How does a whatsapp video call work
Everything You Need to Know
WhatsApp connects users all around the world. The app allows people to communicate through text messages, voice, or by using WhatsApp video calling. And like any instant messenger, WhatsApp's video calling is feature-rich.
Here's a guide on how to make WhatsApp video calls on desktop and mobile, as well as everything you need to know about its limits.
WhatsApp Video Calling? You Need to Know This
Video calling is precisely what it sounds like. You “call” a contact you have on WhatsApp, and both of you can see each other on your smartphone screens. It's what Skype and FaceTime have been doing for years.
Video calling on WhatsApp also works across both Android and iOS. That's what makes WhatsApp one of the best smartphone apps for cross-platform video calls. If you have any security concerns, check out these tips to make WhatsApp more secure and private.
WhatsApp video calls are free locally and internationally, meaning that WhatsApp isn't charging you any money to make the call. However, video calls require an internet connection, so they consume data from your phone's data plan;
If you are using WhatsApp to call someone over a Wi-Fi connection, your phone's network carrier won't charge you anything.
A quick reminder: you can check how much data WhatsApp video calls use, thanks to these WhatsApp tricks everyone should know. And to ensure you get all the features, download the latest version of WhatsApp.
Download: WhatsApp for Android | iOS (Free)
What You Can Do With WhatsApp Video Calling
WhatsApp video calling is part of the existing voice calls feature. You can contact old friends who use the app and chat as though they were sitting in front of you.
You can hold business meetings, work with small teams, and even keep in touch with friends in other countries. WhatsApp's features are all exceptionally robust.
How to Make a WhatsApp Video Call on Mobile
2 Images
Placing a WhatsApp video call on your phone is quite simple.
Here's how:
- First, tap the Contact you want to talk to.
- Now tap the Video Camera icon to the right of their name at the top of the screen. The other person can answer the call by tapping the green Video button or reject the call by tapping the red Phone button. If they answer, you're ready to go.
By default, WhatsApp video calls use the front-facing camera of your phone. However, you can switch this to the rear Camera at any point with a tap on the screen. It's seamless and just works.
You can also mute the microphone, so the other person can see you but not hear you—just tap the Microphone icon at the bottom of the screen. To mute the audio from the speakers, use your phone's volume buttons.
How to Make a WhatsApp Video Call on Your PC
Making a WhatsApp video call on your PC is just as easy. Follow the steps below to get started:
- Launch WhatsApp Desktop on your PC and select the Contact you want to call.
- Next, click on the Video Camera icon at the top-right of the screen. You will then see your face and that of the person you're calling displayed in a small window in the top-right corner of the screen, with your chat in the background. You can maximize the display to get a better view of yourself and of the person you're calling.
- At the bottom of the video call display are options to toggle your Camera on or off, turn your Microphone off, and End the call. Tap the three-dot Menu to access WhatsApp video call Settings to adjust your preferences.
Unlike on mobile, you can view your other Chats on the left side of the screen while on a video call on your PC.
Group WhatsApp Video Calls
You can make a WhatsApp video call with up to eight participants at the same time. That means you can chat to seven friends or loved ones all in one call.
Group video calls consume more data as well.
How to Place a WhatsApp Group Call on Your Mobile
2 Images
Here's how to place a WhatsApp group call on your phone:
- First, start a one-on-one call with anyone on your contact list. Then tap the Video icon next to their name.
- If you want to add more people once the person has answered the call, swipe up on the upward Arrow above the in-call options buttons and tap Add Participant. The icon looks like a person with a plus sign next to them at the bottom of the screen.
- Now select the Contacts you want to call, and repeat for up to seven additional people.
- If you want to place a call from within a group chat, open the chat and tap the Camera icon in the top-right corner. This will call everyone in the chat simultaneously.
The process is simple and easy.
You just need to ensure that everyone else you're adding to the video call has WhatsApp. Currently, you cannot place a group video call on your PC, but that may change in the future.
Multitasking While on a WhatsApp Video Call
Another highlight of WhatsApp's video calls is the multitasking feature. Most smartphone video calls force you to use the video call and prevent you from using anything else, meaning you can't multitask. However, WhatsApp has no such restrictions.
On your phone, you can tap the back Arrow in the top-left corner of the screen to check other messages that someone has sent you on WhatsApp and even reply to them. To return to your video call, just tap the green Bar at the top of the screen.
On your PC, click on the background to access the contacts you want to text while on a WhatsApp video call. You will continue to see the Preview of your call in the top-right corner of the screen.
