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Is there a way to restrict WhatsApp calls?

WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, which allows users to easily connect with friends and family. However, you may want to limit or restrict incoming WhatsApp calls at certain times or in certain situations. In this article, we’ll explore whether and how you can restrict WhatsApp calls on both Android and iOS devices.

Reasons to limit WhatsApp calls

There are several reasons why you may want to restrict WhatsApp calling ability:

– Avoid distractions: If you need to focus on work or study without disruptions, blocking WhatsApp calls can help minimize distractions from frequent incoming calls.

– Limit interruptions at night: To avoid late night calls that can disrupt your sleep, you may want to limit the ability to receive WhatsApp calls during sleeping hours.

– Control usage for children: Parents may want to restrict WhatsApp calling to limit screen time and avoid inappropriate communications for kids.

– Manage unwanted communication: Blocking WhatsApp calls can help deal with unwanted, frequent or harassing calls from certain contacts.

Can you block WhatsApp calls on Android?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to block and limit WhatsApp calls on Android devices using these methods:

Use Do Not Disturb mode

Android’s Do Not Disturb mode allows you to mute all notifications and calls during specified times. To use it to block WhatsApp calls:

– Open Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb
– Select the times and modes you want to activate Do Not Disturb
– Under Exceptions, exclude WhatsApp to mute all calls

This will silence all WhatsApp calls during the scheduled Do Not Disturb hours.

Block contacts

On Android, you can block specific contacts from calling you on WhatsApp:

– Open WhatsApp and go to the chat for the contact
– Tap the three dots menu > More > Block contact
– Confirm by tapping Block

The blocked contact will no longer be able to call you directly on WhatsApp.

Disable call notifications

Another option is to keep calls enabled but disable notifications for them:

– Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > WhatsApp > Notifications
– Tap on Calls and turn off Show notifications

This will mute call notifications without blocking the ability to receive calls. You’ll have to manually check the app for any missed call notifications.

Use parental control apps

Parental control apps like Google Family Link and Qustodio allow parents to set time limits, block apps and filter contacts. These can restrict access to WhatsApp and limit call ability.

Blocking WhatsApp calls on iPhone

On iOS devices, you have slightly different options to restrict WhatsApp calling, including:

Do Not Disturb

Just like on Android, Do Not Disturb on iPhones can mute notifications from specific apps. To block WhatsApp calls:

– Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb
– Schedule when to silence notifications
– Under Silence, choose Always to block all calls

This will mute all WhatsApp notifications during the scheduled Do Not Disturb hours.

Block contacts

You can stop calls from specific contacts by blocking them:

– Open the WhatsApp chat with the contact
– Tap on the contact’s name
– Select Block this caller

The blocked contact will no longer be able to call you directly.

Disable call notifications

On iOS, you can also disable WhatsApp call notifications:

– Go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp
– Turn off Allow Notifications

This will mute notifications for incoming WhatsApp calls.

Parental controls

iOS has built-in parental controls that allow limiting app usage, setting communication restrictions and filtering contacts. Activating these can restrict WhatsApp access and calling ability.

Third-party apps

There are also third-party apps that offer call blocking and spam protection features:

– Truecaller – Identifies and blocks spam calls, allows contact blocking
– Hiya – Caller ID and spam detection, blacklist known spammers
– RoboKiller – Blocks and filters spam calls with answer bots

These apps have paid premium features to comprehensively block unwanted calls, including those from WhatsApp.

WhatsApp call blocking considerations

When limiting WhatsApp call ability, keep in mind:

– Blocking calls also blocks voice messages – You won’t be able to receive any voice messages if calls are fully blocked.

– Contacts may still ring if you are in a group – Even if you block someone, they can still call and ring you if you share any common groups.

– Temporary options are best for short-term needs – For needs like avoiding distractions temporarily, options like Do Not Disturb that can be enabled short-term are likely best rather than permanent blocking.

– Blocking doesn’t prevent all communications – Blocking only prevents direct calls. Contacts can still message you or call you outside of WhatsApp.

Conclusion

While WhatsApp doesn’t have a direct call blocking feature, Android and iOS provide various ways to disable call notifications and restrict the ability to receive WhatsApp calls. This can help limit distractions, prevent unwanted communications and control usage for kids. But keep in mind call blocking has limitations. Evaluating your specific needs can help decide if the available options like Do Not Disturb, contact blocking or third-party apps can provide the right solution for you. With some trial and error, you should be able to find a setup that gives you the call limitation you need on WhatsApp.