Understanding the Ringing Sound When Making a WhatsApp Call to an Offline Contact

When you attempt to make a WhatsApp call to someone who is offline, you may notice the app 'rings' for a few seconds or even a minute. This can be confusing, especially if you're not familiar with how WhatsApp handles such situations. In this article, we'll explore why WhatsApp rings during a call to an offline contact and what this ringing means.

Call Setup Process

WhatsApp initiates the call by attempting to establish a connection with the recipient's device. This process involves a series of signaling steps that determine whether the recipient is available to answer the call. During this setup process, the app simulates a ringing sound to indicate that the call is being placed. Even if the recipient is offline, WhatsApp tries to notify them of the incoming call, just in case they become available.

Notification of Incoming Call

Even though the recipient is offline, the app continues to ring to notify you that the call is in progress. This is important because it ensures that you know the call is active, even if it can't be answered immediately. The ringing serves as a reminder that your call was received by the recipient's device, even if they are not currently online.

VoIP Protocols

WhatsApp uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to facilitate calls. VoIP involves signaling between devices to ensure that calls are established and maintained. The ringing continues for a certain duration to indicate that the call is active. This ringing signifies that the call setup process is ongoing and that the recipient's device acknowledges the call.

What Happens if the Recipient Remains Offline?

If the recipient remains offline for a prolonged period, the call will eventually time out. At this point, you may receive a notification informing you that the call was not connected. The call timeout duration can vary based on your device settings and network conditions.

Default Settings and Notifications

By default, you'll hear a ringing tone for the entire duration of the call setup process. This ring serves as a notification that the call is being placed and that it has been received by the recipient's device. If you want to be more informed about the recipient's internet status, you can monitor the status of the call during this process. The following are the status indicators you might encounter:

Calling: This indicates that the recipient is offline. They must be online for the call to be answered. Ringing: This indicates that the recipient is connected to the internet, even if they are not currently available to answer the call.

Understanding these indicators will help you navigate the nuances of WhatsApp calls effectively. Whether you're using WhatsApp for personal or professional communication, knowing how it handles offline calls can save you time and frustration. Stay informed and make the most out of your WhatsApp calls!