Did you know that WhatsApp has a range of shortcuts you can use? Check out our article on every WhatsApp Desktop keyboard shortcut you need to know.
How Much Data Do WhatsApp Video Calls Use?
WhatsApp's focus is to make your video call look as crisp as possible. So if your internet speeds support higher quality video, then WhatsApp will take full advantage. Unfortunately, that results in high data usage. If you're not on Wi-Fi, you can quickly go through a lot of cellular data.
On average, we found a minute's call to use around 13.1 MB of data on 5G. This isn't terrible, but it is enough to warrant keeping an eye on. A few Twitter users also recorded similar numbers.
To combat high data usage, WhatsApp offers a setting to reduce the data used on voice calls. If you're worried about exceeding your monthly data allocation, this option may help you avoid overages.
There's Much More to WhatsApp
Video calling is an essential tool, and WhatsApp has done an impressive job with it.
In addition, the service is getting more stable and reliable as updates occur.
That said, WhatsApp offers many desirable features in addition to video calling. Overall, the service is more than just an instant messenger. With its range of features, WhatsApp is quickly becoming its own social network.
How to Make a WhatsApp Video Call: a Complete Guide
- You can start a WhatsApp video call from the Calls tab by looking up a contact or from a chat thread.
- WhatsApp allows you to take part in a video call with up to eight participants.
- If you link the WhatsApp desktop app to your phone, you can send and receive video calls on your computer.
- This story is part of Insider's Guide to WhatsApp.
According to Statista, WhatsApp is considered the single most popular global messaging app in the world with about two billion monthly active users — that's close to one out of every three people on earth.
If you count yourself among them, you may want to use the service for video chats in addition to voice calls and text messaging.
No matter how you connect to WhatsApp, whether it's via the mobile app or the desktop app on your PC or Mac, you can join a video call with just a few clicks or taps.
How to make and receive a WhatsApp video call on mobileOn both iPhone and Android, you can start a video call from the WhatsApp Calls tab or from the Chat tab.
To place a video call from the Calls tab
1. Tap the Calls tab, located at the bottom of the screen on iPhone and at the top on Android.
2. Tap the New call button, shaped like a phone. It's at the top on iPhone and at the bottom on Android.
Tap the "New call" button and then choose who you want to video call.
Dave Johnson 3. In your list of contacts, find the person you want to call. Tap the video button at the far right of the screen to place the call.
To start a video call from the Chats tab
1. Tap the Chats tab, located at the bottom of the screen on iPhone and at the top on Android.
2. In your list of chat messages, find and tap the chat for the person you want to talk to.
3. At the top of the chat page, tap the video button to start the video call.
There's a button to launch a video call from the top of every chat.
Dave Johnson Quick tip: WhatsApp does not charge a fee, so WhatsApp calls — both audio and video — are free. Even so, like any online activity, WhatsApp calls rely on the internet, so if you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, you will use data from your mobile plan. Depending on your plan, that might cost money.
How to switch between WhatsApp video and voice calls during a callYou can switch between voice and video on a WhatsApp call already in progress.
To switch from a voice call to a video call
1. Tap the Video button at the bottom of the screen, shaped like a video camera. It's always visible on Android, but you might need to tap the iPhone screen (or click the desktop screen) to make the controls appear first.
2. The other party will get notified you are switching to video. If your contact chooses to switch, then it becomes a video call. If the other party does nothing or declines the video, it reverts back to a voice call.
To switch from a video call to a voice call
1. Tap the Cancel video button (the video with a slash through it). This disables your video.
2. The other party sees a message that you've turned off your video. If he or she also taps the Cancel video button, the call reverts to a voice call.
If not, it stays a video call with only one party's video disabled.
You can switch back and forth between voice and video calls as many times as you like in a call.
How to make a group video call on WhatsAppOne of WhatsApp's strengths is its ability to handle group video calls with up to eight participants at once. You can launch a group video call several different ways.
From a group or individual chat1. Tap the Chats tab.
2. In the list of chat messages, tap the chat you want to video call.
3. Tap the Video call button at the top of the screen. The call will start immediately.
4. After the call starts, you can add more people to the video call (up to eight, including yourself). To do that, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Add participant, then choose the person you want to add to the video call.
1. Tap the Calls tab.
2. Tap the New call button.
3. At the top of the contact list, tap New group call.
4. Select up to seven people and then tap the Video button.
5. After the call starts, you can add more people to the video call (up to eight, including yourself). To do that, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Add participant, then choose the person you want to add to the video call.
