WhatsApp Calls Not Working? Fixes for Reconnecting, Dropped and Video Calls

Does this match what you see?

• Calls get stuck on “Reconnecting” and won’t connect.
• Calls disconnect as soon as they start.
• You can’t call a particular person.
• Video or audio cuts out during a call.
• A WhatsApp call link won’t open.

iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Based on WhatsApp Help “Can’t make WhatsApp video calls” (Web, Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac tabs), “Can’t make or receive WhatsApp voice calls” (Web, iPhone, Windows and Mac tabs) and “How to fix issues with WhatsApp call links”, supplied by the site owner.

Why this happens: the possible causes

Common reasons calls fail, based on the fixes WhatsApp recommends (how common each is, is our estimate).

• A weak or unstable connectionCheck this first

  WhatsApp says to make sure you have a strong, stable Wi-Fi (or, on Android and the desktop apps, mobile data) connection.

• Battery saver, Bluetooth or permissionsCheck this first

  WhatsApp suggests turning off battery saver and Bluetooth, and toggling WhatsApp’s permissions.

• Another app using the camera or microphonePossible

  WhatsApp says to make sure no other app is using them, and not to use virtual cameras or audio devices.

• A firewall blocking callsLess likely

  WhatsApp says firewalls need to allow UDP and TCP ports 3478, 3480 and 3484.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Camera not working, or a black screen

WhatsApp says it can’t use your camera without permission:

• iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, then turn on WhatsApp.
• Android: Settings > Apps > All apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Camera > Allow only while using the app.

WhatsApp says most phones let only one app use the camera at a time, so if another app has it, you may see a black screen or video calls may not connect. A green dot (iPhone) or green camera icon (Android) in the top-right corner means an app is using the camera. Close apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, social apps or QR scanners from your recent apps, then try again.

Still not working? Restart your phone, update WhatsApp, and test your phone’s own camera app. WhatsApp says if it doesn’t work there either, the problem may be with your device rather than WhatsApp.

Video or sound problems during a call

WhatsApp says to try ending and restarting the call, turning your camera off and on, and turning mute off and on. On WhatsApp Web, also refresh the page. If you can’t hear the other person at all, see no sound on WhatsApp for volume, proximity sensor and Bluetooth checks.

You can make calls but can’t receive them

WhatsApp’s iPhone help says to try the general steps above first. If calls still don’t reach you:

• Check you haven’t blocked the caller. WhatsApp says you won’t receive calls from someone you’ve blocked, even if calls you make to them seem to work.
• Make sure Focus or Do Not Disturb is off, or set to allow calls.
• Check notifications are on for WhatsApp in your phone’s settings (see WhatsApp notifications not working).
• Turn WhatsApp’s permissions off and on again.
• Calls from unknown numbers don’t ring? You may have turned on silence calls from unknown callers. WhatsApp says silenced calls still show in your Calls tab and notifications, but your phone won’t ring. To turn it off: Settings (on Android, via the menu; on iPhone, or your profile picture) > Privacy > Calls > Silence unknown callers. WhatsApp also says once you call or message someone, their calls can no longer be silenced.

Calls work in WhatsApp but not WhatsApp Business, or the reverse (iPhone)

WhatsApp says they’re separate apps with their own permissions and notification settings, so the problem may be specific to that app. In the app that isn’t working, toggle its permissions, check its notifications are on, update it, and force quit and reopen it.

“Unable to initiate call” or “Unable to place call” (iPhone)

WhatsApp says this can affect iPhones and recommends contacting your device manufacturer.

“Contact is unavailable” or the call rings once and hangs up

WhatsApp says this can happen if the other person has a problem with their device, has blocked you, has Focus or Do Not Disturb on, or has no internet connection. What they can try:

• The general steps above.
• Unblocking you, if they blocked you.
• Checking that Focus allows calls, and that Do Not Disturb is off.

If people tell you they see this when they call you, follow you can make calls but can’t receive them.

Calls blocked by a router or firewall

WhatsApp says to check your router’s security settings and firewall, and allow WhatsApp calling on UDP and TCP ports 3478, 3480 and 3484 (its video calls page). Its WhatsApp Web voice calls page lists 3478, 3480 and 443. Contact your internet provider or network administrator if you need help.

A call link won’t work

WhatsApp says anyone can join a call link, including guests without WhatsApp in a web browser. If a link won’t work:

• Update WhatsApp, restart your phone and check your connection.
• Check you haven’t blocked the person, and they haven’t blocked you.
• WhatsApp says you can’t join a link that hasn’t been used for 30 days, so ask for a new one.
• The call may be full: WhatsApp says up to 256 people can join a call link.

Joining as a guest in a browser

• Use a supported browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge on a computer.
• The person who made the link has to approve you; they’re notified while you wait.
• If the call ended while you were waiting, rejoin with the same link or ask for a new one.
• “You were removed from this call” means the link’s creator may have removed you.
• Guest calls need a stable internet connection.

How to know it worked

• Calls connect, stay connected, and you can see and hear the other person.

Still not working? Your next steps

1. Not getting call notifications? See WhatsApp notifications not working.

Frequently asked questions