Home » Misc » How to use video chat on whatsapp

How to use video chat on 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.

Read moreRead less

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:

  1. First, tap the Contact you want to talk to.
  2. 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:

  1. Launch WhatsApp Desktop on your PC and select the Contact you want to call.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. First, start a one-on-one call with anyone on your contact list. Then tap the Video icon next to their name.
  2. 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.
  3. Now select the Contacts you want to call, and repeat for up to seven additional people.
  4. 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.

Instructions: how to organize a group call on WhatsApp

Continuation of the story from

Media news2

Stories

Stories

Anna Polyakova

Editor (RB)

Anna Polyakova

WhatsApp allows you to hold small video conferences for up to four people. This service compares favorably with FaceTime by its availability on both iOS and Android, and from Zoom by the presence of end-to-end encryption. How to set up a group call on WhatsApp.

Anna Polyakova nine0003

From the "Calls" section

  • Go to the "Calls" section and press the button with the handset and the plus sign.
  • Press New Group Call
  • This will open your contact list. You can find the people you need by entering their names in the search box at the top of the screen. To add a person to a call, click on their name.
  • Then press the camera button to start a video call or the handset button to start an audio call. During a WhatsApp group call, you cannot change a video call to an audio call and vice versa, so decide in advance which option is preferable for you. nine0028

From a group chat

  • Go to the "Chats" section and open the desired group chat.
  • Press the handset button with the plus sign.
  • This will open the list of chat participants. To add a person to a call, click on their name.
  • Then press the camera button to start a video call or the handset button to start an audio call.

WhatsApp is now releasing an update that will allow you to initiate calls directly from group chats of up to four people. Right in the conversation, buttons will appear to start a video or audio call without intermediate steps. WhatsApp says that this feature is not yet available to all users. nine0003

From a one-on-one conversation

  • Go to the "Chats" section and open a chat with the right person.
  • Next, press the camera button to start a video call, or the handset button to start an audio call.
  • After starting a one-on-one conversation, you can add one or two more participants to it by clicking on the button with the silhouette of a person and a plus sign.
  • This action will open your contact list. You can find people using the search bar at the top of the screen. To add a person to a call, click on their name. nine0028
  • You may then see a pop-up asking if you really want to add this person to the video conference. To confirm your decision, click Add.

Source.

Photo: The Verge

  • Android
  • Useful Services
  • Career
  • iOS nine0028
  • life hacks
  • Messengers
  • Mobile
  • udalenka
  • whatsapp

Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Related materials nine0025

  1. one Not only Zoom: what other services can video conference for free
  2. 2 What risks were found in the service for video conferencing Zoom nine0028
  3. 3 How to Host an Online Meeting: 8 Rules for Effective Communication
  4. 4 How to Transfer WhatsApp Messages from Android Smartphone to iPhone nine0028

POSSIBILITIES

December 26, 2022

Goznak Startup Lab

December 26, 2022

"Safe Internet" nine0003

December 30, 2022

Softlanding Program

All possibilities

News

83% of Russian smartphone apps were vulnerable

News nine0121 VK will add two-factor authentication via VK ID to all ecosystem services

Stories

Compilation: Top 10 Most Popular AI Image Generators

News

The Ministry of Finance of Luxembourg allowed the unblocking of NSD's assets hung in the Clearstream depository

News nine0121 Artificial intelligence from Realiste independently "sold" 50 apartments in Dubai

how to use video calling in the messenger

This messenger is a great way to save money on calls: wherever you have access to the Internet, you can call people from your contact list for free. And in WhatsApp there is an option “Video call” - you can not only hear the interlocutor, but also see. Below we will tell you how to use it and about what nuances there are. nine0003

How to make and receive a call

Video calling in WhatsApp is extremely simple:

  1. How to call. In the "Chats" section, find and open the conversation with the contact you plan to contact. Next, click on the “Video call” icon (“Camera” icon) and wait for an answer.
  2. How to accept a call. When a call comes in, your smartphone screen will display “Incoming video call”. To accept it, swipe the Green Tube icon, to reject it, swipe the Red Tube icon. nine0028

If there is an incoming video call on WhatsApp that you don't want to silently reject, you can send a short message to the caller. For example - with an explanation why you cannot answer right now. To do this, drag up the Message icon, which will open the text input window and display the on-screen keyboard.

Group video calls

Whatsapp allows group calls of more than two people. The maximum number of participants in such a chat is 4 people. There are several ways to create a video call using WhatsApp. nine0003

  1. From the Calls tab. Switch to the “Calls” tab → New call → New group call → mark the contacts* you plan to contact → Call (Camera).
  2. Video call to WhatsApp from an individual chat. Open a chat (correspondence) with any contact who is a future member of a group video call → Call (Camera) → wait for an answer → Add participant*.
  3. From a private video call. Right during the video session, click on “Add participant” and select the desired person / people from the list. nine0028
  4. How to make a video call in WhatsApp from a group chat (general conversation). Open a group chat → Group call → mark the desired contacts* → Call (Camera).

*Maximum 3 people as you yourself will be the fourth participant.

Please note: any of the participants in the video chat can turn off the camera on their smartphone at any time. After that, the interlocutors stop seeing his image on their screens, but continue to hear his voice.

Switching from an audio call to a video call

Whatsapp functionality implies the ability to switch from an audio call to a video call and back right during a communication session. How it's done:

  1. From audio to video. If you started talking in voice mode, and then decided that it would be nice to look at each other, click on the “Video Call” button. The interlocutor will then receive a request to switch to the “Video” mode. Then he either accepts this request or rejects it (and then the communication will continue in voice format). nine0028
  2. How to switch Whatsapp video calls to audio. If you want to interrupt the video broadcast from your smartphone without stopping the conversation, click on “Turn off the camera”. If the interlocutor does not do the same, then you will see him as before, and he will only hear you. If the interlocutor also clicks on “Turn off the camera”, the communication session will switch to the “Audio call” mode in WhatsApp.

Possible problems while making a video call

Video calls via WhatsApp as an option are debugged by the developers very well and you should not expect any random “glitches” or failures. However, sometimes users encounter the following issues caused by third-party factors:

  1. Whatsapp Video Call “Freezes”, the image freezes, there is no sound or is distorted. Here, most likely, the matter is in the quality / speed of the Internet with you or with your interlocutor. If we are talking about a group video chat, then if only one of the participants has problems with the Internet, these “symptoms” appear immediately for everyone.
  2. You cannot accept, make or switch to a video call from an audio call because the corresponding button is missing. Whether there is a video call in WhatsApp depends on the smartphone OS version - it must be no older than Android 4.1 or iOS 8. If you cannot update the OS, then you will not be able to fix the problem - versions older than Android 4.

    Learn more