How to Fix WhatsApp Call Unavailable but Message Delivered?

Elsa Updated on Jul 14, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

WhatsApp is the messaging and calling app of choice for millions of people around the world. But it’s not perfect. Users often face a problem call unavailable message stating that voice or video calls cannot be connected. This leads to confusion when your Internet is working perfectly or you are able to send messages flawlessly.

In this guide, we will discuss what unavailable meaning on whatsapp call, why it appears, and how to fix the issue in no time.

What Does It Mean When WhatsApp Says Call Unavailable?

The simple meaning of WhatsApp call says unavailable is that your call could not be made. The app attempted to connect the call, but there is a reason either on your side, the receiver one, or inside WhatsApp that causes it to fail. This error is not the same as the message not delivered. It may even happen that your messages got through, while your call is still not available. This is why this issue is sometimes so confusing.

In short, the app can’t reach the user you’re trying to contact. The user may have blocked you, slow internet, or restrictions on the app. Knowing the issue is first the solution, understanding the WhatsApp call unavailable meaning is the first step to solving it.

Why WhatsApp Call Unavailable but Message Delivered?

In some cases, messages delivered but WhatsApp call unavailable. That might be confusing, but here are some of the reasons possible:

1Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb

With an iPhone, Focus Mode allows an incoming message but blocks calls from applications like WhatsApp. The same applies to Android devices with their Do Not Disturb functions.

Regardless of whether you receive a call or not, messages will always go through because they are not accompanied by loud notifications.

How To Fix

  1. Step 1. Open Settings → Focus → Personal (on iPhone).
  2. Step 2. Add the person you're calling to “Allowed Contacts”.
  3. Step 3. You can also search “Focus” in settings to adjust call behavior.

This setting may clarify what does unavailable mean on WhatsApp video call when you are not actually blocked.

2Blocked on Phone Settings

The person you called possibly blocked your number not through WhatsApp but through the contacts in the phone.

How To Fix

  1. Step 1. Ask them to go to Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts.
  2. Step 2. If your number appears there, they should remove it.

After that, WhatsApp calls should start working again.

3Spam Blocker Apps

Apps such as Hiya or Truecaller might identify Whatsapp calls to be private or unknown and then block them. Such apps may not recognize the WhatsApp numbers and labels the number as hidden, so calls from such numbers are instantly blocked without showing any alert.

How To Fix

  1. Step 1. Turn off the call-blocking feature of such apps or add your contacts to the whitelist.
  2. Step 2. Just uninstall the app temporarily to check if the WhatsApp calls start working again.

If that is the case, everything may function alright but WhatsApp calls will not go through. This is what explains the specific cases about the WhatsApp call unavailable.

Why When I Call on WhatsApp It Says Unavailable? (Common Reasons)

If you're curious as to why your WhatsApp call unavailable check out the following reasons below:

You May Be Blocked by the Other Person

Not being able to make a WhatsApp call means that the person you are trying to contact has likely blocked you. Here are a few more hints that confirm this:

  • Your call attempts won’t go through.
  • You won't see their profile photo or status updates.
  • Messages will only show a single gray tick (message sent but not delivered).

So, in case you are dealing with this issue with only one specific user, well then this might be the case.

Weak or Unstable Internet Connection

WhatsApp calls require an internet connection instead of a mobile signal. Both parties need a functional network connection for the call to go through.

If your connection is being used by multiple apps, or is unstable, you may receive a notification WhatsApp call unavailable.

Some VPNs may also interfere with WhatsApp’s calls leading to low call quality or blocking them altogether.

App Restrictions or Phone Settings

The latest smartphones have advanced privacy and power-saving options. For instance, If WhatsApp or a similar application does not have permission to access the microphone or data, or if it is not allowed to run in the background, calls will fail.

Additionally, Focus Mode (on iPhones) or Do Not Disturb (on Android) mutes incoming calls but allows text messages to come through.

Outdated WhatsApp Version

Using an old version of WhatsApp could result in bugs and other problems including calls not going through. An older version could also cause a user to fall out of sync with other users on different devices, especially if those users are on newer versions.

Simply, the WhatsApp call unavailable means outdated software can be running on your device.

