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How to make video calls with whatsapp


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 mobile

On 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 call

You 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. 

You can switch back and forth between video and audio on the same call. Dave Johnson

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 WhatsApp

One 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 chat

1. 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. 

Swipe up to add more participants to a call. Dave Johnson

From the Calls tab

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 WhatsApp

If 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 call

1. 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. 

When someone invites you to a group call, you can see all the participants before choosing to join it. Dave Johnson

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 call

If 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 computer

There 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.  

You'll need to scan the QR code on the desktop app with the WhatsApp app on your mobile device to use the desktop version. Dave Johnson

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. 

Can you multitask on a WhatsApp video call? 

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.

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How to make a video call on WhatsApp: A complete guide

On 2016 WhatsApp launched the video calling feature for its Indian users. Here is a step by step guide you can follow to make a video call on WhatsApp.

Steps you can follow to make a video call on WhatsApp | Representational image

By India Today Web Desk: WhatsApp on 2016 launched the video calling feature for its Indian users. As the name suggests, video calling is exactly what it sounds like. You call a contact on WhatsApp and both of you can see each other on your smartphone screens.

WhatsApp video calling works across both Android and iOS. On Android, video calling is only available on Android 4.1+. If your phone's operating system isn't supported then video calling won't be available to you.

Do you know how to make a video call on WhatsApp? Here is a step by step guide which you can follow. But before you go for it make sure you have a strong Internet connection.

A poor or improperly configured connection might result in poor video and audio quality. If you're connected to Wi-Fi, then your video call quality is dependent on your wireless network signal and network data speed.

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How to place a video call on WhatsApp

Follow the below-given steps to place a video call on WhatsApp.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: Open the chat with the Contact you want to video call.
Step 3: Tap Video call icon.

You will be connected to that particular contact via WhatsApp video call.

How to make a WhatsApp group video call from a group

Follow the below-given steps to make a group video call from a WhatsApp group.

Step 1: First you need to open WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: After that, you need to visit the group you want to video call.
Step 3: Now to tap the Call icon.
Step 4: Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call.
Step 5: At last tap Video Call icon.

You can't remove a contact during a WhatsApp group video call. The contact would need to hang up their phone to disconnect from the call.

How to make WhatsApp group video call from the CALLS tab

You can follow the below-given steps to make a group video call from the WhatsApp CALLS tab.

Step 1: First you need to open WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: After that, you need to go to the CALLS tab.
Step 3: Next tap New call icon> New group call.
Step 4: Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call.
Step 5: At last tap Video Call.

All your group video call history will appear in the CALLS tab. You just need to tap the call history to view the individual contacts from the call.

How to make WhatsApp group video call from an individual chat

To make a group video call from an individual WhatsApp chat, you can follow the below-given steps:

Step 1: First you need to open WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: Next you need to open the chat with one of the contacts you want to video call.
Step 3: Now tap the Video call icon.
Step 4: Once the contact accepts your video call, tap Add Participant icon.
Step 5: Search for or select another contact you want to add to the call. If prompted, tap Add.

When you receive a WhatsApp group video call, the incoming WhatsApp Video call screen will show the participants currently on the call, and the first contact listed will be the participant that added you on that particular call. Read the below-given points and know how to receive and decline a WhatsApp video call.

How to receive a WhatsApp video call

When someone video calls you you'll see an incoming WhatsApp video call screen, you just have to Swipe up to accept the call. If you to decline the WhatsApp video call you need Swipe up the decline option, Swipe up to reply to decline the call with a quick message.

How to switching between WhatsApp video and voice calls

You can follow the below-given steps to switching between video and voice calls.

To switch from a WhatsApp video call to a WhatsApp voice call:
While on the video call, tap Video off icon, which will notify the contact you're video calling. Once the contact turns their video off, the call will be switched to a voice call.

To switch from a WhatsApp voice call to a WhatsApp video call:
While on the voice call, tap Video call icon. The contact you are voice calling will see a request to switch to a video call and can accept or decline the switch.

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(source: WhatsApp help)

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WhatsApp video calls from a computer are officially out.

How to call

Despite the fact that WhatsApp was recently at the center of a controversy over new privacy rules, according to which the data of the messenger's users will be transferred to Facebook, its audience has hardly decreased. No, some of the users have certainly moved to Telegram, which has been the main beneficiary of this scandal, but the vast majority have remained. Therefore, to express its gratitude to them, WhatsApp launched a new feature that it promised to release a long time ago - audio and video calls in the desktop application.

WhatsApp desktop version has video calls

How to transfer chats from WhatsApp to Telegram

Today, March 4, WhatsApp officially launched the audio and video calling feature for desktop platforms. Obviously, the developers were in a hurry to, so to speak, intercept the negative agenda and offer dissatisfied users the long-promised innovation. This is clearly seen from the restrictions that the messenger audience faced:

  • Update with audio and video calls is available only on Windows and Mac, and will be released later on ChromeOS and Linux;
  • The audio and video calls feature does not turn on for everyone even after installing the update;
  • Even those lucky enough to activate the feature can only call one person at a time;
  • Group calls for desktop platforms will appear later - with the release of the next update.

