How to Make a Group Video Call in WhatsApp

This guide walks you through starting a group video call in WhatsApp on both mobile and desktop, covering everything from selecting participants to troubleshooting common issues. You’ll learn the exact steps for each platform, along with tips for a smoother call and answers to frequent questions.

What You’ll Need

A smartphone with the latest WhatsApp app installed (iOS or Android) or WhatsApp Desktop (Windows/Mac).
A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).
At least one other contact to call (group calls support up to 32 participants on most devices).
Permissions for WhatsApp to access your microphone and camera (grant these when prompted).

Step-by-Step

On iPhone or Android

Open WhatsApp on your phone.
Go to the Calls tab (bottom navigation on iPhone, top tabs on Android).
Tap the New Call icon (a phone with a plus sign) in the top-right corner.
Select New Group Call from the menu that appears.
Choose the contacts you want to include. You can search by name or scroll through the list. Tap each contact to add them; a checkmark appears next to their name.
Tap the Call button (phone icon) at the bottom. WhatsApp will start a video call with all selected participants.
If you prefer to start with a voice call and switch to video later, tap the Voice Call icon instead. During the call, tap the video camera icon to enable video for everyone.

Alternative method from a group chat:

Open the group chat you want to call.
Tap the video camera icon in the top-right corner (iPhone) or the paperclip icon (Android) and select Video Call.
Confirm the participants (all group members will be called) and tap Call.

On WhatsApp Desktop (Windows/Mac)

Open WhatsApp Desktop and log in if needed.
Click the Calls icon (phone) in the left sidebar.
Click the New Call button (phone with a plus) at the top.
Select New Group Call.
Check the contacts you want to include, then click the Call button.
Alternatively, open a group chat and click the video camera icon in the top-right corner to start a video call with that group.

Common Mistakes

Calling from the wrong tab: On mobile, the “New Call” icon is in the Calls tab, not the Chats tab. If you don’t see it, you’re in the wrong place.
Selecting contacts instead of groups: When starting from the Calls tab, you must choose “New Group Call” — selecting a single contact will start a one-on-one call.
Not updating the app: Older WhatsApp versions may not support group video calls or the latest features. Update from your app store.
Ignoring permissions: If you deny microphone/camera access, the call will connect but you’ll be muted and your video will be off. Check your phone’s settings to grant permissions.
Calling too many people at once: While WhatsApp supports up to 32 participants, very large calls can strain your connection. Start with fewer people if you experience lag.

Tips

Use Wi-Fi: Video calls use a lot of data. Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid exceeding your mobile data limit and to get better quality.
Mute when not speaking: Background noise can be distracting. Tap the microphone icon to mute yourself when you’re not talking.
Switch cameras: During the call, tap the camera flip icon to switch between your front and rear camera. Useful for showing something around you.
Enable speaker view: On mobile, swipe left or right on the video grid to switch between grid view and speaker view (the person speaking is shown large).
Test your equipment: Before a important call, do a quick test call with one friend to check your microphone, camera, and internet speed.
Keep the app in the foreground: On mobile, if you switch to another app, the video call may continue but your video might pause. Keep WhatsApp open for the best experience.

Troubleshooting

Call won’t start or keeps dropping

Check your internet connection. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Close other apps that might be using bandwidth (streaming, downloads).
Restart WhatsApp or your device.
Update WhatsApp to the latest version.

No video or black screen

Ensure your camera is not covered and you’ve granted camera permission to WhatsApp.
Tap the video camera icon to toggle your video on/off.
Check if the other participants have their video enabled.

No sound or echo

Check your phone’s volume and that the media volume isn’t muted.
Verify that the microphone permission is enabled.
Use headphones or earbuds to reduce echo.
Ask participants to mute themselves if they are not speaking.

Participants can’t join

Make sure the participants have a stable internet connection and the latest WhatsApp version.
If someone is not receiving the call, ask them to check their notification settings for WhatsApp.
In a group chat, only group members can be called. If someone left the group, they won’t be included.

Call quality is poor (pixelated or laggy)

Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or use a wired connection if possible (desktop).
Reduce the number of participants or ask others to turn off their video temporarily.
Close other bandwidth-heavy applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can join a WhatsApp group video call?

WhatsApp supports up to 32 participants in a group video call on most devices. This number can vary slightly depending on your device’s hardware and network.

Can I add someone to a group video call after it has started?

Yes. During the call, tap the “Add Participant” icon (a person with a plus sign on mobile, or the “Add” button on desktop). Then select the contact you want to add. They will receive a call invitation.

Is group video calling free on WhatsApp?

Yes, WhatsApp calls use your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and are free, but data charges may apply if you’re not on Wi-Fi. Standard data rates from your carrier may apply.

Can I use WhatsApp group video calls on a computer?

Yes, WhatsApp Desktop (Windows and Mac) supports group video calls. The steps are similar to mobile, using the Calls tab or the video icon in a group chat.

Why can’t I see the “New Group Call” option?

Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Also, on some older devices, group video calls may not be supported. Check the WhatsApp FAQ for device compatibility.

Can I record a WhatsApp group video call?

WhatsApp does not have a built-in recording feature. You can use your phone’s screen recorder (built-in on many devices) or third-party software, but always ask participants for consent before recording.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →