Video calls WhatsApp can become a source of inconvenience: from unexpected calls at the wrong time to annoying spam calls. Despite the popularity of the function, many users they are looking for a way to disable video calls, while retaining the ability to exchange messages and voice calls. The problem is that the messenger developers have not added a direct switch to deactivate this function - but workarounds exist.

In this article we will look 5 proven methodshow to prohibit video calls in WhatsApp on Androiddevices: from standard privacy settings to technical tricks with limiting application rights. We will pay special attention hidden parameters that work even on the latest versions of the messenger (2026–2026 gg.)and also consider the nuances for different smartphone manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.).

Important: some methods require administrator rights or ADBcommands - we will highlight them separately with warnings about possible risks. If you're not ready to experiment with system settings, focus on the first three methods.

1. Restricting calls through WhatsApp privacy settings

The easiest and safest way is to use the messenger's built-in tools. They won't turn off video calls completely, but they will allow you to block them from specific contacts or strangers..

How it works:

  • 🔒 Blocking contacts: blacklisted users will not be able to call you (including video calls), but you will lose their messages as well.
  • 👥 Restriction for strangers: you can block calls from numbers that are not in the phone book.
  • 🔔 Disable notifications: the call will come, but you will not see (or hear) it.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Account → Privacy.
  2. In section Calls select Silent mode —this will mute all incoming calls (including video calls).
  3. To block a specific user, open a chat with him → ⋮ → More → Block.
  4. To limit strangers, return to Privacy and activate the option Strangers in the section Calls (not available in all regions).
⚠️ Attention: Blocking a contact in WhatsApp does not remove it from the phone book. To completely stop communication, remove the number from your contact list Android.

Are unwanted contacts blocked on WhatsApp

Is the sound for incoming calls disabled

Has the messenger version been updated to the latest

Is the phone book synchronized with your Google account-->

2. Using Do Not Disturb mode in Android

If you need to temporarily disable all video calls (for example, while sleeping or working), use the system function Do not disturb (DND). This method works on all smartphones with Android 6.0 and newer, but has a limitation: it blocks all notifications, and not just WhatsApp.

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb mode disturb").
  2. Select Schedule and set a time frame (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
  3. In the section Exceptions add WhatsApp to the list of allowed applications, but uncheck "Calls" - this way messages will arrive, but there will be no calls.

For Samsung and Xiaomi there is a nuance: in these firmwares the mode DND can completely block notifications from the messenger. To avoid this, use an alternative method:

  • 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Notifications → Advanced → Notification categories → WhatsApp → Disable "Calls".
  • 🤖 On Xiaomi: Settings → Applications → Application management → WhatsApp → Notifications → Disable "Incoming calls".

Daily

Several times a week

Rarely (once a month or less)

Never-->

3. Disabling the microphone and camera for WhatsApp in Android settings

A radical but effective way - Deprive the messenger of access to the camera and microphone. Without these permissions, video calls will become impossible, but you will retain the ability to send voice messages and make calls in voice mode.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions.
  2. Find permissions Camera and Microphone and set them to Deny.
  3. Confirm the changes (on some devices you will need to restart the application).

What happens after this:

  • ✅ Video calls will be automatically reset after 5-10 seconds (the opponent will see the message “Unable to connect”).
  • ✅ Voice calls will remain functional (unless the microphone is disabled).
  • ❌ You will not be able to send voice messages if you disable the microphone.
  • ❌ The function Status with video or audio will stop working.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12 and newer, some manufacturers (for example OnePlus, Oppo) can reset these settings after updating the system. Check permissions every 1–2 months.
Method Blocks video calls? Impact on voice calls Impact on messages Difficulty
Whatsapp privacy Partially (only from blocked ones) No No ⭐
No mode disturb" Yes (with the correct settings) Yes Partially ⭐⭐
Disable microphone/camera Yes Yes (if the microphone is muted) No ⭐⭐
ADB commands (see section 4) Yes No No ⭐⭐⭐
Third-party applications Yes Possible Possible ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Advanced method: disabling video calls via ADB

For users who are ready for technical manipulations, there is a way completely disable video calls without compromising other functions. It requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Advantages of the method:

  • 🎯 Targeted disabling of video calls only (voice calls and messages will remain working).
  • 🔄 Reversibility - you can return everything back with one command.
  • 🛡️ Does not require root access.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB tools on your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
  2. Enable on your smartphone Developer mode (go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times).
  3. Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → For developers.
  4. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command in the terminal: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.whatsapp/com.whatsapp.voip.VoipActivity
  5. Reboot the device.

