WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people across 180 countries. One of WhatsApp’s key features is the ability to make voice and video calls over the internet. This provides a convenient and low-cost way for people to communicate with friends and family around the world.
However, WhatsApp calling is not available in every country. There are some nations where the WhatsApp calling feature is partially or fully restricted. Understanding where WhatsApp calling does and does not work is important for keeping in touch globally.
In this article, we will provide a full overview of which countries currently have restrictions or limitations on using WhatsApp calling. We will also look at why WhatsApp calling may be limited in certain places.
Countries Where WhatsApp Calling is Partially or Fully Restricted
While WhatsApp calling is available globally in most locations, there are a handful of countries that have placed restrictions or limitations on using the voice and video calling features.
According to WhatsApp’s website, here are the main countries where WhatsApp calling is partially or entirely unavailable currently:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, WhatsApp voice calling is blocked, but video calling still works. The restriction on voice calling was implemented by UAE telecom providers rather than directly by the government. WhatsApp voice calls are blocked because the service conflicts with the UAE’s tightly controlled telecommunications market.
Qatar
Similar to the UAE, Qatar has restrictions on WhatsApp voice calling but video calling still functions. Qatar’s telecom regulator blocks voice over IP services like WhatsApp that compete with paid telecom services in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, free internet calling services like WhatsApp have been blocked in the past. Currently, Saudi Arabia no longer blocks WhatsApp voice and video calling. But connectivity can still be inconsistent at times.
China
China blocks WhatsApp entirely, along with most other Western social media and communication platforms. Both WhatsApp messaging and calling do not work in China without using a VPN or other circumvention tool.
North Korea
Like China, North Korea blocks nearly all global internet services, including WhatsApp. Only the most privileged citizens have any internet access.
Cuba
Cuba restricts internet services like WhatsApp, especially those providing free voice calling. Their telecommunications infrastructure also leads to frequent connectivity issues with WhatsApp calling.
Iran
Iran blocks popular Western platforms like WhatsApp to control communication channels. Some Iranians access WhatsApp through VPNs, but connectivity can be very inconsistent.
Other Potential Connectivity Issues
Beyond the countries that directly block or restrict WhatsApp calling, there are some other places globally where WhatsApp users report having connectivity problems and call quality issues:
- Poor network infrastructure in rural areas of developing countries can make WhatsApp calls unreliable due to limited bandwidth.
- During times of political unrest, some regimes throttle or block communication apps like WhatsApp which can disrupt service.
- Military and government institutions may prohibit the use of WhatsApp calling on their networks.
- In remote regions like mountains or rural areas, cellular network coverage limitations can impact WhatsApp call connectivity.
So while WhatsApp calling is available to billions of users worldwide, there are still some locations where connectivity can be inconsistent or totally unavailable depending on technical and political factors.
Overview of Countries Blocking or Restricting WhatsApp Calling
To summarize, here is an overview of the main countries where WhatsApp voice and/or video calling are currently blocked or restricted in some way:
| Country | WhatsApp Calling Restriction |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Voice calling blocked, video calling available |
| Qatar | Voice calling blocked, video calling available |
| Saudi Arabia | No current restrictions, but connectivity can be inconsistent |
| China | WhatsApp completely blocked |
| North Korea | WhatsApp completely blocked |
| Cuba | Restrictions on free voice calling services |
| Iran | WhatsApp blocked, some access via VPNs |
Why WhatsApp Calling is Blocked
There are several reasons why some countries implement restrictions on WhatsApp calling and other internet-based communication services:
Economic Protectionism
Some countries want to protect the revenues of their state-owned telecom carriers. Services like WhatsApp allow free internet calling, which can undermine expensive cellular call rates charged by telecoms.
Increased Censorship and Surveillance
Free online call services can make it more difficult for authoritarian regimes to monitor and control communications. Blocking tools like WhatsApp calling enhances their censorship and surveillance abilities.
National Security Justifications
Governments may argue free online calling makes law enforcement investigations more difficult if communications can’t be easily accessed. However, critics argue this can be a pretext for increasing surveillance on citizens.
User Data Privacy Regulations
Some countries are implementing data localization laws requiring citizens’ data to be stored domestically. Companies like WhatsApp may face blockages if unable to meet data storage requirements.
Technical Infrastructure Limitations
In developing countries, limited bandwidth and cellular infrastructure can make it difficult to support free services like WhatsApp calling at scale. However, critics argue these technical arguments may hide economic protectionism.
Using VPNs to Access WhatsApp Calling
In countries where WhatsApp calling is blocked, there are still ways for users to access the voice and video calling features:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A VPN masks a user’s IP address and location, allowing them to bypass geolocation blocks and access blocked services like WhatsApp calling. VPNs route web traffic through remote servers, circumventing restrictions.
Web-Based WhatsApp Calling
WhatsApp’s web browser version at web.whatsapp.com allows users to access messaging and calling features even if mobile apps are blocked. A VPN connection may still be required.
Proxy Servers
Routing web connections through an intermediate proxy server located in another country can allow users to bypass location-based blocks on services like WhatsApp calling.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp calling is available globally in most countries, restrictions in nations like the UAE, Qatar, China, and others prevent complete worldwide usage. Blocks are often implemented based on economic protectionism, increased censorship motivations, and technical limitations. However, determined users can still access WhatsApp’s voice and video calling features through VPN services. As internet communication continues to spread, the availability of free online calling services like WhatsApp will remain contested in some regions.