WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. One of the unique features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls over the app. However, sometimes WhatsApp users notice that they have missed call notifications from contacts, without an actual call happening.
Getting mysterious missed calls on WhatsApp can be confusing and concerning for many users. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various reasons why people get WhatsApp missed call notifications and what they mean.
What is a WhatsApp Missed Call?
A WhatsApp missed call refers to a notification you receive on WhatsApp that indicates you have a missed voice or video call, but without your phone actually ringing. The call does not connect and you do not receive any ringtone. Your phone simply shows the missed call in your calls log.
This happens when someone initiates a WhatsApp call to you, but disconnects it before it can fully connect on your phone. As a result, WhatsApp registers it as a call attempt and sends you a missed call notification. However, since the call did not technically ring, you were unable to receive it.
Why Do I Get WhatsApp Missed Call Notifications?
There are several potential reasons why you may notice WhatsApp missed call notifications from your contacts:
1. Pocket Dials
Pocket dialing refers to when someone inadvertently initiates a phone call when their device is in their pocket, bag or purse. This often happens by accidentally pressing phone buttons when the device is unlocked.
The same thing can occur on WhatsApp if someone has opened your chat window and accidentally taps the voice/video call button. This triggers a call which disconnects soon after. But it still registers as a missed call on your end.
2. Butt Dials
Similar to pocket dials, butt dials happen when someone sits on their phone and unintentionally initiates a call. If this happens on WhatsApp with your chat open, you will receive a missed call notification without the call ringing.
3. Accidental Taps
Sometimes people can tap the call button on WhatsApp accidentally while scrolling through their chats. This can result in a missed call if they disconnect quickly after realizing their mistake.
4. Connectivity Issues
Network connectivity issues either on the caller or receiver’s end can also lead to WhatsApp missed calls. For example, if someone initiates a WhatsApp call to you when their internet is spotty, it may not go through fully before disconnecting.
Similarly, problems on your end like weak WiFi or cellular data signals can also disrupt the call before it rings fully. This makes WhatsApp register it as a missed call.
5. App Glitches
Sometimes technical glitches in the WhatsApp app itself results in call issues and missed notifications. Bugs while initiating or receiving calls, disruptions during call screening, and app malfunctions can all display as missed calls.
6. Call Declines
When you directly decline an incoming WhatsApp call, it will show up as a missed call rather than a rejected call. This gives the impression that the call failed to connect properly.
7. Preview Declines
WhatsApp has a call preview feature where you can view who’s calling before answering. But declining the call preview also counts as a missed call instead of a reject.
8. Call Forwarding
If you have call forwarding enabled, incoming WhatsApp calls are redirected without ringing. So if someone calls you and it gets forwarded, you’ll still get a missed call notification.
9. Do Not Disturb
Having your phone on Do Not Disturb mode means calls will not produce audible rings but still display as missed calls in your log when disconnected.
10. Restricted Contacts
If you’ve blocked or restricted a contact, their WhatsApp calls will automatically go to voicemail. You may still see them as missed calls from restricted numbers.
Should I Worry About WhatsApp Missed Calls?
For the most part, getting sporadic WhatsApp missed call notifications is not a cause for concern. The reasons are usually harmless ones like pocket dials, accidental taps or call declines.
However, if you notice a pattern of frequent missed calls from certain contacts, it may be a sign of more malicious intentions:
- Someone may be repeatedly calling to harass you or initiate unwanted contact.
- Scammers often use missed calls to get targets to call back and incur premium charges.
- Attackers can exploit WhatsApp vulnerabilities using missed calls as part of social engineering ploys.
In such cases, you should block the contact and be wary of unknown numbers leaving frequent WhatsApp missed calls.
How to Identify Genuine vs Prank WhatsApp Missed Calls
It can be hard to differentiate genuine missed calls from prank calls or accidental dials. Here are some ways to help identify if a WhatsApp missed call was likely unintentional:
- No follow-up message – They didn’t send a text after the missed call.
- No callbacks – The missed call is not followed by repeat calls right after.
- Unsaved or unknown number – It comes from a number not in your contacts.
- Accidental dialer – The contact has pocket dialed you before.
- Odd timing – It occurs at an unusual hour like early morning.
On the other hand, here are signs that a WhatsApp missed call was probably intentional and genuine:
- Follow-up message – They text you soon after the missed call.
- Saved contact – The call comes from someone in your contacts.
- Repeat calls – You get another call or reminder from the same number.
- Usual timing – It happens during typical waking hours.
- Expected caller – It’s someone you were expecting to call you.
How to Stop Getting WhatsApp Missed Call Notifications
If you are annoyed or concerned by constant WhatsApp missed call alerts, here are some tips to prevent them:
- Ask contacts to stop pocket or butt dialing you on WhatsApp.
- Disable WhatsApp call previews to avoid preview decline missed calls.
- Adjust Do Not Disturb settings so only favorites can ring through.
- Block and report numbers that harass you with unwanted missed calls.
- Turn off WhatsApp notifications for non-urgent contacts.
- Set your online status to invisible to avoid accidental dials.
While you cannot completely eliminate WhatsApp missed calls, these steps can help reduce their frequency and minimize disruptions.
What to Do When You Get a WhatsApp Missed Call
If you receive a WhatsApp missed call alert, here are some recommended actions:
- Check if it’s from a known contact you recognize.
- Open WhatsApp to view details and call back if it seems genuine.
- Look for a follow-up message explaining the missed call.
- If necessary, return the call or reply asking what they needed.
- For unknown numbers, do not call back without verifying who it is.
- Block/report suspicious missed calls from unfamiliar numbers.
The most prudent approach is to not instinctively call back unsolicited WhatsApp missed calls. Take time to verify the source and purpose first before deciding to return questionable missed calls.
FAQs about WhatsApp Missed Calls
Does WhatsApp notify about missed calls?
Yes, WhatsApp has a feature that sends missed call notifications whenever you do not answer an incoming WhatsApp voice or video call. The call remains in your call log with a missed call icon next to it.
Why do I only get 1 ring on WhatsApp calls?
Only getting 1 ring before a WhatsApp call disconnects usually means there is a network error preventing the call from fully going through. Check your internet connectivity. Enabling WhatsApp’s Low Data Usage option can also restrict rings.
Can we call someone who has not saved our number?
Yes, you can initiate a WhatsApp call to anyone in your contacts list, even if they don’t have your number saved. However, the call will not connect if the recipient has blocked unknown numbers in their privacy settings.
Does deleting WhatsApp call history delete it from other phones?
No, when you delete your WhatsApp call history it only removes the calls from your device’s call log. Call histories are not synced between devices, so clearing it does not affect logs on other phones.
Why is my WhatsApp calling not available?
WhatsApp calling may be unavailable due to internet connectivity issues, account suspensions, country-specific restrictions, or app problems. Try switching Wifi/mobile data, verifying your number, or reinstalling WhatsApp to troubleshoot.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp missed call alerts can be perplexing, they are usually the result of accidental dials, call declines or technical glitches during call connections. However, frequent missed calls could indicate potential harassment or scams.
Analyze the source, timing and pattern of such calls before deciding to call back unknown contacts. Use blocking, Do Not Disturb and online privacy adjustments to minimize disruptive missed call notifications. Stay vigilant, but don’t panic when you see the odd WhatsApp missed call.