How to Disable WhatsApp Calling on iPhone/Android

WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular messaging apps globally, offering not only text messaging but also voice and video calling functionalities. However, some users may find frequent incoming WhatsApp calls disruptive or unnecessary. If you're looking for ways to tackle this issue, here's an in-depth guide on how to disable WhatsApp calling on Android and iPhone devices.

Part 1. Why You Might Want to Disable WhatsApp Calls

Transferring WhatsApp ensures you retain critical conversations, media, group details, stickers, or other important WhatsApp data on your old iPhone. Whether switching to the latest iPhone 16 or upgrading from an older model, transferring WhatsApp data from your old iPhone to new iPhone 16 is the best way to protect your iPhone data well.

Part 2. Things to Consider Before Disabling WhatsApp Calls

1. No Built-In WhatsApp Settings

WhatsApp does not currently offer an integrated option to disable voice or video calls. All methods outlined here involve workarounds.

2. Potential Missed Communication

If you rely heavily on WhatsApp for important communications, consider how disabling calls might affect your conversations or relationships.

3. Security Risks with Older Versions

Using older versions of WhatsApp to work around this limitation may pose privacy or data security risks.

Part 3. Solutions to Disable WhatsApp Calling on Android Devices

WhatsApp does not currently have an official feature for turning off calls. However, there are alternative methods to reduce interruptions caused by WhatsApp calls on Android devices.

Method 1. Mute the Notifications for WhatsApp Calls

One of the easiest ways to stop WhatsApp call interruptions is by muting call notifications entirely for the app. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
Step 2. Navigate to the "Apps & Notifications" section and select WhatsApp.
Step 3. Go to "Notifications" and locate the option for call notifications.
Step 4. Mute or turn off alerts for incoming calls.

This method ensures you still receive messages without being annoyed by incoming call alerts from WhatsApp.

Method 2. Use Third-Party Tools to Restrict Calling

Certain third-party applications can restrict app permissions and block WhatsApp calls. These tools can help enforce app-specific settings, making it possible to disable certain features like calling. However, use such tools cautiously as they might compromise WhatsApp's intended user experience or violate its terms of service.

Method 3. Install an Older Version of WhatsApp

Previously, older versions of WhatsApp did not focus heavily on calling features.

Here's how you can revert to an older version:

Step 1. Uninstall the current version of WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2. Find and download a compatible older version from a reliable APK provider.
Step 3. Log in to your account and restore your backup if necessary.

Do note that this method might expose your device to security vulnerabilities since older versions usually lack latest updates and protections.

Part 4. Solutions to Disable WhatsApp Calling on iPhone Devices

For iPhone users, disabling incoming WhatsApp calls is achievable through a combination of notification settings and system-wide customization. Here are some effective techniques:

Method 1. Turn Off WhatsApp Call Notifications

To stop receiving alerts for incoming WhatsApp calls, you can adjust notification preferences:

Step 1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap "Settings" at the bottom-right corner.
Step 3. Go to "Notifications" and turn off call-related alerts from WhatsApp.

This allows you to receive messages while muting calls, minimizing distractions without entirely disabling WhatsApp usage.

Method 2. Use iPhone's Focus Mode

The Focus Mode feature in iOS is particularly useful for limiting notifications:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and select "Focus."
Step 2. Customize a new Focus profile or edit an existing one.
Step 3. Add WhatsApp to the "Blocked Apps" section.
Step 4. Once the Focus mode is activated, WhatsApp calls or notifications will no longer disturb you. This is ideal for users seeking a temporary yet structured way to mute communications.

Method 3. Restrict Call Permissions

iOS does not directly allow you to disable specific app features like calling. However, you can use parental controls or content restrictions to limit access to WhatsApp's calling functionality. This requires customizing Screen Time settings and App Permissions.

Part 5. Bonus Tip. How to Transfer WhatsApp Between iOS Devices

Want to transfer your WhatsApp data to your new phone, or just want to backup your WhatsApp data to your computer? TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer can help you out. TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer is a comprehensive WhatsApp data managing tool that allows users to transfer WhatsApp data between iOS devices, backup WhatsApp data, Restore WhatsApp backup, and export WhatsApp backup file to computer.

The following steps will show you how to transfer WhatsApp data between iOS devices.

Step 1 Connect iPhone to Computer

To begin with, download and install TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. When the program is installed on your computer, connect both your source phone and target phone to the computer.

Step 2Transfer WhatsApp Data

In this phase, please select the Transfer feature on the main interface of TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer. You can switch the source phone and target phone by clicking the flip button. Just click on the "Transfer" button to start transferring your WhatsApp data.

Part 6. Conclusion

Although WhatsApp does not currently allow users to outright disable its calling features, there are several workarounds that can help reduce interruptions on both Android and iPhone devices. Whether muting notifications, reverting to older app versions, or using system-level tools like Focus Mode, you can customize WhatsApp's functionality to suit your needs.

Ultimately, while these methods limit incoming calls, WhatsApp remains an essential tool for communication worldwide. Keep an eye out for potential updates from WhatsApp; they may introduce a direct call-disabling feature in the future.