You can convert a one-on-one video call into a group call at any time. When you're in a call, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Add participant, then choose the person you want to add to the video call.
How to join a group video call on WhatsAppIf someone includes you in a group video call, you'll get the invitation when the call starts, but don't feel pressured to answer right away. Even if you reject the call, you can still get back to it and join the call any time before it ends.
Incoming call1. When you're included in a group call, you'll receive a notification inviting you to join.
2. If you want to accept the call, tap Open. To defer the call, tap Ignore.
3. If you're joining the call, you'll see the call menu, where you can preview details about the call including the list of participants.
Tap Join.
Quick tip: Even if you've linked your desktop computer to your mobile device, group video call invitations will go to your phone because group video isn't yet supported on the desktop.
Missed callIf you previously tapped Ignore to defer a video call or you didn't respond at all, you can still join the video call as long as it's still in progress.
1. Tap the Calls tab.
2. If the call is still in progress, you'll see a banner for the call.
Tap it to open the call menu screen.
3. Tap Join.
If you miss a video invitation, you can join it later if it's still in progress. Dave Johnson How to make a WhatsApp video call on a computerThere are two ways to use WhatsApp on a computer — on a web browser using WhatsApp Web or on the desktop app, if you've installed it. Unfortunately, you can only make video calls using the desktop app version of WhatsApp, not the website version.
1. If you haven't already installed the desktop app, install the WhatsApp Desktop for Windows or Mac.
2.
After you install the app, link WhatsApp on your phone to the desktop. To do that, tap the QR code icon at the top-right of the mobile app. Then tap Scan and point your phone's camera at the QR code on the desktop app. Finally, tap Link a Device to complete the connection.
3. Open the chat you want to video call and then click the Video call button, shaped like a video camera.
Note: You can only video call individuals on desktop, so you can't start or join a group chat using the desktop app.
WhatsApp doesn't limit you to your call when you are in a video chat. Instead, you can multitask while in a WhatsApp call. Here's what you can do:
- Minimize the video window. When in a WhatsApp call, tap the back button (on Android, it's the downward-facing arrow at the top-left, while it's the left-facing button on iOS). The video call will continue, but the video will be minimized into a small picture-in-picture video window in the corner of the screen.
- Move the video window around. After you minimize the video window, you can drag it around anywhere along the edge of either side of the screen.
- Do something else in WhatsApp. If you like, you can open other WhatsApp tabs. You can have a text chat while video calling, for example.
- Use a different app on your phone.
You can start another app and continue to have a video chat in a small window. - Return to a full screen video chat. To make the video go full-screen again (and get the controls to end the call) just tap the video window.
Dave Johnson
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts.
Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
Read moreRead less
WhatsApp video call - how to set up and answer video calls Tarifkin.ru
A video call in the WhatsApp messenger is a regular call to another user of the application, which also turns on the camera of the mobile device. Thanks to this, the interlocutors can not only hear, but also see each other.
Contents
- How WhatsApp video calls work
- Smartphone requirements
- How to set up a WhatsApp video call
- How to answer a WhatsApp video call
- Is it possible to create group video calls in the WotsAP
- How to make a video from a computer in WhatsApp
- Possible problems in VATSAP video calls
How are the video calls in the WTSAP
The following opportunities:
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 classic video conferencing with two interlocutors;
nine0008 Important! It is worth noting that in order to provide video communication, the user must have a stable high-speed Internet connection on his mobile device.
Making a WhatsApp video call is actually very easy. On any version of the operating system, the principle of operation is approximately the same. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Launch the application and open the tab called "Calls";
- Click on the name of the contact you want to call; nine0008
- A menu will open where you need to click on the button in the form of a camera, after which the call will be directed to the selected interlocutor. You just need to wait for a response.
You can call the desired person from the chat. To do this, simply open the conversation with the interlocutor of interest and click on the button with the camera icon, which is located in the upper right.
Important! It is worth noting that users cannot save video calls directly from the app.
They can only record video conferences using third-party software or using the Screen Recording option. It is recommended to do this only with the consent of the interlocutor. nine0003
Requirements for a smartphone
Messenger does not impose any special requirements for making video conferences on smartphones. However, users should still pay attention to the following aspects:
- The video call option can only be used on Android and OIS mobile devices. Unfortunately, owners of Windows gadgets cannot use the presented feature;
- The system version of the mobile device used must be relatively modern - the gadget must have Android version 4.1 and higher or IOS 8 and higher installed; nine0008
- Communication through the WhatsApp application is provided by an Internet connection. In this regard, each user must have a stable Internet connection on his device. It is worth noting that slow Internet can cause poor quality of the image and sound transmitted during a call.
