How to WhatsApp Group Video Call on Any Device

A WhatsApp group video call lets several people talk face to face at once using a mobile device or computer. You’ll need WhatsApp, an internet connection, and permission to use your camera and microphone; you can start from an existing group chat or add people from the Calls tab.

What You’ll Need

• WhatsApp installed on your phone or access to WhatsApp Desktop. Keep the app updated if possible.
• A working internet connection. Wi-Fi is usually preferable for a longer call; mobile data may count against your plan.
• A camera and microphone, or a headset with a microphone. Allow WhatsApp access when your device asks.
• The people you want to call saved in your WhatsApp contacts or included in a group chat. Participants need WhatsApp and an internet connection too.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose where to start. On an iPhone or Android phone, open WhatsApp. To call people in an existing group, open that group chat. To choose participants without using a group chat, open the Calls tab instead. On a computer, open WhatsApp Desktop and look for the group chat or calling controls; availability and labels can vary by app version and device.
2. Start from a group chat. Tap the video camera icon near the top of the chat. If WhatsApp asks you to choose whom to call, select the group members you want to include and confirm with the video-call button. In some versions, tapping the camera starts the call with the group directly. Check the participant list before proceeding.
3. Or start from the Calls tab. Tap New call (often shown as a phone-and-plus icon), then choose New group call if that option appears. Select the contacts you want to call. Tap the video camera icon to start a video call. The exact arrangement of these controls can differ between iOS and Android.
4. Wait for people to answer. WhatsApp rings the selected contacts. Participants can join as they answer; someone who misses the initial ring may be able to join later from the group call or call notification. You do not need to wait for everyone before speaking.
5. Check your camera and microphone. During the call, use the camera control to turn your video off or on and the microphone control to mute or unmute. If you see a camera-switch icon, tap it to change between the front and rear cameras. Keep the phone steady and make sure your face is lit.
6. Add someone if needed. Look for the person-plus or add-participant icon during the call, tap it, and select a contact. If the control is unavailable, end the call and start a new one with the intended participants, or use the group chat’s call controls.
7. End the call. Tap the red hang-up button when you’re finished. Confirm that the call has ended before closing the app, especially if you were using a shared device.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing an audio call by accident: Start with the video camera icon, not the phone handset. If the call has already started, check whether a camera control is available to switch video on.
• Calling the wrong group: Verify the chat name and selected participants before tapping the call button. Group chats can have similar names.
• Assuming everyone has joined: A call can begin while some people are still ringing or have not answered. Check the participant indicators before sharing information meant only for attendees.
• Ignoring permissions: Denying camera or microphone access can leave video or sound unavailable. A black preview or muted microphone may be a permission issue rather than a failed call.
• Using a weak connection: A call may freeze or sound choppy if Wi-Fi or mobile data is unreliable. Moving closer to the router or switching networks can help.
• Leaving a microphone unmuted: Background noise and feedback can make it hard for others to hear. Mute when you are not speaking, then unmute before talking.

Tips

• Ask participants to update WhatsApp and check their connection before the call, particularly if several people are joining.
• Use headphones to reduce echo, and place the phone on a stable surface rather than holding it at an awkward angle.
• For a clearer picture, wipe the camera lens, face a light source, and avoid placing a bright window behind you.
• If you are on mobile data, check your carrier plan and consider connecting to Wi-Fi. Video calls use data, and usage varies with connection quality and call duration.
• Use a group chat when you want the members to find the call easily. If you only want selected people, start from the Calls tab and choose those contacts.
• Keep the app open and the device charged for a long call. On a laptop, check that the correct camera and microphone are selected in the app or device settings.

Troubleshooting

• The video-call button is missing: Update WhatsApp from your device’s app store, close and reopen it, and check that you’re viewing a supported chat or the Calls tab. If you’re using a computer, try the mobile app; calling controls and availability can vary by platform.
• The call will not connect: Check that your internet works by opening a webpage, then switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if available. Ask the other person to check their connection and whether WhatsApp can receive calls.
• People cannot hear you: Unmute in the call, check that the device is not connected to the wrong Bluetooth headset, and allow microphone access. On iPhone, review WhatsApp under Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. On Android, look under Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions; menu names vary by device.
• Your camera is black or unavailable: Turn video on in the call and check camera permission using the same privacy or app-permission settings. Close other apps that may be using the camera, then return to WhatsApp.
• The call is choppy or keeps dropping: Move to a stronger Wi-Fi signal, pause downloads or streaming, or try mobile data. Restart WhatsApp and, if needed, restart the device. If only one person has trouble, ask them to test their connection and permissions.
• You cannot add a participant: Confirm you selected the correct contact and that they use WhatsApp. End the call and create a new one with everyone selected if the add-participant control is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a WhatsApp group video call without a group chat?
Yes. Open Calls, choose New call or New group call, select the contacts, and tap the video icon. Labels vary by version.

Can I turn a WhatsApp voice call into a video call?
In many versions, you can tap the camera control during a voice call to request video. The other person may need to accept the change. If you do not see the control, start a video call instead.

Can someone join after the group call has started?
Often, yes. They may be able to join from the group chat or a call notification while the call is active. What they see depends on the app version and call state.

Can I make a WhatsApp group video call on a computer?
WhatsApp Desktop supports calling on compatible setups, but the available controls depend on the platform and current app version. If you cannot find group video calling on your computer, start the call on your phone.

Does a WhatsApp group video call use mobile data?
Yes, if you are connected through mobile data. Video-call data use varies, so connect to Wi-Fi or check your plan if data usage is a concern.

Can I hide my video but stay in the call?
Yes. Tap the camera control to turn your video off; you can usually turn it back on later. Your microphone is controlled separately.

Related

• Microsoft Copilot in OneDrive: What You’re Missing
• iOS 13.3 Communication Limits: Keep Kids From Bypassing Them
• How to Stream Prime Video on Discord