How to Fix “Unable to Initiate Call” Error in WhatsApp

Mehvish Mushtaq is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets led her to develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India. She has been writing about technology for 6+ years and her favorite categories include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, social media, and web apps.

Arshmeet has been a tech tinkerer since childhood, but she realized her love for technology and writing about 5 years ago. Since then, she has been honing her skills and helping people figure out how things work, troubleshoot problems, choose the right app and products, and dig deep into the new and old concepts of technology. She is a self-professed Apple Enthusiast who loves debating what’s good and what’s not. It is her passion for finding techniques, hacks, apps, and products that make everyday life simpler.

Basic Fixes

Adjust WhatsApp Call Settings

While WhatsApp provides the following settings for our benefits, they might be behind the unable to initiate call error. So, I suggest you disable the settings temporarily and see if it works.

Fix 1. Disable Data Saver for WhatsApp Calls

WhatsApp provides a native setting to lower data usage. If your internet is slow and the setting is enabled, it might cause your calls to fail on WhatsApp. Disable it for now and see if things improve.

Step 1: Go toWhatsApp Settings. TapStorage and Data.

Step 2: Here, toggle off ‘Use less data for calls‘ from under the Network section.

Fix 2. Disable Protect IP Address in Calls

While the feature is introduced to hide your IP address from potential threats, it might be hindering you from making that call. Similar to how VPNs can interfere with network connections.

To disable it, go toWhatsApp Settings→Privacy→Advanced→ toggle offProtect IP Address in calls. After this try making a voice or video call, hopefully, they’ll not fail this time.

Fix 3. Remove Any Linked Devices

Linked devices can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of WhatsApp. Say, nosound during voice or video calls,links not opening, etc., So it’s wise tolog out from all linked devicesfor the time being.

To do so, go toWhatsApp Settings→Linked Devices→ tap thedevice→Log out→Log outagain to confirm.

Once the issue is resolved, you canlink your devices againto have a seamless WhatsApp experience across multiple devices.

Fix 4. Reset Mic and Camera Permissions For WhatsApp

The major cause of trouble behind WhatsApp calls is the lack of proper permissions. Even if WhatsApp has permission to access the microphone and camera, there could be a setting-related issue or glitch in the system.

So, toggle off the permission and toggle it on to reset and get rid of the issue.

Check WhatsApp Permissions on Android

Step 1: OpenSettingson your phone. Go toAppsorApps & notifications.

Step 2:Search and selectWhatsApp. TapPermissions.

Step 3: Here tapCameraandMicrophone. TapDon’t Allowand restart the WhatsApp app.

Step 4: Once done, tapCamera/Microphoneand chooseAllow only while using the app.

Check WhatsApp Permissions on iPhone

Step 1:Open theSettings app, and scroll down toWhatsApp. If you’re using iOS 18 or above, tapApps→WhatsApp.

Step 2:Here, toggle off the switch next to theMicrophoneandCamera. Force quit WhatsApp and enable the permissions again.

Fix 5. Reset Network Settings

Both Android and iPhone provide a native setting to restore network settings to their original values. Doing so fixes any network-related issues and does not delete data from your phone. Learn in detailwhat happens by resetting network settings.

So, if you are still facing Unable to Initiate Call error in WhatsApp, let’s give this method a shot.

On iPhone

Step 1: Go toSettings→General. Here, scroll down and selectTransfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2:TapReset.

Step 3: Next tap followed byReset Network Settings. Enter your device password.

Step 4: TapReset Network Settingsto confirm the action.

On Android

Step 1: Go toSettingsapps. SelectGeneral managementfrom the menu.

Step 2: Scroll down and tapReset. Here, selectRestore network settings.

Step 3: TapReset settingsand thenResetto confirm the action.

FAQs For Unable to Initiate Call Error in WhatsApp

A notification will only be sent if the connection is made and calls go through. So, if you can’t make the call, they’ll not know. However, if the call fails after one or two rings, they’ll know.

If you aren’t receiving notifications for WhatsApp calls, the notification settings might have changed. Check out our guide onWhatsApp notification sound not working, to fix the issue.

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Last updated on 29 July, 2024

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