WhatsApp is a widely used messaging and communication app that offers a range of features, including voice and video calls. While these calling features are generally reliable, there can be instances where users might encounter various issues that can affect the quality or functionality of their WhatsApp calls. These issues can stem from factors such as network connectivity, device settings, app version, or even the recipient's settings. Understanding and troubleshooting these potential problems can help users ensure a seamless calling experience on WhatsApp.
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Common Causes and General Solutions for WhatsApp Call Issues
WhatsApp call issues are pretty common and can be caused by many reasons. However, typically they can be categorized into three leading common causes - unstable internet connection, battery saver mode affecting the app functionality, and Android phone requiring a restart. Although these issues can be pretty frustrating, there are solutions readily available for each one of them.
Unstable Internet Connection
An unstable network connection is often the prime suspect behind WhatsApp calls not working correctly. Without a stable and robust internet connection, it would be tough for your voice data to travel swiftly, causing unwanted disruptions during the call. So, test your network speed to see if it's up to par. If the problem persists, consider switching to a different Wi-Fi network or using cellular data. You can also consider restarting your router to enhance internet connectivity.
Battery Saver Mode Affecting App Functionality
Another common cause for your WhatsApp connection problems could be your phone's battery saver mode. When Battery Saver mode is activated, it limits or turns off background activity for apps, including WhatsApp, to conserve battery life. This could be the reason why your calls are failing. To solve this issue, head to your phone's Settings, locate the Battery option, and within that, you should find the Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode. Either turn it off entirely or exclude the WhatsApp app from the list of apps affected by it.
Android Phone Requiring a Restart
Sometimes, a good old-fashioned restart is all your device needs to fix minor issues related to app performance, such as WhatsApp calls not working. Restarting your phone can help close out of potentially problematic apps and refresh the phone's software. Therefore, if you are having issues connecting to your WhatsApp calls, try restarting your Android phone and see if that solves the issue.
Ensuring Proper Permissions for WhatsApp to Enable Calls
To resolve the calling issues on WhatsApp, you must first check and ensure that WhatsApp has been given the necessary permissions on your device. Here is a step-by-step guide on accessing and configuring the app permissions so that WhatsApp can make optimal use of your phone's features.
Finding and Opening WhatsApp Settings
The first step in ensuring that WhatsApp has the necessary permissions is to navigate to the app permissions section in your device settings. On an Android device, you can access this by clicking on Settings, then Apps (or Apps & notifications), followed by WhatsApp. IPhone users can access this by going to Settings and then selecting WhatsApp.
Accessing and Setting Permissions for Microphone Use
WhatsApp requires your phone’s microphone access to facilitate voice and video calls. As such, you should ensure that WhatsApp has been granted permission to use the microphone. This can be done within the App Permissions section. Click on the option 'Microphone,' and make sure it is not restricted or turned off.
Checking and Setting Permissions for Phone Use
Like the microphone, WhatsApp requires permission to access your phone's dialer for making calls. To check if this permission has been granted, navigate to the App Permissions section in your device settings again. Look for the' Phone' option and ensure it is toggled on.
Exiting Settings and Reattempting a Call
After granting the necessary permissions, you can exit the settings section and try calling on WhatsApp again. Once the app has the necessary permissions, your calling issues should be sorted out, enabling smooth and efficient voice or video calls with your contacts.
Lowering Data Use for Calls
If you have been experiencing issues with WhatsApp calls, it may have something to do with the app's 'Low data usage' setting. This setting decreases the amount of data used during a WhatsApp call but can sometimes lead to call connectivity issues. In such cases, you might want to consider disabling this feature. Here are the steps to help you adjust this setting.
Navigating to WhatsApp’s Settings
To begin, open the WhatsApp application and click on the 'more options' icon, usually represented by three dots in the screen's top right corner. From the drop-down menu, select 'Settings'.
Accessing and Adjusting “Storage and Data” Settings
Once you are in the Settings screen, look for the option called 'Storage and data' (or similar) and tap on it. This will take you to the section where you can view and change all the settings related to data usage and storage.
Toggling Off the “Use Less Data for Calls” Feature
Inside the 'Storage and data' menu, you will find an option that says, 'Use less data for calls.' If this is turned on, turn it off by clicking the checkbox or slider next. This will disable the feature that restricts data usage during calls.
Testing a Call Post-Settings Adjustment
Having done the above, exit from the settings screen and make a call to test whether the issue has been resolved. If the feature was causing a conflict with the app's calling functionality, disabling it should provide a smoother calling experience on WhatsApp.
Enabling Background Data Usage and Clearing Cache
There are a few clever yet simple ways to overcome issues related to WhatsApp calls not working effectively on an Android device. One prominent method enables Background Data Usage, and the other is clearing the cache. Let's delve into these steps to solve the problem of calls not connecting on WhatsApp.
Enabling the “Allow Background Data Usage” Option
To begin with, you need to allow WhatsApp to use background data. Open the Settings on your Android device and go to Network & Internet or Apps category, depending upon the device. Click on Data Usage or App Data Usage and find WhatsApp. Here, toggle on the Background Data option. This should enable WhatsApp to use data in the background, even when the app is not actively used, enhancing the functionality of incoming and outgoing calls.
Clearing Cache Through WhatsApp Settings
If enabling Background Data has not rectified your WhatsApp calling issue, the next step would be to clear the cache. The cache is the temporary data stored by the app, which can, over time, become corrupted and affect the performance of the app. Clearing the cache can often solve minor problems with functionality.
Accessing the Storage Option Within the App’s Settings
To clear the cache, navigate to the Settings of your Android device. Click on Apps or App info based on your device and select WhatsApp. Once here, tap on Storage.
Clearing Cache to Potentially Rectify Calling Issues
In the Storing settings, click on the 'Clear cache' button. This will delete temporary files that WhatsApp has been storing, potentially solving your calling issues. Remember, clearing your cache will not remove important data, such as conversations or media files. After clearing the cache, try calling via WhatsApp to check whether the issue has been resolved.
