WhatsApp calls disconnect or fail to initiate on iPhone

Question

Level 1

4 points

WhatsApp calls disconnect or fail to initiate on iPhone

I recently upgraded my devices to the new iPhone 17 Pro Max and my wife’s to the iPhone 17. Since the upgrade, we have encountered persistent and frustrating issues exclusively related to WhatsApp calls that we never experienced with our previous iPhones over the last decade of use.

The problems observed are as follows:

Immediate Call Disconnection: Incoming WhatsApp calls on either new iPhone often disconnect immediately upon answering, or within the first 5 seconds. If the caller redials immediately, the second attempt usually connects without issue and remains stable.
Intermittent Inability to Make WhatsApp Calls: At times, my iPhone 17 Pro Max (or my wife's iPhone 17) is unable to initiate an audio or video WhatsApp call, even when our home Wi-Fi connection is stable. Crucially, at these exact moments, if the call is attempted on the other iPhone 17, it connects successfully. This suggests the issue is not with the internet connection or the WhatsApp software itself (as both phones run the exact same versions). The only temporary fix is to power the affected device off and on again.

These issues occur one to two times daily on either or both phones. It is surprising that Apple has not publicly acknowledged this problem or provided a workaround for loyal customers experiencing such core functionality failures on their flagship devices. We are seeking a permanent resolution or official guidance on this matter.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:51 AM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,146 points

Dec 8, 2025 8:25 AM in response to Mehul223

Mehul223 wrote:

So I am sure it's WhatApp software bug, but how to downgrade lower software version on Whatapp?

It is not the first bug in Meta software and certainly won't be the last. Specifically for WhatsApp, there have been 12 updates for bug fixes in just the last month. The most recent one was 4 days ago and there is no downgrade option after they release a new version. All you can do is let Meta know, so they can issue yet another update. That is the cycle we have seen for years from Meta where an update resolves one problem and adds a different bug that needs resolved by another update.

With the frequency seen with these updates, it is clear that very little in-house testing is being performed before release and they are counting on their users to be bug testers.

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Answer 2

Mehul223

Level 1

8 points

Dec 8, 2025 8:14 AM in response to nirav311

I have exact same issue with Whatsapp calling and it required device power cycle and restart. After the restart Whasapp calling starts working. So I am sure it's WhatApp software bug, but how to downgrade lower software version on Whatapp?

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Answer 3

Kurtosis12

Level 9

76,396 points

Nov 17, 2025 11:16 AM in response to nirav311

I am certain both Apple and the WhatsApp team are dedicated to finding a resolution

Sorry but what part of Apple isn't responsible for broken third party apps do you not understand?

This is 100% Meta's problem.

WhatsApp is not an primary communication tool, it is a social media app and Apple isn't responsible for fixing it. Contact Meta and let them know of your disapproval

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

100,035 points

Nov 17, 2025 1:39 PM in response to nirav311

This is how it works

Apple releases beta version of iOS in June for app developers and beta testers to test out

Volunteer beta testers report problems including third party apps

Developers test their own apps too

Apple forward the reports to the developers

Developers fix them to be ready for September.

Meta obviously failed.

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Answer 5

Kurtosis12

Level 9

76,396 points

Nov 17, 2025 9:18 AM in response to nirav311

It is surprising that Apple has not publicly acknowledged this problem or provided a workaround for loyal customers experiencing such core functionality failures on their flagship devices

Why would Apple need to publicly acknowledge or provide a workaround for a poorly written third party app? Apple is in no way responsible for Meta's broken apps. It is up to Meta to fix their software.

WhatsApp is not a core funtionality.

You will need to contact Meta for help with their software.

Here are a couple of ways to contact them -

https://faq.whatsapp.com/

https://www.whatsapp.com/contact

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Answer 6

nirav311 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 17, 2025 11:04 AM in response to Kurtosis12

Thanks for your reply, will surly reach out to whatsapp team as well.

I am optimistic that one of these companies will imminently release an update to solve the issue. I am certain both Apple and the WhatsApp team are dedicated to finding a resolution. The most pressing matter, however, remains the substantial number of iPhone users facing difficulties with a primary communication tool.

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