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  • What: Make and receive voice calls on your WhatsApp Business numbers using the same Plivo Call API and XML elements as regular calls
  • How: Create a Voice XML app, enable calling on your WhatsApp number in Console, use call_type: "whatsapp" for outbound calls
  • Requires: WABA (WhatsApp Business Account) linked to Plivo, WhatsApp-enabled phone number
  • Outbound restriction: Not available from business numbers in US, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, or Vietnam. Users must grant permission first (by calling you or responding to a permission template)
  • Limitation: Max 1,000 simultaneous calls per WhatsApp Business number. Cannot forward WhatsApp calls to PSTN
Enable voice calling on your WhatsApp Business numbers to connect with customers directly through WhatsApp.

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Overview

WhatsApp Calling allows you to:
  • Receive inbound calls from users through your WhatsApp Business number
  • Make outbound calls to users who have granted permission
Once configured, WhatsApp calls work like any other Plivo voice call — use the same Call API and XML elements you already know.

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Prerequisites

  • Plivo account with Voice enabled
  • WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) linked to Plivo — Set up WABA
  • A WhatsApp-enabled phone number

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Setup

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Step 1: Create a Voice Application

  1. Go to Voice → Applications → XML → Add New Application
  2. Configure:
    • Application Name: WhatsApp Calling App
    • Primary Answer URL: Your endpoint that returns Plivo XML
  3. Click Create Application

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Step 2: Enable Calling on Your WhatsApp Number

  1. Go to WhatsApp → WhatsApp Business Account
  2. Click Enable Calling next to your phone number
  3. Select the Voice application you created
  4. Click Save Configuration
Once enabled, users will see a call button next to your WhatsApp number in the WhatsApp app.

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Step 3: Configure Calling Hours (Optional)

Set business hours in Meta Business Manager:
  1. Open Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers
  2. Select your number → More → Calls → Available call hours
  3. Configure your availability

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Making and Receiving Calls

Once WhatsApp Calling is enabled, calls work exactly like standard Plivo voice calls:
ActionHow
Receive callsHandle via your Answer URL with Plivo XML
Make callsUse the Call API with call_type: "whatsapp"
Control callsUse standard XML elements: Speak, Play, Dial, etc.

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Outbound Call Requirements

For outbound calls, use the Dial XML element with:
ParameterValue
callerIdYour WhatsApp Business number
callTypewhatsapp
Permission required: Meta requires explicit user permission before making outbound calls. Users grant permission by calling your business first, or by responding to a permission request template message.

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Limitations

  • Geographic restrictions: Outbound calls not available from business numbers in US, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Vietnam
  • No PSTN forwarding: Calls cannot be forwarded to traditional phone numbers
  • Concurrent calls: Maximum 1,000 simultaneous calls per WhatsApp Business number