WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the handy features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls directly within the app. This eliminates the need to switch between apps to call someone.
Recently, WhatsApp introduced a new way to make calls called WhatsApp link calls. This allows you to make a WhatsApp call to someone without needing to have their phone number saved in your contacts. Instead, you can simply send them a link and when they click on it, it will connect the call.
But there seems to be some confusion around what the limitations are for WhatsApp link calls. In this article, we’ll take a look at what exactly the restrictions are and what the call limits are for this new WhatsApp feature.
What are WhatsApp Link Calls?
WhatsApp link calls allow you to start a voice or video call with someone without having their phone number saved in your phone’s contacts.
To use it, you generate a call link from within the WhatsApp app and send it to the person you want to call. When they click on the link, it will launch the WhatsApp app on their device (if they have it installed) and automatically connect the call.
This can be useful if you want to call someone but don’t have their number, like a customer service representative or a work colleague. The link acts as a shortcut to start the call without needing to exchange phone numbers first.
Some key advantages of WhatsApp link calls:
– Don’t need the contact’s phone number
– Calls are still end-to-end encrypted like regular WhatsApp calls
– Links can be shared via chat, email, website, etc
– Only people with the link can join the call
What are the Limits for WhatsApp Link Calls?
When WhatsApp first launched link calls, there was some uncertainty around whether there were any limits imposed or if spammers could abuse the feature.
WhatsApp has since clarified the limits are as follows:
Link Call Limit
– Each link call can only be used once. After the call ends, the link expires and can’t be used to rejoin.
Link Generation Limit
– There is a limit to how many unique call links can be generated. If too many links are created, you may encounter an error.
Participation Limit
– Only 2 participants can join a WhatsApp link call directly. If you want more people, you can merge calls together.
Duration Limit
– There is no time limit imposed on WhatsApp link calls. You can have a call that lasts for hours if needed.
Device Limit
– Links only work on smartphones – you cannot join a link call from WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop app.
So in summary, the main restrictions are:
– Single use links
– Can only generate a certain number of links
– Max of 2 participants
– Mobile only (no desktop)
But otherwise, you can have long uninterrupted calls using the link without worrying about limits.
Why are Limits Imposed on Link Calls?
WhatsApp has imposed some sensible limits on link calls to prevent abuse of the feature. The restrictions help ensure the feature is useful while avoiding spammers exploiting it.
Some of the potential abuses the limits help prevent include:
Spam Calls
If links could be reused infinitely, people could repetitively spam call others which would be disruptive. The single use limit stops this.
Generating Too Many Links
A large number of links could be used to spam lots of people and bombard them with calls. Capping total links helps alleviate this issue.
Large Call Groups
If a single link allowed unlimited participants, it could be possible to add lots of people to giant calls which may be unmanageable.
Endless Calls
No duration limit could also lead to very long calls that take up excessive resources. Reasonable people likely don’t need calls longer than a few hours.
So in essence, WhatsApp aims to allow legitimate use cases while preventing misuse from spammers and disruptive callers. The limits seem well calibrated to achieve that goal.
What Happens if You Exceed the Limits?
If you do happen to go over the limits for WhatsApp call links, here is what will occur:
Single Use Limit
– The link will simply stop working after the first call ends. Attempting to reuse it will result in an error.
Link Generation Limit
– You’ll see an error that too many links have been created and new ones cannot be generated.
Call Participation Limit
– Only the first 2 people to click the link will be able to join. Any others will get an error that the call is full.
Device Limit
– Trying to use a link on WhatsApp Web or Desktop will result in an error that the call can only be joined from mobile.
So while the limits are firm, you simply get blocked from doing the disallowed action. There is no account penalty or other issues.
Tips for Using WhatsApp Link Calls
To recap, here are some tips for utilizing WhatsApp link calls effectively within the limits:
– Generate a new link for each call – don’t reuse them
– Share links via chat, email, website etc rather than publicly posting
– For calls with >2 people, merge separate link calls together
– Keep links short and personalized to avoid mixups
– Use descriptive names and context when sending a link
– If a link stops working, generate a new one
– Limit total links created to a reasonable amount
– Remind recipients to use mobile WhatsApp to join calls
Following these best practices will help ensure you avoid crossing the limits and can conduct calls smoothly.
Conclusion
WhatsApp link calls offer a convenient way to initiate calls without needing phone numbers. The built-in limitations help prevent misuse while allowing flexible usage within reasonable bounds.
The main limits are: single use links, capped link generation, 2 participants maximum, and mobile-only access. Going over the limits simply blocks the disallowed action.
Overall, understanding the WhatsApp link call restrictions allows you to take full advantage of this useful communication feature while avoiding overstepping the boundaries. With sensible use, it provides a great new option for easily connecting calls with anyone around the world.