How to set up a video call in WhatsApp
In order to avoid all sorts of problems in the video call communication process, it is recommended to first configure the option. This is done on mobile devices with the Android operating system as follows:
- Open the settings menu in the gadget and go to the section called "Applications", and then open the "All applications" tab;
- Find the "WhatsApp" application in the list that opens and click on it. Then go to the "Application Permissions" tab;
- In the window that opens, make sure that the "Camera" and "Microphone" lines are in the working position. In case this is not the case, activate the described options. After that, the application will be ready to receive video calls. nine0008
On Apple gadgets, you can set up video communication as follows:
- Open the settings menu on your smartphone and scroll to the bottom until a list of all applications installed on the device appears.
In this list, you need to open the tab with the WhatsApp utility;
- A new menu will open, in which, under the "Allow the program" item, you must activate the "Camera" and "Microphone" lines. If these options are already enabled, the application does not need to be configured; nine0008
- After that, you can make video calls on WhatsApp.
How to answer a video call in whatsapp
During an incoming video call, an appropriate notification will be displayed on the screen of the mobile device, which will display the image and name of the contact calling the user.
On certain gadget models, to receive an incoming call, just move the icon to the right. Also, on some mobile devices, you just need to click on the "Reply" button. After that, the call will be accepted, and on the smartphone screen you will be able to see two windows - your interlocutor will be displayed in one, and you in the second. nine0003
How to switch from audio to video call
If you wish, you can switch to WhatsApp from audio to video call during a conversation with the interlocutor.
This is done as follows:
- Call a person by opening a conversation with him in the messenger and clicking on the call icon located at the top;
- After the interlocutor answers your video call, click on the camera icon, which is located in the middle at the bottom;
- After that, the audio call format will switch to a video conference.
How to switch from a video call to an audio call
You can switch from a video conference to a regular audio call. To do this, during a video call, click on the camera icon, which is located at the bottom of the screen. This way you will disable the video option in the current call. You will see the interlocutor, but he will not see you.
Is it possible to create group video calls in WhatsApp
Users can make group video conferences in WhatsApp application, which can include no more than 8 interlocutors. To do this, you just need to open the contact list on your mobile device in the application and select those users with whom you want to arrange a group video call.
nine0003
Important! It is worth noting that if a certain person is not saved in your contact book on the phone, you will not be able to call him.
There are several ways to organize a video call in WhatsApp. Through the "Calls" menu, this is done as follows:
- Launch the application and open the "Calls" section;
- Then click on the phone icon with a plus sign, which is located at the bottom of the screen on the right;
- Now you need to click on the New Group Call button, after which you can select conference participants from your contacts list; nine0008
- To start a call, press the button with the camera icon.
In addition, users can make group calls from chats with up to 8 people. This is done as follows:
- Open the application and go to the chat, which includes all the people with whom you want to organize a video call;
- Then click on the button in the form of a tube icon with a plus sign, which is located in the upper right corner;
- A list will open where you can select people to call;
- Then click on the camera icon to make a video call.
How to make a video call from a computer to WhatsApp
Before making a video call from a personal computer to WhatsApp, you will need to download the messenger utility to it and log in or register if the user does not have an account yet. You can install the software on the official website of the messenger through a browser. However, before that, it is recommended to make sure that the personal computer and phone meet the requirements of the utility:
- The operating system installed on the personal computer is at least Windows 8 or Mac OSX 10.9;
- The latest version of the WhatsApp application is installed on the smartphone;
- The camera on your mobile device can scan QR codes.
You can install the application using the link.
You can install WhatsApp on a personal computer as follows:
- Install software from an official source; nine0008
- Open the messenger installation file;
- The installation process will begin, after which you must open the program itself;
- After that, an image with a QR code should appear on the PC screen. It must be scanned using the camera on a mobile device;
- To do this, open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone and go to the "Menu" section. From there, you need to go to a tab called "WhatsApp Web", after which a QR code scanning window will open. nine0008
By scanning the QR code, you can immediately log in to the computer version of the messenger. Moreover, this manipulation allows you to synchronize all your information between two devices.
After the computer version of the application is installed and the user is authorized in it, he can make video calls.
