WhatsApp video calling is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. However, sometimes you may run into issues receiving video calls on WhatsApp. There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to receive WhatsApp video calls:
Your internet connection is poor
In order to make or receive WhatsApp video calls, you need a stable internet connection with good bandwidth. WhatsApp video calls require a minimum internet speed of 128 kbps. If your internet is slow or experiencing high latency, it can prevent you from receiving video calls properly. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to cellular data if you are having issues on Wi-Fi.
Your phone is low on storage
Your phone needs to have sufficient storage available to be able to handle WhatsApp video calls. If your phone storage is nearly full, it can cause problems receiving or making video calls. Try clearing up space by removing unused apps, photos and files. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least 500MB of free space.
Background data is disabled
WhatsApp needs to be allowed to use background data in order to receive video calls when the app is not open. If background data is disabled, calls will not come through unless you are in the WhatsApp app. Check your phone settings to make sure WhatsApp is allowed to use background data.
Do Not Disturb mode is activated
If Do Not Disturb mode is turned on, you will not receive any notification sounds or visuals for incoming WhatsApp video calls. This causes you to miss the calls unless you are already in the app. Make sure Do Not Disturb is disabled or that you have allowed exceptions for calls from important contacts.
Issues with phone software or WhatsApp
Bugs or problems with your phone’s operating system or the WhatsApp app itself could prevent video calling from working properly. Make sure you are running the latest software updates on your phone. Also try reinstalling the WhatsApp app if you are having persistent issues receiving calls.
Your phone lacks video calling support
WhatsApp video calling requires a phone with front camera and supports VoIP calling. Very old phones may not have these capabilities. You’ll need a relatively modern smartphone like an iPhone or Android phone in order to make and receive WhatsApp video calls.
Your phone number is banned
In extreme cases, your phone number could be banned from WhatsApp if it was previously associated with bad behavior that violated WhatsApp’s terms of service. This is not common, but can prevent you from using video calling if your number was banned.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you are unable to receive WhatsApp video calls, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
1. Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a stable WiFi or cellular data connection. Run a speed test if possible. As mentioned, you need at least 128kbps download and upload speeds to handle a WhatsApp video call properly. Move closer to your router or switch from WiFi to cellular data to test the video calling.
2. Restart your phone
Restarting your phone will clear out any software glitches that could be preventing WhatsApp from making video calls properly. Power your phone off completely and then boot it back up. Then try to receive a WhatsApp video call.
3. Update WhatsApp
Go to your app store and make sure you have installed the latest version of WhatsApp. The developers often release bug fixes and performance improvements with app updates. Updating to the newest version can resolve problems.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp
If updating WhatsApp does not help, try uninstalling the app completely from your phone and then redownloading and reinstalling it. This will give you a fresh install of the app which can fix software issues.
5. Update your phone software
Make sure your phone’s operating system is updated to the latest version available. Software updates frequently include bug fixes and optimizations that can improve performance of apps like WhatsApp.
6. Free up phone storage
Delete unused photos, apps, and files to free up internal storage space on your phone. As mentioned, you ideally want at least 500MB free to ensure WhatsApp has enough room to function properly.
7. Turn off battery saver/data saver
Some battery and data saver modes can restrict background data usage and prevent you receiving WhatsApp calls when the app is not actively open. Try disabling these modes and see if your ability to receive calls improves.
8. Allow WhatsApp background data
Check your phone settings to make sure WhatsApp is allowed to use background data. You have to allow this in order for calls to come through when you are not in the app itself.
9. Disable Do Not Disturb
Make sure Do Not Disturb mode is turned off on your phone or set so that calls from important contacts can still come through. This prevents your phone from blocking WhatsApp call notifications.
10. Contact your cell provider
For persistent WiFi and cellular data issues, you may need to contact your mobile carrier and have them troubleshoot your connection. There could be network problems preventing WhatsApp calls from coming through reliably.
Common WhatsApp Video Call Issues
Here are some other common WhatsApp video call problems beyond just the inability to receive calls:
Calls disconnect during the call
If WhatsApp calls are disconnecting during the call itself, it is likely due to a poor internet connection. Check your WiFi or cellular signal strength and switch between the two to find a more reliable connection.
Video quality is very poor
With a slow internet connection, WhatsApp will lower video quality to try to maintain the call. This results in blurry, pixelated video. Improve your internet speeds for better quality.
Can’t make outgoing video calls
If your connection is good but you can’t seem to place video calls (while others can call you), it may be related to phone software issues or your SIM card. Try the troubleshooting steps above.
Calls go straight to voicemail
If calls are going to voicemail without ringing on your end, check Do Not Disturb settings and make sure WhatsApp is allowed to bypass it. You may also want to contact your carrier.
Calls continuously buffering
Excessive buffering during WhatsApp video calls is normally due to unstable internet. Switch between WiFi and cellular to see if one provides a stronger connection during calls.
Tips for Improving WhatsApp Video Call Quality
Beyond basic troubleshooting, here are some tips for achieving the best possible WhatsApp video call experience:
Use a strong internet connection
When possible, use a WiFi or cellular data connection with at least 3-4 bars of signal strength. Weak connections will degrade call quality.
Get closer to your router
If using WiFi, try moving closer to your wireless router for the strongest possible signal during video calls. The closer you are, the higher quality.
Limit background bandwidth usage
Pause or disconnect other devices using your home or mobile internet to prioritize bandwidth for WhatsApp calls. This prevents slowdowns.
Turn off VPN connections
VPN connections can funnel traffic through remote servers that slow down connectivity. Turn off your VPN when making WhatsApp video calls.
Close other apps
Try closing out any apps running in the background on your phone that could be using bandwidth. This dedicates more connectivity to WhatsApp.
Use cellular data instead of WiFi
In some cases, cellular networks like 4G LTE provide lower latency and more reliable speeds than spotty WiFi. Test both to compare quality.
Call during off-peak times
Making WhatsApp video calls during periods of heavy network usage can result in degraded quality. Try scheduling calls during less congested off-peak hours.
Update WhatsApp frequently
Routine WhatsApp updates improve video calling performance as the developers continue optimizing the app. Always keep WhatsApp up to date.
Lower your phone camera resolution
Very high camera resolutions use more bandwidth. Lower your phone’s rear camera resolution in settings for smoother WhatsApp video calls.
Use WhatsApp’s Data Saver mode
Enable Data Saver mode within WhatsApp’s settings to lower data usage and improve call performance on slow connections. This caps video quality during calls.
Disable video if connections are very poor
In areas with extremely slow internet, you may need to disable video calling and use WhatsApp audio calls only to ensure smooth connectivity.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has revolutionized communication by offering free, real-time video calling globally. If you follow the troubleshooting tips outlined and optimize your phone’s settings, you should be able to resolve any issues with receiving WhatsApp video calls. The most common problems involve internet connectivity, app bugs, phone software, blocked notifications, and storage space. Carefully go through the troubleshooting list to identify and eliminate any factors preventing you from getting WhatsApp video calls. With a stable cellular or WiFi connection, proper phone software and settings configuration, and the latest version of WhatsApp, you’ll be video calling with friends and family in no time.