How to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working Until You Open the App

If you are facing the issue of WhatsApp calls not working until you open the app, you are not alone. Many users have reported this problem on various platforms, such as Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. This can be very frustrating, especially if you rely on WhatsApp for communication with your friends, family, or colleagues.

In this article, we will explain why this issue occurs and how to fix it. We will also provide some tips to prevent it from happening again. By following these steps, you should be able to receive WhatsApp calls normally, even when the app is not running in the foreground.

Why WhatsApp Calls Not Working Until You Open the App?

There are several possible reasons why WhatsApp calls not working until you open the app. Some of the most common ones are:

• Battery optimization: Some devices have a feature that automatically optimizes the battery usage of apps, especially when they are running in the background. This can affect the performance of WhatsApp and prevent it from receiving calls when the screen is off or locked.
• Notification settings: If you have disabled or muted the notifications for WhatsApp, you may not hear the incoming call ringtone or see the call notification on your screen. This can make you miss the calls until you open the app manually.
• Network issues: If you have a poor or unstable internet connection, WhatsApp may not be able to connect to its servers and deliver the calls to your device. This can also happen if you are using a VPN, proxy, or firewall that blocks or interferes with WhatsApp’s traffic.
• App issues: Sometimes, WhatsApp may have some bugs or glitches that cause it to malfunction and stop receiving calls. This can be due to an outdated version of the app, corrupted data, or incompatible settings.

How to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working Until You Open the App?

Depending on the cause of the problem, there are different solutions that you can try to fix WhatsApp calls not working until you open the app. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Fix 1: Update WhatsApp

You can do this by going to the app store and looking for updates. If there is a new version available, download and install it. This may fix any bugs or issues that are affecting the app’s functionality.

Fix 2: Disable battery optimization

This will prevent your device from restricting the app’s background activity and allow it to receive calls normally. The steps to do this may vary depending on your device model and operating system, but here are some general guidelines:

• For Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Battery > Battery optimization. Then, select WhatsApp and choose Don’t optimize.
• For iOS devices, go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode. Then, turn off the switch for Low Power Mode.
• For Windows Phone devices, go to Settings > System > Battery saver. Then, tap on WhatsApp and turn off the switch for Allow this app to run in the background.

Fix 3: Disable Power-Saving Mode

Your phone’s power-saving mode extends battery but may block WhatsApp call receipt by restricting background activity. Consider disabling it:

Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the menu bar. Select the power icon to disable power-saving mode, allowing background app refresh.

Data-saving mode similarly restricts internet access and could interfere with calls. You can disable this from your device settings.

Alternatively, allow WhatsApp background data usage even with data-saving enabled. In WhatsApp App Info, under Mobile Data enable “Allow data usage while Data Saver is on”.

Fix 4: Enable notifications

This will ensure that you hear the incoming call ringtone and see the call notification on your screen. The steps to do this may also vary depending on your device model and operating system, but here are some general guidelines:

• For Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Notifications. Then, make sure that the switches for Show notifications and Allow interruptions are turned on. You can also customize the sound, vibration, and priority of the notifications.
• For iOS devices, go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp. Then, make sure that the switch for Allow Notifications is turned on. You can also customize the sound, badge, and banner of the notifications.
• For Windows Phone devices, go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Then, tap on WhatsApp and make sure that the switch for Show notifications in action center is turned on. You can also customize the sound and banner of the notifications.

Fix 5: Check WhatsApp Background Data Usage

If you cannot receive WhatsApp calls due to notifications issues, the problem may be with background data usage settings. Follow these steps to check and modify the setting:

1. Open device Settings and go to Apps > WhatsApp.
2. Scroll down on the WhatsApp info screen and tap “Mobile data” under Usage.
3. On the next screen, ensure the slider for “Allow background data usage” is enabled.

Enabling background data usage allows WhatsApp to receive updates and calls when the app is closed. Check this if experiencing call receipt problems after solving notification settings.

Fix 6: Allow Do Not Disturb Settings for WhatsApp

Your phone’s Do Not Disturb (DND) mode may block WhatsApp notifications. To allow them:

1. Swipe the top menu bar down and tap/hold the DND icon to access settings. Under “Allowed during DND”, tap “App notifications”.
2. Select the plus icon to add WhatsApp. This will exempt it from silencing even with DND active.

Alternatively, simply disable DND from the top menu to permit all app alerts.

Fix 7: Check network connection

Check your network connection and make sure that it is stable and fast enough for WhatsApp calls. You can do this by using a speed test app or website, such as [Speedtest] or [Fast]. If your connection is slow or unstable, you may need to switch to a different network, such as Wi-Fi or mobile data, or contact your service provider for assistance. You should also avoid using a VPN, proxy, or firewall that may block or interfere with WhatsApp’s traffic.

Fix 8: Clear app data

This will delete any corrupted or outdated data that may be causing the app to malfunction and stop receiving calls. The steps to do this may also vary depending on your device model and operating system, but here are some general guidelines:

• For Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage. Then, tap on Clear cache and Clear data.
• For iOS devices, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Then, tap on WhatsApp and Delete App. Then, reinstall the app from the app store.
• For Windows Phone devices, go to Settings > System > Storage. Then, tap on WhatsApp and Uninstall. Then, reinstall the app from the app store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the topic of WhatsApp calls not working until you open the app:

Question: How do I make a WhatsApp call?

Answer: To make a WhatsApp call, you need to open the app and select the contact you want to call. Then, tap on the phone icon for a voice call or the video icon for a video call. You can also make a group call by tapping on the new call icon and selecting multiple contacts.

Question: How do I answer a WhatsApp call?

Answer: To answer a WhatsApp call, you need to swipe the green button on the call notification to the right. You can also decline the call by swiping the red button to the left. You can also mute the call, switch to speaker, or switch to video by tapping on the corresponding icons on the call screen.

Question: How do I change the WhatsApp call settings?

Answer: To change the WhatsApp call settings, you need to open the app and tap on the menu icon. Then, go to Settings > Chats and calls. Here, you can change the options for low data usage, call waiting, and backup.

Summary

In summary, WhatsApp calls not working until you open the app is a common issue that can be caused by various factors, such as battery optimization, notification settings, network issues, or app issues. By following these steps, you should be able to receive WhatsApp calls normally, even when the app is not running in the foreground. We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We are not affiliated with WhatsApp or any of its products or services. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this article. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from the use of this information. You should always consult a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking any actions based on this information.