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4 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Ringing When Phone is Locked

Quick Tips
  • Go to notification settings on your device, and ensure you haven’t disabled it for WhatsApp.
  • Try clearing the cache from the WhatsApp app. On your iPhone, try to offload and reinstall the app.
  • Ensure there aren’t any problems with network connectivity on your device.

Basic Fixes

  • Restart device: Restart your smartphone to fix any temporary bugs and glitches.
  • Disable DND: Turn off Do Not Disturb, and ensure you haven’t disabled notifications for WhatsApp on a custom Focus Mode/notification scheme.
  • Check network connectivity: Ensure there aren’t any problems with network connectivity on your device.
  • Update WhatsApp: Install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.

Fix 1: Check Notification Settings

If WhatsApp notifications are disabled or improperly configured on your device, voice and video calls might not ring, even when your phone is unlocked.

On Android

Tap and hold the WhatsApp icon, tap App info, select Notifications, and turn it on.

On iPhone

Open the Settings app, scroll down, and select WhatsApp. Select Notifications, and enable all the necessary options.

Fix 2: Enable Autostart or Background App Refresh

If you notice a WhatsApp missed call without ringing, the app might not have permission to run in the background. Therefore, enable Autostart (Android) or Background App Refresh on iPhone that lets WhatsApp run in the background.

Enable Autostart on Android

Open Settings, go to apps, and select Auto Launch. In the list of apps, turn on the toggle for WhatsApp.

Enable Background App Refresh on iPhone

Open the Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it on. Scroll down and also turn on the toggle for WhatsApp.

Fix 3: Clear WhatsApp Cache

Clearing the cache for an app on your Android device erases all the accumulated junk files that may be responsible for executing bugs.

On Android

Step 1: Long-tap on the WhatsApp icon. Tap on App Info.

Step 2: Tap on Storage usage > Clear cache.

On iPhone

Offloading an app clears all cache and junk files. This can remove any bugs from the app.

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Select WhatsApp, tap on Offload, and then Reinstall the app. Don’t worry, this will not delete the chats or media files.

Fix 4: Check Cellular Data Settings

WhatsApp requires round-the-clock access to your phone’s cellular data or Wi-Fi connection to provide users with prompt and real-time notifications of texts and calls.

On Android

Go to Settings > Apps and select WhatsApp. Enable Background data in Mobile data & Wi-Fi settings.

You can also toggle on the ‘Unrestricted data usage’ option to permit WhatsApp to use unrestricted data access when Data Saver is enabled on your device.

On iPhone

Open Settings > Mobile Service, scroll down, and enable the toggle for WhatsApp.

Also Read: How to fix WhatsApp call stuck at connecting.

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Last updated on 08 July, 2024

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