How to make a video call
Android
iOS
Web
Windows
Mac
Android
iOS
Web
Windows
Mac
Video calling lets you video call your contacts using WhatsApp.
Make a video call
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the contact you want to video call.
- Tap .
Alternatively, open WhatsApp, then tap the Calls tab > . Find the contact you want to video call, then tap .
Receive a video call
If your phone is locked, you'll see an incoming WhatsApp video call screen when someone video calls you, where you can:
- Swipe up to accept.
- Swipe up to decline.
- Swipe up to reply to decline the call with a quick message.
If your phone is unlocked, you’ll see an Incoming video call pop-up when someone video calls you, where you can tap Decline or Video.
Switching between video and voice calls
Switch from a video call to a voice call
- While on the video call, tap , which will notify the contact you're video calling.
- Once the contact turns their video off, the call will be switched to a voice call.
Switch from a voice call to a video call
- While on the voice call, tap > Switch.
- The contact you're voice calling will see a request to switch to a video call and can accept or decline the switch.
Note:
- Make sure you and your contacts have strong internet connections when placing or receiving video calls.
- To save data, make and answer calls when connected to Wi-Fi. You can also turn Use less data for calls on or off in WhatsApp Settings > Storage and data.
- Video calling is only available on Android phones running version 4.1 or newer.
- You can’t access emergency service numbers through WhatsApp, such as 911 in the United States.
- If your call isn't going through, it's possible the other person is on an older operating system or WhatsApp version.
Picture-in-picture
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) allows you to watch videos from supported services within WhatsApp instead of needing to go to another app. You can also continue messaging in the chat while watching the video. If a video is eligible for PiP playback, a play button will appear on the video link's preview.
To enable picture-in-picture for video calls:
- Go to your device settings.
- Search “Picture-in-Picture”.
- Confirm WhatsApp is toggled on.
Note: Videos will only play PiP if they're posted by public accounts.
Related resources
- How to make a group video call.