The calls tab on WhatsApp allows users to see their call history and make voice or video calls to their WhatsApp contacts. However, some users may find that the calls tab is missing from their WhatsApp app. There are a few reasons why the calls tab may not be showing and some steps to get it back.
Why is the calls tab missing?
Here are some common reasons why you may not see the calls tab on WhatsApp:
- Outdated app – If you haven’t updated the WhatsApp app in a while, you may be running an old version that doesn’t have the calls tab.
- Restricted by settings – The calls tab can be disabled in WhatsApp’s settings. Check your settings to see if calls are disabled.
- Country restrictions – In some countries, the ability to make calls through WhatsApp is restricted. The calls tab is hidden if calls are not available.
- Account restrictions – WhatsApp may restrict the calls tab for certain accounts due to policy violations.
- Network connection – The calls tab may temporarily disappear if you have connectivity issues or a very weak network.
If none of these reasons apply, there may be a glitch causing the calls tab to be missing from your WhatsApp.
How to get the calls tab back on WhatsApp
Try these troubleshooting steps to restore the calls tab on WhatsApp:
- Force quit and relaunch the app – Completely close out of the WhatsApp app and restart it. This refreshes the app and resets any glitches.
- Update WhatsApp – Go to your app store and install the latest version of WhatsApp. Updates fix bugs and add new features like the calls tab.
- Check app permissions – Make sure WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone, phone, and contacts. The calls tab needs these permissions.
- Toggle calls on/off in Settings – Open WhatsApp Settings > Calls and toggle the slider on or off, then on again.
- Log out and back in – Sign out of your WhatsApp account completely and log back in. This syncs your account info.
- Reinstall WhatsApp – As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to do a clean reset of the app.
After trying these steps, the calls tab should reappear in the app. If not, get in touch with WhatsApp support for further help.
What you can do in the calls tab
Once you have the calls tab back, here’s what you can do there:
- View call history – See all your incoming and outgoing WhatsApp calls.
- Voice call – Make free WhatsApp voice calls to contacts or groups.
- Video call – Make free WhatsApp video calls with your contacts and groups.
- Make calls – Tap a contact or group to directly voice or video call them.
- Delete call logs – Manage your call history by deleting specific call logs.
- Clear all logs – Clear your entire WhatsApp call history in just a tap.
The calls tab is a convenient place to see your call activity at a glance and quickly call your WhatsApp contacts. If it goes missing, follow the troubleshooting steps to get it back.
Reasons the WhatsApp calls tab disappears
Here are some of the most common reasons why the WhatsApp calls tab may disappear or be hidden from view:
Outdated App Version
If you haven’t updated the WhatsApp app in a while, you could be running an outdated version that doesn’t include the calls tab. Keeping WhatsApp updated ensures you have all the latest features.
Disabled Calls
WhatsApp gives you the option to disable calls in the app settings. If calls are disabled, the calls tab will be hidden. Check your settings and make sure calling is enabled.
Network Issues
Connectivity problems like a poor internet connection or weak mobile data can cause features like the calls tab to temporarily disappear in WhatsApp. Try switching networks or reconnecting to troubleshoot.
Country Bans
Some countries have banned or restricted WhatsApp call functionality due to local regulations. The calls tab will be hidden if you are in a region where calling is blocked.
Account Bans
WhatsApp may limit account functionality for those who violate their terms of service. Getting banned can result in the calls tab being removed.
Android Limitations
On some Android devices, there is limited space for tabs in the WhatsApp interface. The calls tab may be hidden if other tabs take priority.
iOS Restrictions
Apple iPhone settings like Do Not Disturb can block WhatsApp’s access to phone call functions and restrict the calls tab.
Third-Party Mods
Using unsupported third-party mods of WhatsApp can result in features like the calls tab not working properly or being hidden.
Fixes and solutions for a missing calls tab
If the WhatsApp calls tab is missing, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
Update the App
Updating to the latest version of WhatsApp from your device’s app store resolves many issues including missing tabs. An update can restore access to the calls tab if it was hidden.
Reinstall WhatsApp
Uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp may fix software glitches that could be preventing the calls tab from showing. Just be sure your chat history is backed up first.
Check App Settings
Go into WhatsApp Settings > Calls and check if calls are disabled. Re-enable calling to bring back the calls tab if it’s hidden due to this setting.
Clear App Cache/Data
Wiping WhatsApp’s cached data and clearing storage can resolve app issues and refresh its interface to show missing tabs like calls.
Update Your Phone Software
Buggy phone software can cause problems with WhatsApp. Updating your Android or iOS software may help restore interface issues like the missing calls tab.
