WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to communicate in real-time via text messages, voice calls, and video calls. Making your first video call on WhatsApp is quick and easy to do once you know the steps.
What Do I Need to Make a WhatsApp Video Call?
To make a video call on WhatsApp, you’ll need the following:
- A smartphone with WhatsApp installed
- A strong WiFi or mobile data connection
- The phone number or WhatsApp contact of the person you want to video call
- The latest version of WhatsApp
As long as you and the person you are trying to call have these things, you’ll be able to make a video call through the app.
Step 1: Open a WhatsApp Chat with the Contact
First, launch WhatsApp on your phone and open the chat window for the contact you want to video call. This can be done in a few ways:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Chats tab. Find the contact in your list of chats and tap on their name.
- Open your phone’s contacts, select the contact, and tap on the WhatsApp icon to open their chat.
- Tap on the search bar at the top of the Chats tab and search for the contact’s name.
Once you’ve opened the chat window, you’re ready to start the call!
Step 2: Tap the Video Call Button
To start a video call, tap the video camera icon in the top right corner of the chat screen. It will be right next to the regular phone icon for voice calls.
On Android, the video call icon is a webcam symbol. On iOS, it is a phone icon with a + sign.
Tap and hold the video call icon and you will get two options:
- Video call – For regular one-on-one video calls
- Create group video call – For a group video call with up to 3 additional participants
Tap on Video call to start a one-on-one call with the person.
Step 3: Wait for the Contact to Answer
After tapping the video call icon, WhatsApp will start calling your contact. You’ll see your own video preview in a small window as the call connects.
If your contact declines or misses the call, you’ll get options to Call Again or Message them. If they answer, the video call will begin!
Step 4: Chat Face-to-Face Over Video
Once your contact accepts the video call, you’ll be able to see and hear each other in real-time. WhatsApp’s interface will switch to a split-screen video call display.
Your video will appear in a large window on the right, while your contact’s video will be in a smaller window on the left. You can tap and hold on either video to switch their sizes.
The call will have the following options:
- Mute – Tap to mute/unmute your microphone
- Video – Tap to turn your video on/off
- Speaker – Route audio through a speaker
- Keypad – Open a dialpad to enter DTMF tones
- Add Call – Add a third person to the call
- Record – Record a video of the call
- End Call – Hang up and end the video call
The video quality and performance will depend on factors like network connectivity and device capabilities. To enhance the experience:
- Use WhatsApp’s native app instead of WhatsApp Web whenever possible
- Connect to a strong WiFi network or switch to mobile data
- Reduce background app activity and notifications
When you are ready to end the call, tap the red End Call button. The call will conclude and you’ll return to the normal chat window.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Video Call Issues
Sometimes you may encounter issues when trying to make WhatsApp video calls. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Problem: Video Call Icon is Missing
- Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed
- Force close and relaunch the WhatsApp app
- Check if video calling is disabled in WhatsApp Settings > Account > Video Calls
- On iPhone, allow WhatsApp access to your camera in iOS Settings > WhatsApp > Camera
- Reinstall WhatsApp if needed
Problem: Call Doesn’t Connect or Disconnects
- Switch from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa
- Move closer to your WiFi router for better connectivity
- Disable battery saver mode which may disrupt background apps
- Restart your phone and router if internet is flakey
Problem: Video Quality is Poor
- Check your internet speeds with a speed test app
- Reduce video resolution in WhatsApp Settings if on low bandwidth
- Close other apps running in the background
- Move to a location with better cellular reception
- Clean your camera lens which may be blurry
Following these tips should help you troubleshoot any issues getting your first WhatsApp video call running smoothly.
Extra WhatsApp Video Calling Tips
Once you become comfortable with WhatsApp video calls, explore some additional features to take your calling to the next level:
- Add up to 3 total participants to a group video call by tapping “Add Participant”
- Switch between front and rear cameras during a call
- Use WhatsApp on multiple devices to take calls across phone, desktop, or tablet
- Share your screen with video call participants
- Change your background to add custom images or blur effects
- Use WhatsApp Web to take and receive video calls on your computer
With these handy tips, you can become a WhatsApp video call pro in no time! The ability to make free face-to-face calls is one of the key benefits of the platform. Don’t be afraid to start reaching out to friends and family over video.
Conclusion
Making your first WhatsApp video call is a quick and easy process. Just open the chat with the contact, tap the video icon, and chat face-to-face once they answer. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and latest app version. If you run into any issues, try the troubleshooting steps outlined above.
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is the global leader in messaging and video calling. Don’t miss out on connecting visually with those closest to you. Open up WhatsApp and start a video call today!