WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. One of the app’s key features is voice and video calling. However, many users get frustrated that they cannot change the default call ringtone in WhatsApp.
Why is the WhatsApp call ringtone the same for all contacts?
The default WhatsApp call ringtone is the same for all contacts. This is because WhatsApp does not allow users to set custom ringtones for different contacts. The app only has one default ringtone that is used for all incoming voice and video calls.
There are a few reasons why WhatsApp has this limitation:
- Simplicity – Having a single, consistent ringtone keeps things simple for users. Custom ringtones for each contact would add complexity.
- Limitations of WhatsApp protocol – The underlying technical protocols of WhatsApp may not support per-contact custom ringtones.
- User experience focus – WhatsApp is designed with user experience and simplicity in mind over customization.
So for these reasons, WhatsApp has stuck with its signature ringtone for all calls rather than allowing custom ringtones per contact.
Can I set a custom ringtone for WhatsApp calls?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide any built-in setting to change the call ringtone or set custom ringtones. So the default ringtone will play for all incoming WhatsApp calls.
However, there are some workarounds and hacks that technically allow changing the WhatsApp call ringtone on Android and iOS devices:
On Android
- Install a third-party app like Zedge that offers ringtones and notification sounds. Download a ringtone file you like.
- Go into your device’s Settings > Sound > Phone ringtone. Set the downloaded ringtone as your global device ringtone.
- Now when you get a WhatsApp call, it will ring with the ringtone you set rather than the default.
The downside is this changes the ringtone for all calls and notifications, not just WhatsApp. You can revert back to your normal ringtone after. Some Android skins like MIUI also allow applying custom ringtones to specific apps.
On iPhone
- Jailbreak your iPhone – this allows customizing otherwise restricted settings.
- Install a jailbreak tweak like CallBar XS which lets you set custom ringtones for calls.
- Choose a ringtone file and apply it to WhatsApp calls through the tweak.
Again this requires jailbreaking your iPhone which comes with tradeoffs. But it does give you granular control over call ringtones.
Why doesn’t WhatsApp allow changing the call ringtone?
WhatsApp intentionally limits custom ringtones to provide a consistent experience across devices. Here are some key reasons why WhatsApp doesn’t allow users to change call ringtones:
- Brand consistency – The default ringtone has become part of WhatsApp’s brand identity. Changing it can alter the app’s recognizable style.
- Simplicity – Custom ringtones adds complexity that would deviate from WhatsApp’s focus on simplicity.
- Technical restrictions – The app’s core protocols may limit the ability to apply separate call ringtones.
- Limit user distraction – Custom notifications can lead users to obsess over picking the perfect ringtone.
- No business benefit – For WhatsApp, there is likely no incremental business benefit to adding customizable ringtones.
Overall, restricting custom ringtones aligns with WhatsApp’s broader product philosophy of providing a simple, consistent, no-frills messaging experience.
Will WhatsApp ever allow changing the call ringtone?
Based on WhatsApp’s history and product strategy, it seems unlikely that they will ever allow changing the default call ringtone or setting separate custom ringtones.
Certain factors diminish the chances of WhatsApp adding this capability:
- Development resources are focused on new features like WhatsApp Pay instead of minor customization options.
- The underlying technical architecture may not easily support per-contact ringtones.
- Previous feature requests from users to customize notifications have been ignored or deprioritized.
- It goes against WhatsApp’s product philosophy of simple, seamless messaging.
However, there is a slim chance that WhatsApp could add this feature in the future if:
- Enough users request the capability that it becomes a high-demand feature.
- Changing technical foundations allow custom ringtones in a seamless way.
- Growing competition from apps likes Telegram forces WhatsApp to add more personalization options.
But given WhatsApp’s history, it’s more likely that they keep the singular default ringtone indefinitely rather than add customization.
Should I avoid WhatsApp if I want custom call ringtones?
WhatsApp’s lack of customizable call ringtones may be frustrating if you really want that capability. But it likely doesn’t warrant avoiding WhatsApp altogether.
Here are a few key considerations regarding WhatsApp’s ringtone limitation:
- It only affects one minor function – ringtone customization isn’t a core messaging feature.
- Workarounds are available – the Android and jailbreak iPhone hacks can get you custom tones.
- WhatsApp has many other advantages – like end-to-end encryption, group chats, business tools.
- Other major apps also lack custom ringtones – like FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet.
So while you don’t get total ringtone control, WhatsApp delivers an overall great messaging experience. And the workaround options can provide enough customization for most users.
But if having varied ringtones for different contacts is really important to you, then other apps may serve you better. Some alternatives to consider:
- Telegram – Allows uploading custom ringtones easily.
- Signal – Lets you select from over 30 ringtones.
- Google Voice – Offers granular ringtone settings.
- Facebook Messenger – Supports unique ringtones for contacts.
These apps make custom call ringtones much simpler. But they lack some of WhatsApp’s other benefits. So there are always tradeoffs to weigh when choosing a messaging platform.
Conclusion
Customizing the call ringtone is not possible in WhatsApp without unreliable workarounds. This limitation is due to WhatsApp’s focus on simplicity in the user experience. It is unlikely that WhatsApp will ever allow ringtone customization natively. While this restriction can be inconvenient, WhatsApp’s overall utility for messaging likely outweighs the inability to set custom ringtones for most users. If this feature is absolutely necessary, alternate apps like Telegram or Signal may suit your needs better.