8 Easy Ways to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Ringing or Not Working Fast

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If you are trying to fix whatsapp calls not ringing on your phone, you are in the right place. You receive a call notification, but the phone never rings. Or the call comes through, but there is no sound, no vibration, and you miss it entirely. According to user reports across WhatsApp forums and Reddit, call notification failures are among the most common complaints. Based on our testing on multiple Android and iPhone devices, most “calls not ringing” issues can be resolved without contacting support. This guide is part of our Common Android Problems Hub.

📱 Before you start: Make sure your phone is not in silent mode. Check the physical mute switch (on iPhones) and the volume buttons. Also, ask a friend to call you on WhatsApp while you test each fix.

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📌 In this guide:

Why WhatsApp Calls Are Not Ringing (Main Causes)

The need to fix whatsapp calls not ringing usually comes from one of these factors:

  • In-app notification settings disabled – WhatsApp’s own call ringtone may be turned off.
  • System notification permissions blocked – Android or iOS may be preventing WhatsApp from showing alerts.
  • Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus mode active – These system features silence all calls, including WhatsApp.
  • Battery optimization killing background services – Aggressive power saving stops WhatsApp from waking the phone for incoming calls.
  • Silent mode or mute switch engaged – The physical mute switch or silent mode overrides app sounds.
  • Individual contact or group muted – You may have accidentally muted a specific person or group.
  • Outdated app version – Older WhatsApp builds have known call notification bugs.

Quick Checklist (30 Seconds)

  • Turn off Do Not Disturb (DND) from your phone’s quick settings.
  • Make sure the physical mute switch (on iPhone) is not set to silent.
  • Increase your phone’s ringtone volume and check that it is not on vibrate-only.
  • Restart your phone to clear temporary glitches.
  • Test calling yourself from another phone or ask a friend to call you on WhatsApp.

Method 1: Check WhatsApp Notification Settings (In-App)

The first and most important step to fix whatsapp calls not ringing is to verify that WhatsApp’s own call notifications are enabled.

Step-by-step for Android:

  • Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots (menu) in the top right corner.
  • Go to Settings > Notifications.
  • Make sure the toggles for Message notifications, Group notifications, and Call notifications are all ON.
  • Tap Call notifications and ensure that Use high priority notifications is enabled.
  • Check that the Notification tone is not set to “Silent”. Select a ringtone you can hear.

Step-by-step for iPhone (iOS):

  • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Notifications.
  • Turn ON Show Notifications.
  • Enable Sounds and Vibration.
  • Under Incoming Calls, select Banner and choose a persistent style.
  • Make sure Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners are all toggled ON.

✅ Expected Result: After enabling these settings, your phone should ring for incoming WhatsApp calls.

⚠️ Note: If the settings were already correct, proceed to Method 2. Do not skip steps.

Why this works: WhatsApp has its own independent notification controls. Even if system notifications are enabled, WhatsApp’s internal settings can block call ringing. This is the most common reason to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

If you are also having issues with WhatsApp verification codes, check our guide on how to fix WhatsApp verification code not received.

Method 2: Grant System Notification Permissions

On modern Android versions and iOS, apps require explicit permission to display notifications. If WhatsApp lacks this permission, calls will not ring.

For Android (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus):

  • Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
  • Tap Notifications.
  • Ensure that Show notifications is ON at the top.
  • Under Notification categories, locate Calls and tap it.
  • Make sure Show notifications is ON. Also, set Importance to “High” or “Urgent” so it makes sound and appears on the lock screen.

For iPhone (iOS):

  • Go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp.
  • Toggle Allow Notifications ON.
  • Enable Sounds and set Badges and Banners as desired.
  • Choose Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners to appear.

For further device-specific help, you can refer to Official Apple Support Guides.

✅ Expected Result: WhatsApp will now be allowed to show call notifications, and your phone should ring when a call arrives.

Why this works: System-level permissions override app settings. If the system blocks WhatsApp, no amount of in-app configuration will help. This is a critical step to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

Method 3: Disable Do Not Disturb (DND) and Focus Mode

Do Not Disturb (DND) and Focus modes are designed to silence all calls and notifications. Many users enable them and forget, leading to missed WhatsApp calls.

For Android:

  • Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
  • Look for the Do Not Disturb icon (a circle with a line through it or a minus sign inside a circle).
  • If it is highlighted, tap it to turn it OFF.
  • Alternatively, go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb and toggle it off.
  • Also check any Focus mode or Bedtime mode that may silence calls.

For iPhone (iOS):

  • Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center.
  • Tap the Focus button (moon icon or a person icon).
  • Select Off to disable all Focus modes.
  • Also check Settings > Focus to ensure no scheduled Focus modes are active.

✅ Expected Result: With DND off, incoming WhatsApp calls will ring immediately.

Why this works: DND and Focus modes are system-wide silencers. They block all call notifications, including WhatsApp. Disabling them is a simple yet often overlooked way to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

Method 4: Disable Battery Optimization for WhatsApp

Aggressive battery saving features on Android can kill WhatsApp background services. When the app is “optimized”, it may not wake up in time to ring when a call arrives.

For Android (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus):

  • Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
  • Tap Battery (or “Battery usage”).
  • Select Unrestricted (or “Don’t optimize”).
  • Also go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and turn it OFF temporarily to test.

For Xiaomi (MIUI) specifically:

  • Open Settings > Apps > Manage apps > WhatsApp.
  • Tap Battery saver and select No restrictions.
  • Also go to Settings > Battery > App battery saver and set WhatsApp to No restrictions.

✅ Expected Result: WhatsApp will stay active in the background, and incoming calls will ring instantly.

