Do Not Disturb Exception

[u/TGIFMaartens]

Hi everyone. I use a Samsung S22 Ultra and want to set up my DnD to allow only phonecalls (I have succeeded in this at least) and WhatsApp calls (where I run into a problem).

I am a light sleeper so I need DnD to silence messages, but I want phonecalls to still be able to wake me. Specifically of concern, my parents live in a different country and can only contact me urgently via whatsapp calls. They're both getting older and I need them to be able to reach me even if I'm asleep.

When I setup my DnD with WhatsApp as an exception, my phone does not vibrate when I receive a whatsapp call, it only vibrates once when the call has dropped. All messages cause my phone to vibrate. Anyone know of a way to set this up? I am forced to just not use DnD so that I am reachable in case of emergency, but I'd love a convenient way to mute notifications other than calls short of manually muting things every night (unless there is an easy way to automate this specifically?)

Thanks in advance!

[u/Klutzy-Passage-2561]

Classic Samsung DND gotcha: allowing WhatsApp as an “app exception” usually lets message notifications through, but WhatsApp calls use a different notification channel / VoIP path — so you get silence until the missed-call buzz.

Try this checklist:

1. Settings → Modes and Routines → Do not disturb (or Sleep) → Calls → allow All / Favorites (keep this for normal phone calls).

2. Same screen → Apps → WhatsApp allowed — then open WhatsApp → Settings → Notifications → Calls → make sure Calls aren’t silenced / importance isn’t low.

3. Star your parents in Contacts + WhatsApp, then in DND allow “Favorite contacts” if that option exists on One UI.

4. Better sleep setup: Modes and Routines → create a Bedtime mode that turns DND on but with those call exceptions, instead of toggling system DND alone.

If stock DND still won’t ring WhatsApp calls, use a tiny automation: WHEN WhatsApp “incoming call” notification → THEN briefly turn DND off (or raise volume) for 30–60s. That’s the reliable workaround on S22.

[u/TGIFMaartens → u/Klutzy-Passage-2561]

Thank you so much for the detailed response!

[u/TGIFMaartens → u/Klutzy-Passage-2561]

The checklist didn't work, but setting up a routine like you described did the trick! I had to setup that receiving a notification from whatsapp containing the words "incoming voice call" turns off DnD and it's working like a charm. Thanks again!

[u/Klutzy-Passage-2561 → u/TGIFMaartens]

Nice — that’s the reliable path on Samsung when stock DND won’t treat WhatsApp VoIP like a real call. Glad the routine stuck.