To get everything back, use the command: 

adb shell pm enable com.whatsapp/com.whatsapp.voip.VoipActivity

⚠️ Attention: After update WhatsApp can reset these settings. Repeat the procedure after each messenger update. Also note that incorrect use ADB may disrupt the system.
What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

If the command adb devices returns empty list:

1. Make sure the USB cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).

2. Install drivers for your device (for example Samsung USB Driver or Google USB Driver).

3. Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0).

4. On your phone, turn on Settings → For developers turn on USB debugging (security settings) and confirm permission to connect to PC.

5. Third-party applications for blocking calls

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can use specialized utilities. They allow. filter calls by type (video/voice) and even set “white lists” of contacts.

Top 3 applications for blocking video calls:

  • 🛡️ Call Blocker — blocks calls by number mask or type (there is a separate filter for WhatsApp).
  • 🔇 Truecaller —detects spam calls and allows you to block them automatically (including video calls from instant messengers).
  • 📵 Should I Answer? —analyzes incoming calls and offers to block them (works with WhatsApp via accessibility settings).

How to configure (using an example Call Blocker):

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Go to Settings → Call blocking → Applications.
  3. Select WhatsApp and activate the option Block video calls.
  4. Add exceptions for important contacts to White list.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party blockers may conflict with system services Android. Before installation, check reviews about compatibility with your smartphone model (for example, on Samsung Galaxy S23 some utilities are unstable).
💡

If you use Truecaller, disable the option "Show notifications about blocked calls" in its settings - this will help you You won’t even see any mention of missed video calls.

6. Alternative solutions: switch to WhatsApp Business or Web version

If video calls are critical for work, but interfere with personal correspondence, consider the option of separation of accounts:

  • 💼 WhatsApp Business —in this version you can disable video calls for personal chats, leaving them only for clients.
  • 💻 Web version —on the computer, video calls are disabled by default (they need to be activated manually).

How to transfer chats to WhatsApp Business:

  1. Install WhatsApp Business from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, select the option Use an existing account.
  3. Confirm your phone number (it must be different from your personal one WhatsApp).
  4. In the business profile settings, go to Tools → Call settings and turn off video calls for personal contacts.

For Web version:

  1. Open web.whatsapp.com in a browser.
  2. Scan the QR code from your phone.
  3. Video calls will only be available through the mobile application.
💡

WhatsApp Business allows you to maintain two accounts on one phone, but requires a separate number. This is convenient for separating work and personal chats.

Frequently asked questions. (FAQ)

Is it possible to disable video calls only for certain contacts?

Yes, but only indirectly: add them to the black list (Chat → ⋮ → Block). There is no full control over call types (video/voice only) in standard WhatsApp no.

Why do calls still go through after turning off the microphone and camera?

You probably blocked permissions only for the main application, but not for WhatsApp Services (service component). Check the permissions for all packages with the name WhatsApp in the settings.

Will the interlocutor know that I blocked video calls?

No, he will see the standard notification “Unable to connect” or “Call ended”. No special blocking marks are displayed.

Do these methods work on iPhone?

No, iOS has other permission management mechanisms. For iPhone the only reliable way is to completely turn off notifications from WhatsApp or use the Do Not Disturb mode.

Is it possible to turn off video calls forever so that they do not even try to connect?

Yes, but this will require ADB (section 4) or root access. Without them, the messenger will try to initiate a call, but it will be dropped at the connection stage.

If none of the methods are suitable, consider the option switching to alternative messengers (for example, Telegram or Signal), where call management is more flexible. In Telegram video calls are disabled in two clicks: Settings → Privacy → Calls → Nobody.