11 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working on iPhone and Android

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Ever been in the middle of an important WhatsApp call and suddenly the audio cuts out or the video freezes? Or worse, you’re unable to initiate a WhatsApp call at all? Yep, we’ve all been there.

WhatsApp calls are super handy, but when they stop working, it can be beyond frustrating. The good news? Fixing it is usually easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll show you how to fix WhatsApp call not working on iPhone and Android so you can quickly hop back onto your next voice or video call.

Table of Contents

Why WhatsApp Calls Fail on iPhone or Android
11 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working
Final Thoughts

Why WhatsApp Calls Fail on iPhone or Android

You may be wondering: “Why can’t I video call on my iPhone?” or “Why isn’t WhatsApp ringing on my Android?” The causes aren’t always obvious, but the symptoms usually are.

Common signs WhatsApp calls aren’t working:

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Tapping the call button does nothing.
Calls try to connect but never do.
Incoming calls don’t ring.
Audio drops, you can’t hear the other person, or they can’t hear you.
Video freezes, turns black, or looks glitchy.

The main culprits:

Shaky internet: Weak Wi-Fi, spotty mobile data, or VPN interference.
Outdated software: Old versions of WhatsApp or your phone’s OS.
Permissions denied: No mic, camera, or notification access.
Phone settings: Do Not Disturb, Silent Mode, or Low Data Mode.
Server outages: WhatsApp might be down globally.
Device limitations: Older phones may not support the latest app updates.
Bugs & storage issues: Cache buildup or corrupted files.

11 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working

These fixes apply to both iPhone and Android (with slight variations). Follow them step by step, and you’ll be back to calling in no time.

1. Check Internet Connection

First things first: Is your internet playing nice? WhatsApp calls require a stable connection, so a weak signal may prevent calls from working.

Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) to see if that helps.
If you’re using a VPN, turn it off. It can slow things down or block calls entirely.
Also, cycle your router if the internet speed is slow. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and reconnect.
On your phone, toggle Airplane mode on/off for a quick reset.
If you’re in a spotty area, move closer to your router or try a different network.
Network issues persisting? As a last resort, reset your network settings.

Pro tip Run a speed test on your browser to confirm your connection is strong enough (aim for at least 1 Mbps for voice, more for video).

2. Restart Your Device

A simple reboot clears temporary glitches.

For iPhone: Hold the Side button and Volume down until the slider appears, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn back on.
For Android: Hold the power button, select Restart.

After restarting, open WhatsApp and test a call. This has fixed WhatsApp call not ringing and call failed problems for tons of folks.

3. Update WhatsApp and Your System

Outdated software is a sneaky troublemaker.

Head to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
Search for WhatsApp.
Hit Update if available.

WhatsApp’s latest versions often patch call bugs, such as the recent security fix for iOS exploits.

Also, check your phone’s OS and ensure it’s up-to-date.

iPhone users, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.
Android: Settings > System > System Update.

Once your phone restarts, try initiating a WhatsApp call. Updates can resolve audio drops or connection failures.

4. Check WhatsApp Outage

Sometimes it’s not your fault! WhatsApp might be having a bad day.

Visit DownDetector or search “WhatsApp down” on X (Twitter).
If it’s global, wait it out.

5. Grant Camera & Microphone Permissions

WhatsApp needs permission to use your mic and camera. Without it, calls won’t initiate and have audio/video issues.

On iPhone: Access Settings > Apps > WhatsApp and toggle on Microphone and Camera.
Android: Go to Settings > Apps > App Management > WhatsApp > Permissions. Here, ensure Camera and Microphone is allowed.
Try stating a call: Start a WhatsApp call and see if it prompts you. Tap Allow to grant access. If not, toggle permissions off/on.
Test during a call: If you encounter audio or video glitches, tap the mic and camera icon to disable them, then re-enable.

This fixes “can’t hear audio” or “no video” issues in WhatsApp calls every time.

6. Enable Notifications

If specifically WhatsApp calls aren’t ringing on your iPhone or Android, notifications might be the villain.

Check phone settings: Go to iPhone Settings app > Notifications > WhatsApp > Allow Notifications and toggle on Sounds.
In WhatsApp: Settings > Notifications > Turn on all the options.

On Android, steps are similar in the app and system settings. You can also set a different ringtone for calls in WhatsApp settings. Thus, you will never miss incoming calls.

Tip If calls are not ringing only for unsaved contacts, go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Calls > Toggle off Silence unknown numbers.

7. Turn Off Low Data Mode

Low Data Mode saves your data consumption. It’s helpful if you’re on a limited data plan, but it causes WhatsApp calls to lag or fail.

On iPhone, you need to disable the feature on Wi-Fi or cellular, depending on what you use.

For mobile data: Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle off Low Data Mode.
For Wi-Fi: Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap (i) button next to your network > Turn off Low Data Mode.

If you’re an Android user, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver off. This is a game-changer for video calls that won’t load.

Tip Still experiencing poor call quality? Access WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Advanced and toggle off Protect IP address in calls. This ensures your calls are not routed through WhatsApp servers. However, hackers can infer your location.

8. Disable Silent/Do Not Disturb

Your phone might be on mute without you realizing, silencing incoming call rings.

iPhone: Swipe down Control Center, tap the moon icon to turn off Do Not Disturb or Focus modes. From Settings, select Sounds & Haptics and drag the Ringtone slider to the right.
Android: Head to Settings > Sound & Vibration > ensure Do Not Disturb is off. Also, set Ring mode and increase Ringtone volume to ensure calls ring loud.

9. Delete & Reinstall WhatsApp

If nothing’s working, a fresh start helps.

Long-press the WhatsApp icon from your home screen.
Select Remove App (iOS) or Uninstall (Android).
Confirm your choice to delete WhatsApp.
Then search WhatsApp on the App Store or Google Play Store and reinstall it.

This clears the cache and corrupted files that might be causing audio/video glitches during calls. However, back up your chats first: WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat backup. So, when you reinstall it, all your messages are back.

10. Enable Background App Refresh

Calls need WhatsApp to run in the background for constant reachability.

iPhone: Open Settings and go to General > Background App Refresh and select Wi-Fi & Cellular Data and ensure WhatsApp is allowed.
Android: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Battery usage > Allow background activity. This keeps the app alert for incoming calls, fixing those silent misses.

11. Contact WhatsApp Support

If all else fails, reach out to the pros.

In WhatsApp, navigate to Settings > Help > Help Center.
Scroll down and tap Contact Us.
Explain your problem with symptoms, device, OS version and send logs if requested.

They’re quite prompt and can identify server-side issues or point you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

That’s it! One of these fixes should solve your WhatsApp call not working problem. In most cases, the issue is due to network hiccups, outdated apps, or permission settings.

Pro tip: If you’re still using an older phone (like iPhone 6 or older Androids), consider upgrading. WhatsApp gradually drops support for outdated devices. Staying updated with the latest app and OS ensures smoother calls.

Now go ahead and enjoy those family video calls and work chats without interruption.

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