WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls to other users. However, there may be times when you want to mute your microphone during a WhatsApp video call.
Can you mute a WhatsApp video call?
Yes, it is possible to mute your microphone during a WhatsApp video call so that the other person cannot hear you. This can be useful if you need to briefly talk to someone else in the room without the other party on the call hearing your conversation.
There are a couple of ways to mute your microphone on a WhatsApp video call:
- Tap the mic icon at the bottom of the screen during the call. This will toggle mute on and off.
- Press and hold the mic button on your headset or other audio device if you are using an external mic.
When muted, the mic icon will have a strikethrough line to indicate that the other person cannot hear you. Simply tap the icon again or release the mic button to unmute.
Can you mute the video on a WhatsApp call?
Unfortunately, there is no way to mute or turn off your video feed during a WhatsApp video call. The video will remain on for the duration of the call.
Your options are:
- End the video call and switch to a WhatsApp voice call instead, which does not have video.
- Block your video camera with your hand or a sticky note when you need brief visual privacy during the call.
- Change locations or move out of the camera’s frame temporarily if needed.
WhatsApp has not yet provided native support for muting/disabling the video separately from ending the call. Some third-party apps claim to offer this functionality, but results may vary.
Can you mute incoming WhatsApp video calls?
When you receive an incoming WhatsApp video call, you have the option to mute your microphone before answering the call.
On Android, tap the mic button at the bottom of the incoming call screen to toggle mute on. On iOS, tap the mute button next to the Decline and Accept buttons.
This will answer the call but keep you muted, preventing the other person from hearing anything on your end. You can then unmute yourself once on the call.
However, there is no way to mute the incoming video feed on your end. Your video will begin transmitting as soon as you accept the call.
If you do not want to appear on video, your only option is to decline the WhatsApp video call and request that the other person call you back on a standard voice call instead.
Can you remove someone from a group video call?
The group video calling feature allows up to 8 participants on one WhatsApp call. If needed, you can remove people from the group call.
On Android:
- Tap the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner during the call.
- Tap More and select Remove participant.
- Tap the X next to the person’s name that you want to remove from the call.
On iOS:
- Swipe the person’s video feed to the left.
- Tap Remove to confirm removing them from the call.
The person removed will get a notification that they have been removed from the group call. This provides a quick way to drop someone from a group video chat if needed.
Can you mute a WhatsApp group call?
When on a group voice or video call with multiple people, you have two options for muting:
- Mute yourself – Tap the mic icon to mute or unmute your own microphone. Others will remain unmuted and can hear each other.
- Mute everyone – Long press on the group call screen and select Mute everyone. This will mute all participants’ microphones except your own.
There is no option to mute specific individuals on a group call – only the ability to mute yourself or mute everyone at once. Video feeds cannot be muted on group video calls.
Can you change WhatsApp video call quality?
WhatsApp automatically adjusts video call quality based on detected internet connection speeds. However, you cannot manually adjust the video quality settings within WhatsApp.
Video calls will use your front and rear cameras by default. On some Android devices, you can switch between these cameras during a call:
- Tap the camera button in the bottom right corner
- Select Rear or Front camera
But you cannot tweak resolution, frame rate, or other quality settings. WhatsApp optimizes this automatically based on bandwidth availability.
Can you blur your background on WhatsApp video calls?
WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature for blurring or changing your video background. By default, your actual background will be visible to other participants on the video call.
However, there are a few workarounds:
- Use a third-party app like VMate to blur or replace your background before joining the WhatsApp call.
- Manually adjust camera distance, lighting, and framing to minimize visibility of your background.
- Add physical decorations or backdrop behind you to overlay the environment.
Advanced background blurring features are still limited on WhatsApp compared to platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. But some basic tweaks can help customize your surrounding visual space.
Can you hide your phone number on WhatsApp video calls?
Your phone number is always visible to the other party during a one-on-one WhatsApp video call. There is no setting to hide your number from the recipient.
However, on a WhatsApp group video call, your number is only visible to the person that added you to the group. Other members will only see your name, not number.
If you want to completely hide your number from specific people, consider using a secondary “burner” SIM card and account just for WhatsApp. This keeps your primary number more private.
You can also request certain contacts to save your number under a pseudonym instead of your real name. This provides an extra layer of number obscurity on WhatsApp video chats.
How does WhatsApp video calling work?
WhatsApp’s video calling functionality works through end-to-end encryption over an internet connection:
- The app encrypts and transfers audio/video data between both parties in real-time.
- Actual video call content is not stored on WhatsApp’s servers.
- An internet connection is required – calls take place over mobile data or WiFi.
- Call quality adjusts based on detected bandwidth and connection speed.
Video calls require more bandwidth than standard voice calls. Note that cellular data charges may apply, especially for longer calls.
Technical requirements
Here are the technical requirements for making WhatsApp video calls:
System | Requirements |
---|---|
Android | Android 4.1+ Front camera Microphone |
iPhone | iOS 10+ Front camera Microphone |
Windows | Windows 10 v1903+ Front camera Microphone Speakers |
macOS | macOS 10.13+ Front camera Microphone Speakers |
Both parties will need to meet these requirements to successfully make a WhatsApp video call.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides a convenient way to make free video calls to contacts across platforms. While you cannot mute video, you do have the option to mute your microphone in one-on-one and group calls. There are also some workarounds to customize your background appearance and limit number visibility.
Overall, WhatsApp’s video calling provides a simple but secure way to visually communicate with your contacts from anywhere in the world. Just ensure you have a stable internet connection for smooth video and audio quality.
With end-to-end encryption and no storage of call data, WhatsApp video calling allows you to make private video calls from your phone. Mute your mic when needed, and adjust camera angles and lighting for best results.
While more advanced customization and quality options would be beneficial, WhatsApp’s video chat gets the basic job done for free voice and video connection worldwide.
Video chat has become an essential means of communication today. For many, WhatsApp is their primary messaging app, making its video calling feature the simplest way to conduct face-to-face virtual meetings. As the platform continues to grow, we may see more ways to customize and enhance the video call experience.
But the current functionality provides an accessible starting point for secure video chats on the go. Just tap a contact and you’re up and running with end-to-end encrypted video communication on WhatsApp.
As video calling advances across apps and devices, WhatsApp has the user base and core functionality to remain a top player for virtual video chats. The ability to mute your microphone and customize your physical background provides some basic but effective tools during your WhatsApp video conversations.
While advanced controls over video quality and background effects would be nice to have, the simplicity and security of WhatsApp video calls make it easy to jump on a quick face-to-face conversation with contacts worldwide. Mute your mic when needed, prop up your camera angle, and enjoy free HD video calls on the go with WhatsApp.