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.
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.
WhatsApp calling is also subject to regional availability due to platform restrictions. The feature is not supported in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and certain regions of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk).
Additionally, while WhatsApp messaging may still be available, calling through the developer platform is not supported in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
For the full list of requirements and detailed documentation, refer to Meta's WhatsApp Calling documentation.
Activating WhatsApp Calling
WhatsApp Calling is automatically activated in the backend once your WhatsApp line meets Meta’s prerequisites — no manual setup or action required.
When a line becomes eligible, the system will automatically:
Enable calls on Meta for the selected line
Create a default Call Request template to request candidate consent before placing a call
A recurring job runs daily to check all WhatsApp lines. Any line that meets the prerequisites but is not yet subscribed will be automatically activated. Lines that are not yet eligible will be skipped and retried in future runs.
Why Subscribe to calls may be unavailable
If a WhatsApp line cannot yet be subscribed to calls, the Subscribe to calls action in Company Settings > WhatsApp Settings will display an info icon. Hovering over it reveals a tooltip that explains the specific reason. There are two possible cases:
Region restriction — The line's country is on Meta's unsupported list for WhatsApp Calling, or calling through the developer platform is not supported in that region. Lines in restricted regions cannot be subscribed manually or automatically.
Credentials not retrieved yet — The required credentials for this line have not yet been synced. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own once the credentials finish syncing in the background. Please check back shortly.
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 10,000 connected WhatsApp calls per day, while recruiters can make up to 100 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.
Consumption and billing are available in the Billing section of the Company Settings tab. Please make sure to add at least one billing recipient. You can read more here.
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.
