How to Disable Do Not Disturb Calls on WhatsApp

In today’s hyper-connected world, staying in touch is often a priority. WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging platforms, provides various features to ensure seamless communication. Among them, the “Do Not Disturb” (DND) functionality is an essential tool for managing notifications and calls during specific times.

However, there might come a moment when you wish to disable this feature, especially for calls. In this guide, we’ll explore how to disable Do Not Disturb calls on WhatsApp effectively, along with some additional tips for managing your notifications.

Understanding the “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what Do Not Disturb mode entails. On both Android and iOS devices, DND is a system-level setting that silences calls, messages, and app notifications. WhatsApp adheres to this system setting, meaning that if your phone is in DND mode, WhatsApp calls and notifications will be muted unless explicitly configured otherwise.

This feature is beneficial for focusing during work hours, getting uninterrupted sleep, or enjoying personal time. However, it can sometimes lead to missed calls or important messages. If you’ve activated DND but want WhatsApp calls to come through, disabling DND for WhatsApp or tweaking your phone settings is the way forward.

Steps to Disable Do Not Disturb Calls on WhatsApp

The exact method for disabling DND calls on WhatsApp depends on your device’s operating system. Let’s break it down step by step.

For Android Users

Step 1: Adjust System Settings

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Navigate to Sound & Vibration or Notifications (depending on your phone’s manufacturer).
3. Locate the Do Not Disturb section.
4. Check if “Do Not Disturb” is turned on. If yes, you can:
   • Turn it off entirely.
   • Customize it by allowing exceptions.

Step 2: Create Exceptions for WhatsApp

1. Under the DND settings, look for the Exceptions or Allowed Apps option.
2. Add WhatsApp to the list of apps allowed to bypass DND.
3. Ensure that Calls or VoIP calls are included in the exception settings.

Step 3: Verify in WhatsApp

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings > Notifications.
3. Ensure that Call Notifications are turned on and a ringtone is selected.

Step 4: Test the Configuration

Ask a friend to call you on WhatsApp while DND is active. If configured correctly, the call should ring through.

For iPhone Users

Step 1: Adjust Focus Settings

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Focus > Do Not Disturb.
3. Under Allowed Notifications, tap Apps.
4. Add WhatsApp to the allowed apps list.

Step 2: Check WhatsApp Settings

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap Settings > Notifications.
3. Ensure that Sounds and Vibrations are enabled for calls.

Step 3: Verify Your Configuration

Test by having someone call you on WhatsApp. If you’ve correctly allowed WhatsApp through Focus mode, the call should bypass the DND setting.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even after following the steps above, some users may still face issues. Let’s address common problems and their solutions:

1. WhatsApp Not Showing in Exceptions

• Ensure that your WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Restart your phone to refresh the settings.

2. DND Exceptions Not Working

• Double-check that you’ve saved your settings after making changes.
• Verify if the issue persists by toggling DND mode on and off.

3. Call Notifications Still Muted

• Confirm that your phone’s volume is turned up.
• In WhatsApp, ensure that the selected ringtone isn’t set to silent.

Tips for Managing Notifications Without Disabling DND Entirely

If you still want to keep DND active for other apps but allow WhatsApp calls, here are some additional strategies:

Use WhatsApp’s In-App Settings

WhatsApp has built-in options to control notifications. You can:

• Mute specific chats or groups while keeping call notifications active.
• Customize tones for individual contacts to prioritize calls from important people.

Schedule Do Not Disturb Mode

Most phones allow you to schedule DND mode. For instance, you can:

• Activate DND during nighttime but turn it off during daytime hours.
• Create Focus profiles (on iPhone) or Priority modes (on Android) to allow calls from selected apps.

Leverage Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps provide advanced DND management, enabling granular control over which notifications are silenced.

Why Allow WhatsApp Calls to Bypass DND?

Allowing WhatsApp calls to bypass DND can be a lifesaver in certain scenarios, such as:

• Staying reachable during emergencies while maintaining a quiet environment.
• Ensuring important business or international calls are not missed.

However, it’s essential to strike a balance to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Use the exceptions feature judiciously and prioritize contacts or apps that truly require immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

Disabling Do Not Disturb calls on WhatsApp requires a combination of system-level and app-specific settings. While the process may vary slightly between Android and iPhone devices, the steps are straightforward once you understand where to look. By customizing your DND settings and using WhatsApp’s notification tools, you can ensure that you never miss an important call, even during quiet hours.

Take a moment to configure your settings today, and enjoy uninterrupted communication with the people who matter most!