WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to exchange texts, photos, videos and make voice and video calls. However, many users have experienced issues with WhatsApp calls being unexpectedly cancelled before connecting. There are several potential reasons why your WhatsApp calls may be getting cancelled.
Reasons Why WhatsApp Calls Get Cancelled
Here are some of the most common reasons why WhatsApp calls fail or get cancelled:
Poor Internet Connection
One of the main reasons why WhatsApp calls get cancelled is an unstable or poor internet connection. WhatsApp calls require a strong and consistent internet connection to function properly. If you are experiencing frequent call cancellations, it likely means you have a weak WiFi signal or mobile data coverage.
Things like being in a building with thick walls, being far away from the WiFi router, network congestion, or being in a remote area with poor reception can lead to a spotty internet connection. Try moving closer to your router or switch to mobile data if you are on WiFi.
Outdated App Version
Ensure you are running the latest version of the WhatsApp app. Outdated versions of WhatsApp may suffer from bugs and issues that lead to problems with voice and video calling. Update to the newest version of WhatsApp from your phone’s app store to get the latest fixes and optimization.
Incorrect App Permissions
WhatsApp requires certain permissions to be enabled on your device for calls to work properly. Check that WhatsApp has permissions to access your camera, microphone, contacts, storage files, etc. If any required permissions are disabled, it can interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to place calls. Grant all necessary permissions in your device settings.
Do Not Disturb Mode Enabled
If your phone is set to Do Not Disturb mode, WhatsApp calls may fail to connect. Disable Do Not Disturb and try making a WhatsApp call again. Make sure your phone is not set to mute or block calls during certain times that could overlap with when you are trying to use WhatsApp calling.
Phone Storage is Full
Your phone requires adequate free storage space for WhatsApp to function optimally. If your phone storage is completely full or almost full, it can prevent WhatsApp from being able to place calls properly. Try clearing up storage space on your phone and then attempt a WhatsApp call again.
Software Bug or Glitch
In some cases, a software glitch or bug in WhatsApp could be the culprit behind call cancellations.Try force closing the WhatsApp app, clear cache/data, restart your phone, uninstall/reinstall the app to see if it resolves any software issues leading to failed calls.
Phone OS Update Issues
Recent phone OS updates can sometimes introduce new bugs that affect WhatsApp’s performance and calling abilities. Check if your issues started after a major OS update and look for any known bugs with that OS version. Rollback the update or wait for a fix patch if major new updates are causing problems.
Incompatible or Restricted Phone Model
Very old phone models may no longer be supported by the latest WhatsApp versions needed for calling. And certain manufacturer or carrier restricted models block WhatsApp calling functionality. Check if your phone meets WhatsApp’s minimum OS requirements and does not have any carrier limitations imposed.
Account Ban or Restriction
In extreme cases, your WhatsApp account itself may be banned or restricted from making voice/video calls due to violations of WhatsApp’s terms. Try contacting WhatsApp support if you cannot identify any other issues causing call cancellations.
Synchronization Issues
If WhatsApp is not properly syncing your contacts, messages and call history between devices, it can interfere with call connectivity. Force stop the app on all devices, then log out and back in to your WhatsApp account on each device to resync everything properly.
Conflict With Other Apps
Rarely, there may be conflicts between WhatsApp and other apps or services related to VoIP calling on the same device leading to call problems. Try disabling or uninstalling other calling/messaging apps temporarily to see if that fixes WhatsApp call cancellations.
How to Fix WhatsApp Call Cancellations
Based on the likely reasons above, here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve WhatsApp call cancellations and failed connections:
Check Your Internet Connection
First, check your WiFi or mobile data connection strength. Make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection when trying to make WhatsApp calls. Move closer to your router or switch from WiFi to mobile data if needed.
Update the WhatsApp App
Go to your device’s app store and install the latest version of WhatsApp if you are not on the newest update. Updates often fix bugs causing calling issues.