How to call WhatsApp from a computer

Despite the fact that WhatsApp activates the function of audio and video calls forcibly, applying the necessary changes on its servers, you still should not neglect the update. In the end, it is it that lays the foundation for the work of innovation. Therefore, if you do not upgrade, you should not count on the inclusion of a new feature. And, if you have already updated, then just follow the instructions below, it will provide you with a verbal connection with the outside world.

WhatsApp will delete your account if you do not accept the new agreement

  • Download the updated version of WhatsApp from this link;
  • Launch WhatsApp on your computer and confirm the login from your smartphone;

Only those who have installed the latest update can make video calls to WhatsApp on a computer. Screenshot from beebom.com

  • Make sure the camera and microphone are connected or active if built-in;
  • Select a chat with the desired interlocutor and press the video call button and wait for the call to be received.

Whatsapp calls on a computer

WhatsApp cannot be used without a smartphone connected to a PC

Please note that there are two buttons available in the WhatsApp desktop interface: a camera and a handset. Pressing the first one will create a video conference, and the second one will initiate a voice call. At the same time, you can always switch from any mode to another. To do this, click on the corresponding button in the call window. If you are in a video conference, press the handset, and if you are in an audio conference, then vice versa. If you want, you can stay in the video chat, but turn off the webcam.

Support for WhatsApp, Telegram and GPS: what will Xiaomi Mi Band 6 be like

It is inconvenient that for audio or video communication in WhatsApp, it is necessary to keep a smartphone next to you. Moreover, it must be turned on all the time, because it is through it that all calls pass. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that the traffic that you spend during your video conferences will count towards your mobile tariff. If you have limited cellular data, it's best to connect to an available Wi-Fi network, or if that's not available, have an audio conversation.

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How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on a Laptop (2022)

Maria Matveeva

Aug 18, 2022• Proven Solutions

Are you wondering how to make WhatsApp web video calls on Laptops instead of phones? We promise it's possible! We tried to explain this a little more after we found that not everyone knows how it all works.

WhatsApp is one of our favorite communication apps and it's especially useful when we're all stuck at home in a virus shelter. At a time when social distancing is on the rise, such apps are becoming more and more important. However, not all of us know how to call WhatsApp from a PC, and that is why we are here!

  • Part 1: Can You Make WhatsApp Video Calls on Computer
  • Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on a Laptop
  • Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web

Part 1: Can You Make Video Calls with WhatsApp on Computer

Unfortunately, you cannot use WhatsApp on Computer to make video calls directly. However, you can use other third party software to simulate WhatsApp video call on computer. In addition to video calls, you can use other features such as those on your phone.

Anyone who asks “How can I make a video call on WhatsApp Web?” is in the right place.

Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on a Laptop

Anyone who has done a little research will see that you can use WhatsApp Web to make calls and send messages. At first glance, the controls appear to be the same, but you're more limited in what you can do because you can't seem to be able to make video calls.

What you need is an Emulator. This smart little technology was first invented for things like playing retro video games on a modern computer. The emulator bridges the missing encryption between the two technologies. In the case of a product called Bluestacks, it will allow you to run WhatsApp as if it were on your phone, but through your computer.

All you need to do is follow these instructions and you will be able to make WhatsApp video calls on your laptop in no time!

In a few easy steps:

    1. Download the emulator - Bluestacks is currently considered the industry favorite.
    2. Select Save, then run the application. Give it time to install.
    3. Set up your account on the app and sign in to Google to sync.

    1. Find WhatsApp in the Play or Apple store and download it.

    1. Open it via Bluestacks and install WhatsApp with the same account on your phone.

  1. You can now see all your WhatsApp contacts and add more people here.
  2. Select a friend to start a conversation, and then click the video call button in the top right corner. The whole process is quite easy to complete, just like over the phone.

Your WhatsApp download will start from here, giving you the answer to how to make video calls on WhatsApp web on laptops.

Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web

There are 3 alternatives to WhatsApp Web that we can think of without racking our brains.

1. Skype Online

Skype is one of the most popular video calling and web calling applications. It gives you a local international ID to make long distance calls for free and much easier. It also has some great features if you need to work from home or via video conference. Skype has a great support team and some great extras that make the experience more accessible. When it comes to personalized professional styling, Skype has the most experience. You can also record a Skype video call easily.

2. Google Duo

If you don't know how to make WhatsApp Web video calls on laptops, then Google Duo is a great alternative. It provides HD video and audio chat when running on low bandwidth or poor Wi-Fi. It's fully compatible with everything Google does and works when you're signed into your Google account, so your friends don't have to work hard if you invite them to a call.

3. Facebook Messenger

If you're not going to do a lot of group chatting, Messenger video calls are a sure way to catch up with friends during quarantine. Most people have Facebook, it will work with all of their products, and joining is as easy as clicking a link. The downside is that it only works if Facebook knows who you are. If you closed your account with them, then you will need to start from scratch. That said, audio and video are crisp, you can add file sharing, and you have the ability to send instant messages at any time. Plus, it will sync with your contacts just like Google Duo.

Rounding it up

So, if you can't figure out how to call WhatsApp from your computer, try one of our other tips to stay in touch. WhatsApp is an amazingly secure encrypted messaging service, but it's not the only one on the market. It may not even be the right product for you.

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