WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. As WhatsApp continues to add new features and capabilities, many users want to know how they can get the best quality and experience out of using the app.
Use a Stable Internet Connection
One of the most important things you can do to improve your WhatsApp call and video chat quality is ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection. WhatsApp relies on your mobile data or WiFi network to make voice and video calls. If you have a weak signal or slow connection speed, it will directly impact your call quality and could result in choppy audio, pixelated video, or dropped calls.
When possible, try to use WiFi instead of mobile data, as it will provide faster speeds and lower latency. If using mobile data, be sure you have adequate signal strength – moving closer to a window or outside can sometimes help. You may also need to contact your mobile carrier if you frequently have network issues.
Ways to Boost Your Connection
- Connect to a 5GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4GHz, as it can support faster speeds.
- Restart your phone or modem/router if your internet is acting slow.
- Close out of other apps using bandwidth in the background.
- Upgrade to a faster internet plan if available.
Adjust Your WhatsApp Call Settings
WhatsApp provides several call settings you can adjust in the app to help optimize quality:
Cellular Data Settings
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Data Usage and enable options like low data usage and Wifi calling if available on your phone. This will let calls use less mobile data and route over WiFi when possible.
Low Battery Usage
Enable the ‘Low battery usage’ setting in Settings > Calls. This limits some visual quality but can help calls last longer if your phone battery is low.
Default Call Device
Set your preferred call device to earphones, speaker, or phone in WhatsApp Settings > Calls. Using earphones or a headset will provide better audio quality compared to a speakerphone.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Data Usage | Limits mobile data used on calls |
| Wifi Calling | Routes calls over WiFi when available |
| Low Battery Usage | Reduces visual quality to save battery life |
| Default Call Device | Choose earphones, speaker, etc as default |
Check Your Microphone Settings
Make sure WhatsApp has access to your phone’s microphone and that the correct microphone is selected if you have multiple options:
- Go to your phone settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and enable Microphone access.
- In WhatsApp Settings > Calls, select the microphone you want to use by default.
- Try using headphones with an integrated mic for optimal pickup.
- Check that microphone holes aren’t blocked on your phone.
Optimize Your Video Quality
For video calls, WhatsApp lets you customize some settings for the best experience:
Video Resolution
In WhatsApp Settings > Storage and Data, select a lower video resolution like 480p if you have a slower connection. Higher resolutions like 720p require more bandwidth.
Low Light Mode
Enable the ‘Low light mode’ in WhatsApp Settings > Calls to enhance video quality in poor lighting conditions.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution | Higher resolution requires faster internet |
| Low Light Mode | Enhances video in dark conditions |
Update Your WhatsApp Version
Always keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version from your phone’s app store. The developers regularly release updates with bug fixes and performance improvements for calls and chats. Using an outdated version may cause quality or connectivity issues.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re still having call quality problems even with a good connection, try resetting your network settings on your phone. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase any problematic configurations and restart your mobile network from scratch.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
For persistent WhatsApp call issues, contact your mobile carrier and explain the situation. They may be able to adjust settings on their network side to improve connectivity and call quality. Issues like network congestion, routing problems or tower outages can affect WhatsApp performance.
Conclusion
Improving WhatsApp call quality requires optimizing your internet connection, adjusting WhatsApp settings, troubleshooting hardware issues and keeping the app up-to-date. Focus on using WiFi instead of mobile data when possible, enable settings to reduce data usage, and select the optimal microphone and video resolution. With the right tweaks and optimal connectivity, you’ll be able to enjoy crystal clear WhatsApp calls and video chats.