The WhatsApp Calls feature allows recruiters to initiate voice calls with candidates directly through WhatsApp without leaving the platform. Since WhatsApp requires explicit user consent for business-initiated calls, recruiters must first request permission from the candidate before placing a call. Once the candidate approves the request, the WhatsApp call option becomes available in the candidate profile. This allows recruiters to quickly connect with candidates using a familiar communication channel that many candidates already prefer.
After a call is completed, the system automatically records and stores the interaction. Each call includes an audio recording, an auto-generated transcript, and a short summary so teams can easily review conversations and maintain a complete communication history with the candidate.
How It Works
WhatsApp calls require candidate approval before a recruiter can place a call. When a recruiter initiates a call for the first time, the platform sends a permission request to the candidate via WhatsApp. Once the candidate approves, the call button becomes available, allowing the recruiter to start the call directly from the candidate profile. During the call, the system displays call status and duration, and reminds the recruiter to inform the candidate about call recording. After the call ends, the recording, transcript, and summary are automatically saved under the Live Calls section, and the interaction is logged in the conversation timeline.
Steps to Start a WhatsApp Call
Open the candidate profile.
Click Invite to Call to send a WhatsApp permission request.
Wait for the candidate to approve the request.
Once approved, click the Call button.
The call pop-up window will appear showing the call status and duration.
Complete the call with the candidate.
Review the recording, transcript, and summary on the Chat History section.
Requirements
WhatsApp calling is only available for organizations that meet certain requirements. This includes:
Having at least one WhatsApp Business account connected to the platform,
Configuring a permission request message template so the system can automatically ask candidates for approval before placing a call
At least 2,000 business-initiated conversations within a rolling 24-hour period. If this threshold is not met, the calling feature will not be available for that phone number.
For the full list of requirements and detailed documentation, refer to Meta’s WhatsApp Calling documentation.
To start using this feature, contact your Account Manager for activation.
Call Limits, Behavior, and Status Indicators
WhatsApp calling follows specific limits and behaviors to ensure a smooth and compliant experience. Each organization can have up to 100 connected WhatsApp calls per day, while recruiters can make up to 10 calls per candidate per day. If these limits are reached, the call option will be temporarily unavailable until it resets.
In addition to limits, the system also manages invitation and call behavior based on candidate responses and activity. Call invitations are time-sensitive and may expire or reset depending on how the candidate interacts.
Key behaviors and status indicators include:
Waiting for reply – a request has already been sent and the system is waiting for the candidate’s reply.
Invitation expires after 24 hours if the candidate does not respond.
Invitation declined – if the candidate declines, you can send a new invitation after 24 hours from the first invite.
Weekly invite limit – only 2 call invitations can be sent within a 7-day period.
Call invitation expired (7 days) – a previously granted temporary call permission expires after 7 days, requiring a new invitation.
Invitation reset after unanswered calls – if there are 4 consecutive unanswered calls, the invitation will reset and a new permission request may be required.
These rules help prevent excessive outreach while ensuring candidates remain in control of when they can be contacted via WhatsApp calls.
Call Recording and Conversation History
All WhatsApp calls are recorded by default and stored within the candidate profile. This ensures that recruiters and hiring teams can easily review conversations and maintain a clear record of candidate interactions. Each recorded call includes the audio playback, a transcript generated automatically by the system, and a short summary describing the discussion.
These call records appear in the Chat History section of the candidate profile. The chat timeline will also display notifications whenever key actions occur, such as when permission is requested, when a call is started, and when the call is completed. This makes it easy to follow the full history of communication with the candidate.
Important Note
UI Changes When WhatsApp Calling Is Enabled
When WhatsApp calling is enabled, the candidate profile interface is updated to better support calling features while keeping the layout clean and easy to navigate. Actions are reorganized so recruiters can quickly access key functions without clutter.
The Call button is now located at the top of the candidate profile, and WhatsApp calling is included under this same button when Live Calls are enabled. This means recruiters can access both Live Calls and WhatsApp Calls from a single entry point, making it easier to manage different call types in one place.
To simplify the interface, shortcut actions such as Shortlist, Reject, and Hire are removed from their previous positions. Instead, moving candidates between stages or folders is redesigned into a dropdown menu, improving organization and accessibility.
Additional actions are grouped under a three-dots menu, and the Share Profile button is also located at the top of the candidate profile, allowing recruiters to quickly access more options without overcrowding the main view.
Countries Where WhatsApp Calling Is Not Supported
WhatsApp Business calling is not supported in certain regions due to platform restrictions. Businesses cannot use WhatsApp calling in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and some regions of Ukraine.
Additionally, while WhatsApp messaging is available in some countries, calling through the developer platform is not currently supported in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Vietnam, and Nigeria. Organizations operating in these locations will still be able to use WhatsApp messaging but will not have access to the WhatsApp voice calling feature.