Why this works: Battery optimization is a leading cause of call notification failures. When WhatsApp is restricted, it cannot use network resources to receive calls. Disabling optimization is a proven way to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

Method 5: Unmute Individual Contacts or Groups

You might have accidentally muted a specific contact or group. WhatsApp allows muting conversations for 8 hours, 1 week, or always. When muted, calls from that person or group will not ring.

How to check and unmute:

  • Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
  • Look for any chat that has a crossed-out bell icon (muted) or a “Muted” label.
  • Long-press on the chat and tap the Unmute icon (bell with a slash).
  • Alternatively, open the chat, tap the contact/group name at the top, and select Unmute.

✅ Expected Result: After unmuting, calls from that specific contact or group will now ring.

Why this works: Muting a chat silences both messages and calls. If you only missed calls from one person, this is the likely reason. Checking individual mute status is a quick fix whatsapp calls not ringing for targeted missed calls.

Method 6: Update WhatsApp to the Latest Version

WhatsApp regularly releases updates that fix notification bugs. An outdated app may have known call-ringing issues that have already been patched.

How to update:

  • Android: Open Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap Update.
  • iPhone: Open App Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap Update.

After updating, restart your phone and test a call.

✅ Expected Result: The latest version restores normal call notification behavior.

Why this works: Many call notification problems are bugs introduced in older versions. Updating is a zero-effort way to fix whatsapp calls not ringing. For official release notes, visit the Official WhatsApp FAQ Page.

If you are also having issues with WhatsApp backup, check our upcoming guide on how to fix WhatsApp backup stuck at 0%.

Method 7: Reinstall WhatsApp (Clean Installation)

If the app is severely corrupted, a clean reinstall can resolve persistent call issues.

For Android:

  • Back up your chats: WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up to Google Drive.
  • Uninstall WhatsApp from Settings > Apps or by long-pressing the icon.
  • Restart your phone.
  • Reinstall WhatsApp from Google Play Store.
  • Verify your number and restore your chat backup.

For iPhone:

  • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
  • Delete WhatsApp from your home screen (long press > Remove App > Delete App).
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
  • Verify your number and restore from iCloud backup.

✅ Expected Result: After reinstalling, WhatsApp functions as new, and call notifications work normally.

⚠️ Warning: If you do not back up your chats, you will lose your conversation history. Always back up before uninstalling.

Why this works: A fresh installation removes all corrupted settings and cache files that may interfere with call ringing. This is a last-resort but highly effective fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

Method 8: Contact WhatsApp Support or Your Carrier

If none of the above methods work, the issue may be on WhatsApp’s server side or with your mobile carrier’s VoIP/SIP settings.

Contact WhatsApp support:

  • Use the Help Center inside WhatsApp: Settings > Help > Contact Us.
  • Or email WhatsApp Support with your device model, OS version, and a description of the problem.

Contact your mobile carrier:

  • Call your carrier’s customer service.
  • Ask them to check if any VoIP or WhatsApp-related ports are blocked on your line.
  • Request them to reset your network configuration.

✅ Expected Result: The issue is resolved by WhatsApp or your carrier within 24-48 hours.

Why this works: Sometimes the problem is not on your device. Carrier-level restrictions or WhatsApp server outages can cause call failures. Professional support is the final step to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

If you are also having issues with WhatsApp images not downloading, check our upcoming guide on how to fix WhatsApp images not downloading.

Frequently Asked Questions (7 Answers)

Q1: Why do WhatsApp calls come through but my phone does not ring?
A: This is usually caused by Do Not Disturb mode, silent mode, or muted notifications. Check your physical mute switch and DND settings first. The need to fix whatsapp calls not ringing often starts with these system-level toggles.

Q2: Can a VPN cause WhatsApp calls not to ring?
A: Yes. VPNs can delay or block VoIP traffic. Disable your VPN and test. If calls start ringing, add WhatsApp to your VPN’s split tunneling list. This is a common but overlooked fix whatsapp calls not ringing solution.

Q3: Why do WhatsApp calls ring on my iPad but not my phone?
A: WhatsApp is designed to ring on only one device at a time. If you are logged into WhatsApp on multiple devices (phone + iPad), the active device gets the call. Ensure your phone is the primary device and has an active internet connection.

Q4: Does WhatsApp call ring when the app is closed?
A: Yes, WhatsApp uses push notifications. Even when the app is closed, calls should ring. If they do not, check system notification permissions (Method 2) and battery optimization (Method 4). These are essential to fix whatsapp calls not ringing.

Q5: Why do WhatsApp calls ring only when the app is open?
A: This indicates a background restriction. Battery optimization or data saver mode may be killing WhatsApp’s background service. Disable battery optimization (Method 4) and ensure background data is allowed.

Q6: I hear a call but there is no ringtone – only vibration. How to fix?
A: Your WhatsApp call notification sound may be set to “Silent.” Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Call notifications and select a ringtone. Also check that your phone’s ring volume is not at zero.

Q7: Can a custom ROM or rooted device cause WhatsApp calls not to ring?
A: Yes, custom ROMs and root can interfere with push notifications and VoIP services. Try reinstalling WhatsApp or flashing a stock ROM. However, this is beyond standard troubleshooting and may require advanced steps.

Related WhatsApp Guides

This guide is part of our Common Android Problems Hub – your one-stop resource for all WhatsApp and social media troubleshooting.

HowToFixPro Team – a technology-focused editorial team publishing accurate, tested troubleshooting guides for Windows, Android, AI tools, and social media platforms.

Last updated: June 2026

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