Allow App Permissions
Make sure WhatsApp has permissions to access your phone, storage, and microphone. The calls tab may disappear if any required permissions were revoked.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, reach out to WhatsApp’s technical support team for additional help getting the calls tab to appear again if it has gone missing or been hidden.
What to do if the calls tab is missing
Here are the key steps to take if the calls tab goes missing on WhatsApp:
- Check App Version – Make sure WhatsApp is fully updated to the latest version available.
- Restart App – Force close and relaunch the WhatsApp app to reset the interface.
- Enable Calls – Go into WhatsApp Settings > Calls and enable calling if disabled.
- Allow Permissions – Confirm WhatsApp has permission to phone, microphone, and storage access.
- Clear Cache – Try wiping the app cache and data to force a refresh.
- Reinstall App – Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp as a last resort if issues persist.
- Contact Support – Reach out to WhatsApp’s support team if you still can’t get the calls tab to appear.
Following this troubleshooting guide should help resurface the calls tab if it has mysteriously disappeared from WhatsApp on your device. The calls tab is an important part of the app for voice and video chatting.
When should I worry about a missing WhatsApp calls tab?
It’s generally nothing to worry about if the WhatsApp calls tab disappears temporarily. However, here are some circumstances when a missing calls tab may be a larger concern:
- Tab missing after app updates – If the tab disappears after updating WhatsApp and isn’t just a brief glitch, it may indicate a larger issue.
- Calls disabled without your doing – If the calls tab vanishes because calls were disabled without your knowledge, your account may be compromised.
- Tab missing for days – If the tab is missing for days or weeks without returning through troubleshooting, it likely requires investigation.
- Other features malfunctioning – If calls and other features like chats or statuses also malfunction, your account could be restricted.
- Using latest app version – If you’re on the latest WhatsApp version and the calls tab is still gone, it’s likely a deeper problem.
- Phone software up to date – When your device software is fully updated and the tab is missing, it indicates an account or app issue.
- Friends/colleagues also affected – If people you know are also missing the calls tab after an update, it’s likely a wider issue.
In these situations, contacting WhatsApp support right away for help is recommended. An ongoing disappearance of the calls tab even after troubleshooting likely needs investigation.
How to troubleshoot a missing WhatsApp calls tab
Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot a missing WhatsApp calls tab on both iPhone and Android devices:
On iPhone
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app
- Check for any available updates to WhatsApp in the App Store and install
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure WhatsApp has access
- Enable calls in WhatsApp Settings > Calls
- Try logging out and back into your WhatsApp account
- Check OS software is updated on your iPhone
On Android
- Force stop WhatsApp and clear cache in App Settings
- Check Play Store for WhatsApp updates and update
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Apps > Permissions and allow permissions
- Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage and clear data
- Check that your Android OS is updated
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp as a last resort
Following these steps will help identify and resolve any issues causing the calls tab to disappear on WhatsApp for iOS and Android. If the problem persists, contacting WhatsApp support is recommended.
WhatsApp calls tab FAQs
Why did my WhatsApp calls tab disappear?
The most common reasons for the WhatsApp calls tab disappearing include outdated app versions, disabled calls, network issues, country bans, account restrictions, device limitations, iOS settings blocking calls, and third party app mods.
How do I get my WhatsApp calls tab back?
To get the calls tab back, try updating WhatsApp, reinstalling it, checking app settings, allowing permissions, clearing app cache and data, updating your phone software, and contacting WhatsApp support if needed.
Where is the WhatsApp calls tab in iPhone?
On iPhones, the WhatsApp calls tab is located at the top right of the Chats tab, beside the Camera and Status tabs. Swipe right to switch between the three tabs.
Why am I unable to make WhatsApp calls without calls tab?
If calls are enabled but you can’t make them without the tab, try force quitting and relaunching the app, installing updates, logging out and back in, allowing permissions, and contacting support.
Can I get back deleted WhatsApp call history without calls tab?
Unfortunately if the calls tab is missing and call history was deleted, there is no way to retrieve deleted call logs. You’ll have to start fresh once the tab is restored.
I reinstalled WhatsApp but no calls tab, why?
In rare cases, reinstalling WhatsApp may not bring back the calls tab. This is usually due to wider issues on your phone that require software updates or resolving app permission problems.
Conclusion
The calls tab is an important part of the WhatsApp experience for making voice and video calls. If your calls tab goes missing, try the troubleshooting tips outlined in this article to get it back. Update the app, check settings, restart your phone, clear app data, and contact support if needed. With the right fixes, you can restore the calls tab and call your WhatsApp contacts again.