If someone is talking on a phone call and receives a WhatsApp call, what happens?

If someone is talking on a phone call and receives a WhatsApp call, what happens - briefly?

When an individual is engaged in a traditional voice call and simultaneously receives a WhatsApp call, the incoming WhatsApp call will typically be declined or missed automatically, as the device cannot handle both calls concurrently without user intervention.

If someone is talking on a phone call and receives a WhatsApp call, what happens - in detail?

When an individual is engaged in a voice call using their mobile phone and simultaneously receives an incoming WhatsApp call, several processes occur behind the scenes to manage these competing communications effectively.

Firstly, it's important to note that modern smartphones are designed with multitasking capabilities, allowing users to handle multiple applications concurrently. When a WhatsApp call is received while on a traditional voice call, the device’s operating system (OS) will typically interrupt the current audio stream temporarily to alert the user of the incoming WhatsApp call. This interruption manifests as a notification sound, vibration, or both, depending on the user's settings and preferences.

The OS then presents the user with several options via a pop-up notification or banner:

  1. Accept the WhatsApp Call: If chosen, the current voice call will be placed on hold. This is achieved by temporarily pausing the audio stream of the ongoing call and redirecting the device's microphone and speaker to handle the new WhatsApp call. The individual can then decide whether to switch entirely to the WhatsApp call or end it after a brief interaction.
  2. Decline the WhatsApp Call: If this option is selected, the notification will disappear, and the ongoing voice call will resume without interruption. The user can continue their conversation as if nothing happened.
  3. Ignore the Notification: Some users might choose to ignore the notification altogether, allowing the WhatsApp call to go to voicemail or be missed entirely. In this case, the ongoing voice call remains uninterrupted.

It is also worth mentioning that the handling of these situations can vary slightly depending on the specific device and OS in use. For instance, iOS devices might handle notifications differently from Android devices. However, the general principles outlined above are consistent across most modern smartphones.

In summary, when a WhatsApp call is received during an ongoing voice call, the user's device will temporarily interrupt the audio stream to notify them of the incoming call. The user then has options to accept, decline, or ignore the WhatsApp call, with each choice dictating how the two calls are managed.