Scheduled or activate manually. Schedule for certain times.
- Select Allow Calls From and choose No One to block all calls.
- You can also allow calls only from your favorites.
This approach lets you block calls during your chosen times, like overnight or during work hours. Normal notifications and calls will resume outside these scheduled hours.
The limitation is that it blocks calls indiscriminately – even important ones may be silenced. But it offers a simple way to create call-free periods.
Use Airplane Mode Selectively
Enabling Airplane mode on your phone disables all calling and data functions temporarily. This effectively blocks incoming WhatsApp calls while in this mode.
To leverage Airplane mode:
- Open your phone’s Settings and select Airplane mode to enable it.
- When you want to resume calls, simply disable Airplane mode.
The main advantage here is simplicity – toggling the airplane mode switch blocks or permits all calls as desired. But it also prevents you from sending/receiving texts until you disable it. It’s best for short periods when you don’t want any disruptions.
Install a Call Blocking App
For automated blocking, a call blocking app can be useful. These apps allow you to specify blocked contacts, times, and rules to stop unwanted calls.
Some popular Android call blocking apps include:
- Should I Answer?
- Call Blocker
- WhosCall
- Truecaller
And some top iOS options:
- RoboKiller
- Hiya
- Mr. Number
With these apps, you can:
- Block calls from specific contacts.
- Block calls during certain times/events.
- Screen and filter spam calls.
- Limit call frequency from a number.
- Auto-decline anonymous calls.
The flexibility makes call blocker apps ideal for stopping WhatsApp calls from pesky contacts. The main limitation is you may need to pay for advanced features.
Use WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a separate app that offers more controls for managing incoming communication. With Business, you can set quick away messages to auto-reply when busy.
Key features of WhatsApp Business include:
- Quick replies for when you can’t take calls.
- Automatic away messages when you can’t respond.
- Business profiles and messaging tools.
- Advanced analytics and metrics.
Although intended for businesses, anyone can use WhatsApp Business to better manage their incoming messages and calls. It provides useful auto-response tools when you want to avoid calls temporarily.
The limitation is you need to install a separate app just for these features. But it does provide enhanced call screening compared to regular WhatsApp.
Ask Contacts Not to Call
If certain contacts call you too frequently, you can request that they message you instead of calling during busy periods.
Some tips for asking contacts not to call:
- Politely explain why you can’t always answer calls from them.
- Request they primarily use text messages for non-urgent communication.
- Note specific time periods when you are unavailable for calls.
- Suggest scheduling a weekly call if needed.
- Promise to call them back when you have free time.
Most well-meaning contacts will understand and adjust their habits. This human approach avoids confrontation while setting communication boundaries.
However, some persistent callers may ignore your requests. If asking nicely doesn’t work, you may need to resort to call blocking instead.
Conclusion
WhatsApp calling is convenient for connecting with friends around the world. But constant incoming calls can disrupt your day and become a nuisance over time. With the techniques above, you can stop calls from specific people or during certain times while maintaining normal WhatsApp messaging. Finding the right approach depends on who you want to silence calls from and when you need fewer disruptions from your phone ringing. With the right settings, you can take control over your WhatsApp calling experience.
| Technique | How To Do It | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn off call notifications | Disable sound/vibration alerts for calls in WhatsApp settings | – Avoid constant interruptions – Still see call history |
– Could miss emergency calls |
| Use WhatsApp Ignore | Ignore calls from specific chats | – Block calls from individuals – Keep texting them |
– Caller hears busy tone |
| Do Not Disturb mode | Schedule no call interruptions | – Totally silent during chosen times | – Blocks all calls indiscriminately |
| Airplane mode | Toggle on/off to block/allow calls | – Very simple to use | – Also blocks texts temporarily |
| Call blocker apps | Install app and specify call blocking rules | – Automated blocking options – Good for avoiding spam |
– May need to pay for full features |
| WhatsApp Business | Use auto-reply tools to manage calls | – Away messages when busy – Extra call screening tools |
– Need separate business app |
| Ask contacts not to call | Politely request contact call less | – Maintain relationship – People often understand |
– Some ignore requests |
Key Takeaways
- Turning off WhatsApp call notifications lets you avoid disruptions while maintaining text chats.
- Using WhatsApp’s ignore function is an easy way to block calls from specific people.
- Enabling Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode gives you complete control over incoming calls as needed.
- Call blocking apps provide great automation for screening unwanted calls.
- Asking contacts politely to call less often is effective for preserving relationships.
With the techniques above, you can take control over your WhatsApp calling experience and reduce disruptions. Find the right approach based on who you want to silence calls from and when you need fewer distractions. Maintain connections over text while creating the space to focus.