This is done as follows:
- Run the application on the personal computer;
- Check that a camera and microphone are connected to the device and that they are currently active; nine0008
- Open the chat menu and select the person you want to call. Then click on the button in the form of a camera, which is located at the top right, and wait for the outgoing call to be received.
Using the link attached below, the user can watch a video that tells how to make video calls from a personal computer:
Possible problems with WhatsApp video calls
Vyacheslav
Worked in salons for several years cellular communication of two large operators. I am well versed in tariffs and see all the pitfalls.
I love gadgets, especially on Android. nine0003
Ask a question
The interlocutor cannot hear me. What to do?
If during a call your interlocutor cannot hear you, it is recommended to check the status of the built-in speakers and the connected headset. If no hardware issues are found, try updating the app version or reinstalling it. Make sure that the messenger has access to the microphone of the mobile device.
What should I do if my video calls are not coming?
This problem may occur if you have an unstable Internet connection. It is recommended to connect to a higher speed network or find a place where the Internet will be better caught. nine0003
WhatsApp does not support the video calling option. What to do?
If the messenger on your mobile device does not support this option, it is recommended to update the application version. In addition, it is recommended to make sure that the device supports making this format of calls.
Why can't I receive a video call?
A user may not be able to receive incoming video conference requests if they have an unstable internet connection._505_010819040534.jpg)
In this case, reconnecting to the WI-FI network can help. nine0263 The described problem may occur due to the fact that an outdated version of the program is installed on the mobile device, which does not support video calls.
This inscription, as a rule, is displayed in cases where the called interlocutor is already communicating with someone in the WhatsApp messenger.
What should I do if I always hear extraneous noise in the background during a call?
Call noise in the application can be caused by poor communication quality, strong network interference, or other external factors. Avoiding noise when calling from the street is almost impossible, since the sound of the wind, moving cars, and so on cannot be stopped. And if the interference was caused by the poor quality of the Internet connection, it is recommended to reconnect to WI-FI or find a place where the network is better caught.
is there any way to set up video calling in whatsapp? nine0001
One of the most popular instant messengers in the world provides its users with very wide functionality, and among the most popular questions about it, the leader is: is there a video call in WhatsApp?
There is no definite answer to this question, since everything depends on the installed version of the application on the smartphone.
WhatsApp video calls are available to owners of devices running modern operating systems. For older devices running the first versions of Android, as well as the almost obsolete Symbian OS, the initial versions of iOS and Windows Phone. nine0003
From June 30, 2017, the messenger stops supporting most devices with old operating systems. Therefore, if you have just such an operating system installed, you should think about replacing your smartphone with a more modern one.
Basic device requirements
To make video calls, you need:
- your smartphone to have one of the following operating systems: Android OS 4.1+, iOS 8.0+ and Windows Phone 8.1+ or later version of any of them; nine0008
- had a stable connection, using wi-fi or high-speed mobile Internet;
- front camera.
Both users' phones must meet these requirements to make a video call. If all the elements are present in the gadget, then WhatsApp has a video connection and you can make such a call.
If you have any communication problems, WhatsApp technical support can help, you can learn more about the work from the article on our resource. nine0003
Cost of a call
Video calling in WhatsApp is completely free. The developers of the application do not charge users any fees for making such a call. However, traffic may be paid, especially if you use mobile communications.
Therefore, before you talk on video in WhatsApp, make sure you use unlimited internet or a cheap 3G-4G option. In this case, Whatsapp video call will be really free for you, and you won't have to worry about the quality of the connection. nine0003
How to set up a video call on WhatsApp
Before making the first video call via WhatsApp, you need to set up this feature.
-
- Download the app from the Android Market or from the developer's site.
- Install it.
- Add contacts (those you had in your phone book will be added automatically).
- To make a call through the application for Android, you need to go into a chat with the interlocutor and click on the icon, the handset and select the option to make a call with video. Also, the call can be made from the contact list. On iOS devices, the feature is activated in a similar way. nine0008
- Download the app from the Android Market or from the developer's site.
If you have problems making a video call, check if the device is connected to the connection. Also, make sure that your front camera is in order, and the application installed on the phone is up to date, for which this function is available. And then you will not have any problems with how to set up a video call in WhatsApp.
Who can you call?
Some instant messengers like Viber or Skype allow you to make calls to smartphones that do not have this application installed. Is this service available for video calls from WhatsApp? Unfortunately, both voice and video calls in this application can only be made to those subscribers who also have it installed.
