Do both parties need WhatsApp to call?

Can You WhatsApp Call Without Both Parties Having the App?

The short answer is no. To initiate a WhatsApp call, both parties need to have the WhatsApp application installed on their respective devices. This is a fundamental requirement of the service. While the convenience of a platform like WhatsApp often overshadows the technicalities, it relies on the availability of the app on both ends of the communication.

While an active internet connection is also essential for any call, be it voice or video, the crucial component for a WhatsApp call is the mutual presence of the app. Trying to call someone who doesn’t have the WhatsApp app installed will result in a failure to connect, much like trying to call someone with an incompatible phone system. The app acts as the intermediary, facilitating the communication pathway.

This interconnectedness, though sometimes overlooked, underscores the specific nature of WhatsApp’s call functionality. It differs from traditional phone calls where the network infrastructure handles the connection without requiring a specific application on the user’s device. In the WhatsApp environment, the app acts as a crucial component in the call setup process, demanding the app’s presence on both sides to ensure a successful connection.