WhatsApp video calling is a popular feature that allows users to make video calls to friends and family through the app. However, sometimes the video call icon does not show up for certain contacts. There are a few potential reasons why the WhatsApp video call icon may not be visible:
Issue on recipient’s end
The most common reason is that the recipient you are trying to video call does not have video calling enabled on their device. For you to video call someone, both you and the recipient need to have the feature enabled. Below are some reasons why video calling may be disabled on their end:
- They are using an old version of WhatsApp that does not support video calls
- They have disabled video calling in their WhatsApp settings
- Their device does not have a front camera
- Poor internet connection on their end
- Their phone does not meet the minimum OS requirements for WhatsApp video calling
So before assuming there is an issue on your end, check with the recipient to confirm that video calling is enabled for them and that their device and internet connection supports it.
Temporary glitch
Sometimes the video call icon disappears temporarily due to a minor software glitch. Restarting your phone typically resolves this. Force closing the WhatsApp app and re-opening it can also help refresh things.
Outdated WhatsApp version
Make sure that both you and the recipient have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. WhatsApp frequently releases updates with new features and bug fixes. An outdated version could be preventing the video call icon from showing properly. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your phone’s app store.
Account restriction
In rare cases, there may be a restriction on your WhatsApp account that prevents you from video calling specific contacts. This can happen if there was suspicious activity detected from your account. Checking your account settings and contacting WhatsApp support can help identify and resolve any limitations.
Blocked by recipient
If someone has blocked you on WhatsApp, the video call icon will not show up for that contact. You will need to get unblocked to regain video calling abilities. The recipient can unblock you through their privacy settings.
Phone software issue
An issue with your phone’s software could also cause the video call icon to disappear. Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Update your phone’s operating system to the latest version
- Reset app preferences on your device
- Clear cache and data for the WhatsApp app
- Restart your phone
If none of these basic steps work, you may need to contact your device manufacturer or service provider for further troubleshooting.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
Here are more detailed instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the missing video call icon issue in WhatsApp:
1. Confirm video calling is enabled
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Check that Read Receipts and Call Notifications are enabled
This allows WhatsApp to access device permissions necessary for video calls.
2. Verify OS and app versions
- Your phone needs Android OS 4.1+ or iOS 10+
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp from the app store
Older OS and app versions may not fully support video calls.
3. Force stop and clear app data
- Go to device Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Force Stop
- In WhatsApp Settings > Storage > Clear Data
This will wipe cache and reset WhatsApp to defaults which can fix software glitches.
4. Re-install WhatsApp
If the above steps did not work, uninstall and re-install WhatsApp from the app store or Play Store. Be sure to backup chats first.
5. Reset device and network settings
For Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Data and Bluetooth
- If issue persists, try factory resetting device
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
- As a last resort, erase all content and settings from your device
Resetting device and network settings will refresh everything and eliminate any corrupted files.
6. Contact WhatsApp support
If all else fails, contact WhatsApp directly through their help center:
- WhatsApp FAQ – https://faq.whatsapp.com/
- WhatsApp Twitter Support – https://twitter.com/WhatsApp
- WhatsApp Email Support – [email protected]
Provide details of your troubleshooting steps and error logs. They can investigate issues with your specific account and work to restore video call abilities.
Why Does The Video Call Icon Disappear?
There are a few common reasons why the WhatsApp video call button can disappear or stop showing up.
Internet connectivity issues
Unstable internet connections and poor Wi-Fi or cellular data signals can interrupt the video call feature. Check that both you and the recipient have adequate internet access to support a video call in WhatsApp.
Outdated app or OS version
Older operating system versions and outdated WhatsApp apps often have compatibility issues with newer features like video calling. Always keep your OS and apps fully updated.
Glitch due to new WhatsApp update
Some newer WhatsApp updates have been known to cause temporary glitches like removing the video call icon. Simply updating WhatsApp again usually resolves such bugs.
Account privacy settings
If your WhatsApp privacy settings like Read receipts and Call Notifications are disabled, it can affect the video call icon visibility. Enable them in WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy.
Recipient phone lacks front camera
You cannot video call someone whose phone does not have a front camera, like certain basic devices. The icon will not show up if their hardware cannot support video calling.
Temporary server issues
WhatsApp servers going down or maintenance breaks can also lead to disappearing video call buttons for the duration of the outage. But this resolves itself once servers are back up.
How to Get the Video Call Icon Back?
If the WhatsApp video call icon is missing, here are some tips to get it back:
Restart your phone and WhatsApp app
A quick restart can help reload the app properly and make the video icon reappear. Force close the WhatsApp app before restarting for best results.
Update your phone software and WhatsApp
Install pending updates for your device OS and the WhatsApp app. Updates often contain fixes for bugs that cause interface issues like missing icons.
Clear WhatsApp cache and data
Wipe the cache and app data from your phone’s settings menu. This will force the app to fully refresh which can make icons visible again.
Check for any account restrictions
Log into WhatsApp Settings to see if there are any restrictions placed on your account that block certain features like video calling.
Make sure video calling is not disabled
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Calls and check that video calling has not been disabled. Re-enable it if required.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp can overcome persistent glitches related to incorrect icons and buttons.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp video call icon disappearing is usually a minor technical glitch that can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. The most common solutions are checking for app updates, restarting your device, clearing app cache and data, and confirming video calling is enabled across your phones. Enabling appropriate OS and account permissions also ensures feature visibility. In rare cases of account restrictions or device compatibility issues, contacting WhatsApp support is recommended. With the right troubleshooting, the video call button can be restored, so you can seamlessly connect with friends and family.