In this digital age, WhatsApp has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. However, we often find ourselves in situations where our phones are switched off due to various reasons like low battery, maintenance, or simply the need for some downtime. This begs the question: will WhatsApp still ring when your phone is off?
No, WhatsApp cannot receive calls or notifications when your phone is off or disconnected from the Internet. It relies on an active Internet connection to function. However, it provides voicemail functionality, allowing callers to leave messages when you’re unable to answer.
So, let’s find out more details.
WhatsApp Call Functionality Explained
To determine whether WhatsApp will ring when your phone is powered off, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental workings of the app. It operates exclusively through an internet connection, utilizing either mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Further, diverging from conventional phone calls, WhatsApp calls employ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This intricate process involves the conversion of your voice into a digital signal, which is subsequently transmitted over the Internet.
WhatsApp Calls and Offline Status
Phone Power-Off and Internet Disconnection:
When your phone is powered off or experiences a lack of network coverage, it naturally severs its connection to the Internet. This state renders all internet-based services, including WhatsApp, inoperative. Consequently, if someone attempts to contact you via WhatsApp during this time, you won’t be reachable because your device remains unconnected to the Internet.
However, It doesn’t leave you high and dry; it incorporates a built-in voicemail feature. If someone calls you on it while your phone is switched off, they can leave a voicemail message for you. These messages can be accessed once your phone is reactivated and back online.
Online Status and Last Seen:
It includes features that provide users with insights into the availability of their contacts. The Online status and Last Seen timestamp offer clues about whether users are actively using the app or when they were last engaged.
Also, when your phone is powered off or loses its Internet connection, your status shifts to Offline. This alteration signifies to your contacts that you are presently unavailable to receive messages or calls.
WhatsApp Calls and Incoming Notifications:
Although your phone remains silent when it’s powered off, once it’s reactivated and reconnects to the Internet, you will receive missed call notifications from WhatsApp. These notifications serve as a log of the calls you missed while your phone was offline. It’s important to note that these notifications don’t imply that your phone rang while it was offline; they merely serve as reminders of the calls you missed during that period.
Understanding WhatsApp Call Behavior When a Phone Appears Off
If you’re wondering why your WhatsApp calls still ring when someone’s phone seems off, it’s because WhatsApp makes your calls ring on their end, even if their phone is off.
Then, to figure out if their phone is truly off, you can try calling them using your regular phone app. If it goes to voicemail immediately, it’s a sign their phone might be off or in an area with no signal.
Another way is to use an app like Life360, where you can see their phone’s battery percentage. If it’s dead or turned off, you’ll see a red exclamation mark. Tapping on it will tell you more, and you can also check their last known battery percentage. This can help you determine if their phone is off.
Lastly, If you often face this situation, consider adding them to a location-sharing app like Life360 to avoid confusion in the future.
How To Fix Whatsapp Calls Not Ringing On iPhone And Android
Disable Do Not Disturb:
- On Android, swipe down from the top and disable Do Not Disturb from the quick settings menu or go to Settings -> Sound.
- On iPhone, open the Control Center and tap the crescent moon icon to turn off Do Not Disturb.
Check Network Connectivity:
- Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection or active cellular data plan. Contact your network service provider if you’re experiencing network issues.
Restart WhatsApp:
- Close WhatsApp, either by swiping up or using the app switcher.
- Reopen WhatsApp to resolve any potential bugs affecting calls.
Check Notification Settings:
- Long-press the WhatsApp icon and tap “App info” on Android or go to WhatsApp’s notification settings.
- Ensure that WhatsApp is allowed to receive notifications.
Enable Autostart or Background App Refresh:
- On Android, enable Autostart in the settings for WhatsApp.
- On iPhone, enable Background App Refresh for WhatsApp in the settings.
Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android Only):
- In Android’s settings, select “Apps & Notifications.”
- Find WhatsApp, tap “Storage & cache,” and then clear the cache.
Update WhatsApp:
- Check for the latest WhatsApp update on Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
- Install the latest version if available.
Check Cellular Data Settings:
- Ensure WhatsApp has access to background data usage in the app settings.
Disable Battery Saver:
- Disable Battery Saver or Battery Optimization settings on your device, which may be blocking WhatsApp call notifications.
Reinstall WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
What Happens When You WhatsApp Call a Deactivated Phone
When making a WhatsApp call to a phone that’s either dead or powered off, the call will seemingly connect and display as ringing on your end. It resembles calling someone whose phone is on but unanswered. WhatsApp itself does not provide a means to definitively determine if the recipient’s phone is turned off.
Once the recipient’s phone is powered back on, they will notice a missed call notification from you on it. Since it doesn’t offer a clear indication of the recipient’s phone status, if possible, calling their phone number through your cellular service is a valuable alternative.
If the call immediately diverts to voicemail, this signals that their phone is switched off or lacking cellular service. In situations like these, it might be best to wait for them to return your call or try contacting them later.
FAQs
What happens when you call someone and their phone is off?
When you call someone and their phone is off, it typically goes to voicemail. You won’t be able to reach them until their phone is back on.
What does it mean when WhatsApp says ringing?
When WhatsApp says “ringing,” it means the call is in the process of connecting to the recipient’s device. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve answered yet.
What does it mean when WhatsApp stops ringing?
When WhatsApp stops ringing, it usually means the recipient has either declined the call or it has gone unanswered for a set duration.
Does WhatsApp call work offline?
No, WhatsApp calls require an active internet connection, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi. They won’t work offline.
How do you know if someone calls you when your phone was off?
If someone calls you while your phone was off, you’ll receive a missed call notification once your phone is back on and connected to the internet.
How do you know if someone’s phone is switched off?
Calling their phone number directly through cellular service is one way to determine if someone’s phone is switched off. If it goes straight to voicemail, it’s likely off or in an area with no signal.
Do WhatsApp Calls Connect to a Dead Phone?
No, WhatsApp calls will go through and display as calling, even if the recipient’s phone is completely dead or powered off. Although the inactive device won’t physically ring, the caller will still receive a missed call notification once the recipient’s phone is reactivated.
Final Words
If your phone is turned off or not connected to the internet, It will not ring. This is due to the fact that WhatsApp requires an active internet connection in order to function and receive calls and notifications.
On the other hand, it includes a voicemail feature that allows callers to leave messages for you to review when your phone is turned back on and connected to the internet. Understanding this feature of its functionality can assist users in efficiently managing their expectations and communication.