Enable All Necessary App Permissions
Open your phone settings, go to app permissions and make sure WhatsApp has access to the microphone, camera, storage, contacts etc. Disable Do Not Disturb mode as well.
Clear Phone Storage
Delete unused apps, photos, videos and files to free up internal storage space on your phone for WhatsApp to work smoothly. At least 100MB should be free.
Force Stop and Clear App Data
Force close WhatsApp, then clear cache and data to wipe out any corrupt files or glitches causing problems. Reopen WhatsApp and log back into your account.
Update Your Phone’s Operating System
If your phone OS has a newer version available, update it to fix any OS-level bugs impacting WhatsApp. Avoid using beta OS versions which may be unstable.
Check for App Conflicts
Temporary disable or uninstall other messaging/calling apps like Skype, Viber etc to check for conflicts with WhatsApp. Reinstall them after testing.
Remove Account Ban
If your account was banned from calling, submit an appeal to WhatsApp to remove the restriction after reviewing their terms and conditions.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, contact WhatsApp directly through their website for troubleshooting help if calls are still cancelling unexplainedly in your situation.
Best Practices to Avoid WhatsApp Call Cancellations
Here are some tips to prevent WhatsApp call issues in the future:
Keep the App Updated
Install WhatsApp updates as soon as they become available to get the latest optimizations and bug fixes. Set your device settings to auto-update apps.
Use a Stable Internet Connection
For reliable calls, only use WhatsApp calling when connected to strong WiFi or cellular data. Avoid making calls with poor reception.
Disable Battery Saver Mode
Battery saver modes can sometimes disrupt WhatsApp’s background processes and ability to maintain calls. Disable battery saver for uninterrupted calls.
Enable WhatsApp Call Notifications
Under WhatsApp settings, ensure notifications for incoming calls are enabled so you never miss a call. Grant notification access permissions.
Limit Use of Dual SIM Devices
Dual SIM devices are more prone to cellular and connectivity issues that can interfere with WhatsApp call stability. Limit use to 1 SIM at a time.
Avoid Background App Activity
Suspend battery intensive apps running in the background to prioritize connectivity resources for your WhatsApp call and prevent disruptions.
Check for Network Outages
Before making a WhatsApp call, confirm your mobile carrier or local ISP does not have any active service outages impacting connectivity in your area.
Restart Your Phone Before Calls
Quickly power cycle your phone before making an important WhatsApp call to flush out any memory issues and ensure optimal performance.
What to Do When a WhatsApp Call is Cancelled?
If a WhatsApp call still gets cut off unexpectedly, follow these steps:
Wait and Redial
Allow a minute or two for networks to stabilize and attempt calling the contact again if needed. The issue may be temporary.
Restart WhatsApp
Force close the WhatsApp app and restart it to reset the calling mechanism and clear out any glitches. Then try making the call again.
Switch Network Connection
If you are on WiFi, switch to mobile data or vice versa to check if one network is more stable for calling at your location.
Enable Airplane Mode
Briefly enabling airplane mode can force your device’s radios to reconnect and rectify any temporary network issues disrupting WhatsApp calls.
Contact Your Friend
Let your friend know the call dropped and ask if they also experienced the cancellation on their end or if it was an issue only affecting you.
Check WhatsApp Call Status
The call status shown in your WhatsApp call log can provide insight into why the call failed to help identify solutions.
Submit Bug Report
Go into WhatsApp Settings > Help > Contact Us to submit a bug report if call cancellations persist so developers can investigate and fix the problem.
Conclusion
In most cases, WhatsApp call cancellations can be easily fixed by switching networks, updating the app, adjusting permissions, freeing up storage or restarting your device. But if call connectivity issues continue despite troubleshooting, it may require reporting the problem to WhatsApp for further assistance. Consistently following best practices like maintaining a strong internet signal, keeping WhatsApp updated, and granting required app permissions can help minimize disruptions and improve call reliability.