Trying to call someone on WhatsApp but it’s not working for just one contact? Don’t worry, there are a few quick troubleshooting steps you can take to get WhatsApp calling working again.
Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing to check is whether you have an active internet connection. WhatsApp calls require a stable internet connection in order to work properly. Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your WiFi is connected and working properly. Try connecting to a different WiFi network if needed.
- If on mobile data, check that you have a strong 4G, LTE, or 5G connection. Toggle airplane mode on and off to refresh the mobile connection.
- Run a speed test on your network to confirm you have a fast, stable connection. WhatsApp calls need at least 128 kbps download and upload speeds.
- If connection seems slow, try moving closer to your router or turning off other devices using the network to maximize bandwidth.
Without a strong internet connection, WhatsApp calling functionality will be limited or not work at all. Verify connectivity first before troubleshooting further.
Update The WhatsApp App
An outdated version of WhatsApp can also cause calling issues. Make sure you’re running the latest version of WhatsApp on your device:
- On Android, open Google Play Store, go to Updates, and check for a WhatsApp update. Install if available.
- On iPhone, open the App Store, go to Updates, and install any WhatsApp update.
- On Windows Phone, open the Store app, go to Updates, and update WhatsApp if possible.
- On a desktop, make sure you have downloaded the latest desktop app from WhatsApp.com.
Updating to the newest WhatsApp version will give you the latest calling features and bug fixes. An outdated app can sometimes cause calls to fail.
Force Stop WhatsApp
Sometimes WhatsApp can get stuck running in the background or cache incorrect data. Force stopping the app fixes this:
- On Android, open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp and select Force Stop.
- On iPhone, swipe up to close WhatsApp, then reopen it.
- On Windows Phone, close WhatsApp using the task switcher, then reopen it.
- On desktop, close and relaunch the WhatsApp application.
Forcing WhatsApp to fully close and restart clears out any data issues that could be interfering with calls.
Allow WhatsApp Access to Microphone and Camera
WhatsApp needs permission to access your microphone and camera in order to make calls. Check that WhatsApp has permission enabled:
- On Android, open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and enable Microphone and Camera access.
- On iPhone, open Settings > Privacy > Microphone and Camera and check WhatsApp is enabled.
- On Windows Phone, open Settings > Microphone and Camera and enable access for WhatsApp.
- On Desktop, allow access to Microphone and Camera when WhatsApp first prompts for permission.
If WhatsApp doesn’t have permission to use microphone or camera, calls will be unable to initiated or received.
Disable Battery Optimization
On Android devices, battery optimization can sometimes disable WhatsApp from running properly in the background. Turn this off in Settings:
- Open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Battery > Battery optimization and select Don’t Optimize
This ensures WhatsApp can run smoothly without battery optimization limitations causing issues.
Clear WhatsApp Cache and Data
If the above steps don’t fix your calling issues, try clearing the WhatsApp cache and data. This erases corrupt data that could be affecting calls:
- On Android, open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data
- On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select WhatsApp and tap Offload App, then reinstall WhatsApp.
- On Windows Phone, go to Settings > Storage > Temporary Files > Select WhatsApp > Remove Files.
- On Desktop, close WhatsApp, delete the WhatsApp databases folder, then relaunch WhatsApp.
This forces WhatsApp to start fresh and re-synchronize all data, which can resolve persistent calling problems.
Check If Calling Is Disabled
It’s also possible calling capabilities are disabled for some reason in WhatsApp settings:
- On Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone, open WhatsApp Settings > Calls and make sure Calling over cellular data and Calling over Wi-Fi is enabled.
- On Desktop, open WhatsApp Settings > Calls and enable calling over Wi-Fi.
If calling is disabled here, enable both options to resolve call issues.
Contact WhatsApp Support
In rare cases where calls are still not working to one contact after trying the above, you may need to reach out to WhatsApp support:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us and explain the issue you’re facing.
- You can also tweet @WhatsAppSupport for help troubleshooting.
WhatsApp can investigate issues on their back end that may be interfering with calls to specific users.
Tell The Contact To Update WhatsApp
If calls are failing when trying to call one specific user, the issue may be on their end. Have them try updating WhatsApp to the latest version and enabling all call options in settings.
You can also have them force close and clear cache/data for WhatsApp to resolve any app issues on their device preventing call connectivity.
Try An Alternate Calling Method
If all else fails and you still can’t call this contact on WhatsApp, explain the issue and try using an alternate calling method for now, such as:
- Standard phone call
- FaceTime Audio
- Facebook Messenger audio call
- Google Voice call
- Skype call
While not ideal, switching to another voice calling platform can at least provide a temporary workaround until the WhatsApp issue is resolved.
Common WhatsApp Calling Issues
Here are some of the most common WhatsApp calling errors and problems that users run into:
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Call drops immediately | Check internet connection stability. Move closer to router or disable other connections. |
| Call doesn’t connect | Update WhatsApp to latest version. Force close and clear cache/data. |
| Unable to receive calls | Allow WhatsApp access to microphone. Disable battery optimization. |
| Call quality is choppy | Try switching between WiFi and cellular data to use most stable connection. |
| Can’t call specific contact | Have user update WhatsApp, clear cache, check permissions. Contact WhatsApp support. |
Conclusion
With a combination of basic troubleshooting steps, WhatsApp settings tweaks, and app updates/resets, you should be able to get WhatsApp calling working again in no time.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to WhatsApp directly if a calling issue persists for a specific contact after trying all recommended solutions. There may be an obscure technical issue at play only WhatsApp can resolve.
In most cases though, a quick update, permission toggle, or network change is all that’s needed to get WhatsApp calls connecting reliably again so you can keep chatting with friends and family.