How to Video Call on WhatsApp Web: A Complete Guide
Introduction
If you’re a regular WhatsApp user, you know how handy the app is for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. But what if you want to take things a step further and make a video call — not on your phone, but directly from your computer? Well, the good news is that video calling on WhatsApp Web is now possible! In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily make video calls on WhatsApp Web, what you need to get started, and how to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
What is WhatsApp Web?
Before we dive into how to video call on WhatsApp Web, let’s quickly go over what WhatsApp Web actually is. WhatsApp Web is a browser-based version of WhatsApp, which allows you to access your chats, send messages, and view media directly from your computer. All you need to do is scan a QR code from the WhatsApp app on your phone, and you’re good to go.
Now, up until recently, WhatsApp Web only supported text messages and media sharing (photos, videos, documents). But in 2021, WhatsApp rolled out an update that added support for voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web, making it easier to stay connected without needing to pick up your phone. Let’s explore how to make the most of this feature.
How to Make a Video Call on WhatsApp Web: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Set Up WhatsApp Web on Your Computer
First things first, you’ll need to get WhatsApp Web up and running on your computer:
- Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and go to web.whatsapp.com.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner (Android) or go to Settings (iPhone) and select Linked Devices.
- Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen using your phone.
Once logged in, you should see your WhatsApp chats right on your computer.
Step 2: Check for Video Call Support
At this point, you need to make sure that video calls are supported on your version of WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp has rolled out this feature to most users, but just to be sure:
- Update WhatsApp on Your Phone: Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone (whether you’re using Android or iPhone).
- Update Your Browser: Your browser should also be up-to-date for optimal performance. Chrome, Firefox, or Safari are recommended.
Step 3: Open a Chat with the Person You Want to Video Call
To make a video call, you first need to open a chat with the person you want to call:
- In WhatsApp Web, go to your contact list and click on the chat with the person you want to video call.
- Once you’re in the chat, look at the top of the screen for the video camera icon. This is the button that lets you start a video call.
Step 4: Start the Video Call
Simply click on the video camera icon, and it will start ringing the other person’s WhatsApp. When they pick up, you’ll be connected and able to make the video call right from your computer.
Step 5: Adjust Video and Audio Settings During the Call
Once you’re on the call, you’ll see some options to adjust your settings. You can:
- Mute/Unmute your microphone (if you need to talk or stay quiet).
- Turn off your camera if you prefer a voice-only call.
- End the call when you’re finished.
Requirements for Video Calling on WhatsApp Web
To ensure the best video calling experience on WhatsApp Web, there are a few things you’ll need:
- A Supported Browser: WhatsApp Web video calls work best on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Make sure your browser is up to date for the smoothest experience.
- Webcam and Microphone: For a video call, you’ll need a working webcam and microphone connected to your computer. Most laptops have these built in, but if you’re using a desktop, you might need to connect them manually.
- Stable Internet Connection: Video calls require a good internet connection. For the best quality, make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network with sufficient bandwidth.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues with WhatsApp Web Video Calls
Although video calling on WhatsApp Web is a great feature, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might run into, and how to fix them:
- Can’t See the Video Call Icon
If you don’t see the video camera icon in your chat, it could mean that the feature is not available for that contact. Make sure you and your contact both have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. - No Sound or Video
- Check your permissions: Make sure your browser has permission to access your webcam and microphone. You may need to grant permission when prompted by the browser.
- Restart your devices: Sometimes, a quick restart of both your computer and phone can resolve minor glitches.
- Call Quality Issues (Lag, Freezing, etc.)
- Check your internet speed: Poor internet can cause video calls to lag or freeze. Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Switch to audio-only: If the video quality is poor, you can always switch to an audio call to improve call performance.
Why Use WhatsApp Web for Video Calls?
Making video calls on WhatsApp Web has several benefits:
- Larger Screen: Video calling on a bigger screen makes it easier to see your contacts and share visual information during the call.
- Better Audio and Visual Quality: If you have a high-quality webcam and microphone, the video call experience on WhatsApp Web can be clearer than on mobile.
- Convenience: If you’re already working on your computer or using it for other tasks, it’s super convenient to make a video call without having to switch to your phone.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Web has come a long way in terms of functionality, and the ability to make video calls is a game-changer. Whether you’re chatting with friends or working remotely with colleagues, video calling on WhatsApp Web makes communication easy and seamless.
By following the simple steps we’ve outlined, you can start making video calls from your computer right away. Just make sure your browser is up to date, you’ve got a good internet connection, and your webcam and mic are ready to go.
So next time you need to make a quick video call, skip picking up your phone and use WhatsApp Web instead!
FAQs
Q1: Can I video call on WhatsApp Web from my phone?
No, video calling on WhatsApp Web requires you to be using the web version of WhatsApp on a computer. You cannot make video calls directly from the phone’s WhatsApp app to WhatsApp Web.
Q2: Does WhatsApp Web video calling work with group calls?
Yes, WhatsApp Web supports group video calls. You can start a group call by selecting multiple contacts in your chat, just like on the mobile app.
Q3: Can I make video calls to someone who’s using the mobile app?
Absolutely! You can video call anyone using WhatsApp on either mobile or desktop, as long as both of you are on the latest version of the app.