sodcalculator

10 Tech How-To

WhatsApp Group Voice & Video Calls: Step-by-Step

Guide 10-20717 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through making voice and video calls to a group on WhatsApp, whether on your phone or desktop. You’ll learn how to start a call, add participants, manage the call, and fix common issues. Before you begin, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

  • A smartphone with WhatsApp installed (Android or iPhone) or WhatsApp Desktop for Windows/Mac.
  • An active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • At least two other contacts in your WhatsApp address book (group calls support up to 32 participants on mobile, 16 on desktop).
  • Microphone and camera permissions enabled for WhatsApp in your device settings.

Step-by-Step

The steps differ slightly between mobile and desktop, but the core process is the same.

On Mobile (Android & iPhone)

  1. Open the group chat: Launch WhatsApp and tap the group chat you want to call. You can also start a call from an existing group by tapping the group name at the top, then the call icon.
  2. Tap the call icon: In the chat header, you’ll see a phone icon (for voice) and a video camera icon (for video). Tap the one you want.
  3. Confirm the call type: A pop-up may ask if you want to start a voice or video call. Tap the corresponding button. The call will start immediately, ringing all group members.
  4. Add more participants (optional): If you want to include people who aren’t in the group, tap the “Add participant” icon (a person with a plus sign) during the call, select contacts, and tap “Add”.
  5. Manage the call: During the call, you can mute your microphone, turn your camera on/off, switch to speaker, or end the call using the on-screen controls.

On Desktop (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open the group chat: In WhatsApp Desktop, select the group chat from the left sidebar.
  2. Click the call icon: In the top-right of the chat window, click the phone icon for a voice call or the video camera icon for a video call.
  3. Start the call: The call will start immediately, ringing all members. You can add participants during the call by clicking the “Add participant” icon.
  4. Use call controls: Mute, video toggle, and end call buttons appear at the bottom of the call window.

Common Mistakes

  • Calling from the wrong tab: Make sure you’re in the group chat, not a private chat. Starting a call from a private chat will only call that person.
  • Group members have notifications silenced: If someone has muted the group, they may not see the incoming call notification until the call ends. They can still join if they open the chat.
  • Not updating WhatsApp: Older versions may not support group calls or may have bugs. Always update to the latest version.
  • Ignoring permissions: If WhatsApp doesn’t have microphone or camera access, the call won’t work. Check your device settings.

Tips

  • Use Wi-Fi for large groups: Video calls with many participants use a lot of data. Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid high mobile data charges.
  • Mute when not speaking: On large calls, background noise can be distracting. Mute your mic when you’re not talking.
  • Check who’s already in the call: The call screen shows a grid of participants. You can see who has joined and who hasn’t.
  • Switch between voice and video: You can turn your camera on or off during a call. This is useful if you need to show something but don’t want to be on camera the whole time.
  • Use the “Add participant” feature: You can add people to an ongoing group call, even if they’re not in the original group. This is great for spontaneous additions.

Troubleshooting

If the call doesn’t start or drops, try these fixes in order:

  1. Check your internet connection: Run a speed test or try loading a web page. If your connection is weak, move closer to your router or switch to a different network.
  2. Restart WhatsApp: Close the app completely and reopen it. This clears temporary glitches.
  3. Restart your device: A full restart can resolve many connectivity issues.
  4. Update WhatsApp: Go to your app store (Google Play or App Store) and check for updates. Install any pending updates.
  5. Check permissions: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone (and Camera). Make sure WhatsApp is allowed.
  6. Clear WhatsApp cache (Android only): Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache. This won’t delete your chats.
  7. Reinstall WhatsApp: If nothing else works, back up your chats and reinstall the app. This often fixes persistent issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can join a WhatsApp group call?

On mobile, you can have up to 32 participants in a group call. On desktop, the limit is 16.

Can I add someone to a group call who isn’t in the group?

Yes, you can add any WhatsApp contact to an ongoing group call by tapping the “Add participant” icon and selecting them.

Why can’t I see the call icon on a group?

The call icon may be hidden if the group has been muted or if you have an outdated version of WhatsApp. Update the app and check the group’s notification settings.

Can I make a group video call on WhatsApp Web?

No, WhatsApp Web does not support voice or video calls. You need to use the WhatsApp Desktop app on Windows or Mac.

Why does the call keep dropping?

This is usually due to a weak internet connection. Ensure you have a stable network and that your device isn’t in power-saving mode, which can limit background activity.

Can I record a WhatsApp group call?

WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in recording feature. You can use your phone’s screen recorder, but note that participants may not be aware they’re being recorded, and local laws may require consent.

Related

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 →