How to Fix WhatsApp Calls Unavailable?

Below are the steps you can take to resolve the issue of WhatsApp calls showing unavailability:

Check Your Internet or VPN Connection

  • Swap between W-Fi and mobile data to see if it helps.
  • Restart your router or move nearer to it.
  • Disable VPN temporarily. WhatsApp uses specific ports for calls, which can be blocked by the VPN.
whatsapp call unavailable

WhatsApp calls require a strong stable connection. In cases where signals are weak, even sending a message may be possible, but not making the call.

Check App Permissions

Verify that WhatsApp has all the permissions it needs.

On Android

  • Go to Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Permissions.
  • Allow access to Microphone, Contacts, and Network.
whatsapp call saying unavailable

On iPhone

  • Settings → WhatsApp → Enable Microphone and Background App Refresh
why your whatsapp call unavailable

Without these permissions, the application will experience problems making and receiving calls.

Update WhatsApp

Make sure to update the application regularly. Updating an application helps in fixing issues and optimizing the application.

  • Visit Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
  • Look for WhatsApp, and tap “Update” if available.

update whatsapp

Apps that are not updated may result in errors in WhatsApp calls due to a lack of compatibility.

Restart Your Phone

This helps refresh the device’s functions, resolve temporary software glitches, and enable normal operation of applications.

This step is easy and often fixes minor issues, including call connection failures.

restart your phone

Reinstall WhatsApp

In the case that none of the previously mentioned steps work, proceed to uninstall and then reinstall the application:

  • Backup your chats first (Settings → Chats → Chat Backup).
  • Uninstall WhatsApp.
  • Download it again from the Play Store or App Store.
  • During setup, restore your backup.
reinstall whatsapp

You can resolve problems caused by corrupted files and data by reinstalling the app.

Most of the time, the WhatsApp call saying unavailable issue should be fixed after following these steps.

How to Protect Your Teens from Unsafe WhatsApp Calls?

The increased use of WhatsApp for chatting and calling exposes teens to various threats such as stranger calls, scams, or online bullying. Since WhatsApp allows people to contact users using only their phone numbers, parents need to be proactive and take necessary preventive measures.

One of the best ways to keep your teen safe is through AirDroid Parental Control. This application allows the monitoring of your child’s smartphone usage in a balanced way that ensures safety.

AirDroid can assist with:

  • Monitor WhatsApp calls: View all the incoming and outgoing call activities and logs.
  • Block unknown callers: Stop receiving calls from strange or hidden numbers.
  • Set screen time limits: Control how much time your teen spends on WhatsApp.
  • Track phone location: Always have real-time updates of your child’s location.
  • Instant alerts: Receive notifications upon detection of unusual activities.
  • Screen mirroring: Full access to view your teen's phone screen in real-time.
AirDroid Parental Control
Sync Whatsapp messages in real time.
pic kid banner airdroid protect kids on whatsapp 768x475

Not only does it prevent unsafe calls but AirDroid also enables your teen to develop safe digital habits. By providing your child with the appropriate tools for proper communication, you can remain in the guide role while allowing them to connect, responsibly.

Conclusion

WhatsApp helps us easily connect with family as well as friends, but, like other applications, it has some issues. If you are trying to call someone via WhatsApp and it says unavailable, don’t stress. Check your connection, permissions for the app, and whether the app is updated. If all these areas are working, then the other individual may have Focus Mode on or blocked you. Sometimes, the problem is not technical but is more about family safety. Apps like AirDroid Parental Control can help in these situations and make family safety more manageable.

FAQs

What does unavailable mean on WhatsApp video call?
Elsa
Elsa
This message means that the application couldn't establish a connection for your video call. The person on the other side might have poor internet connection, might have blocked you, or has Focus Mode enabled.
Why does my WhatsApp call say unavailable, but messages go through?
Elsa
Elsa
It might be due to enabled Focus Mode, spam block, or your number being blocked on from their contact list, not on WhatsApp.
Can a third-party app block WhatsApp calls?
Elsa
Elsa
Yes. There are several apps such as Hiya and Truecaller that can block the calls people receive from WhatsApp, especially those labelled as unknown or private.
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Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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