WhatsApp is one of our favorite apps for video calling. Do you also want to meet digitally with friends, family or colleagues? In this starter guide we will help you on your way!
WhatsApp video calling: 6 tips for a flying start
Catching up with friends in the pub is not an option for a while. Fortunately, there are many apps available so that you can still see each other, including WhatsApp. You probably already use the app to send text messages, but did you know that you can also make video calls with up to seven others at the same time? Digital appointments are very easy.
Table of Contents WhatsApp Video Calling:
- How does it work?
- How can I improve the quality?
- What does it cost?
- Can I make video calls via WhatsApp Web?
- Can I record conversations?
- Is it possible to turn off video calling?
1. How does video calling via WhatsApp work?
It’s actually quite simple. All you need is a WhatsApp account and stable internet connection. Keep in mind that video calling uses more data than ‘normal’ calling. So if you have a small internet bundle, you may want to only make video calls when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
You can make video calls via WhatsApp as follows:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone;
- Tap the chat with the contact you want to video call;
- Press the camera icon to start a video call.
Do you want to call several people at the same time? Which can! You can make video calls with up to eight people at the same time in WhatsApp. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone;
- Go to the tab ‘Conversations’;
- Then tap the plus icon in the top right corner;
- Select ‘New group call’ and indicate with whom you want to group call;
- You are ready!
With the buttons in the image you can switch between a video and audio call. Others can of course also invite you to make video calls. You will automatically receive a notification, which you can then accept or decline. It does not matter which platform you use. You can also make video calls via WhatsApp with friends who have an Android smartphone.
2. The video quality is disappointing: what can I do about it?
All participants need a stable internet connection, otherwise the picture will look grainy. If the video quality is disappointing, it can be smart to, for example, sit closer to the router in your house. After all, some buildings suffer from ‘blind spots’. The signal is poor in these places. When you call via 4G, you will probably be less likely to suffer from this.
Furthermore, the telephone with which someone calls is of course important for the audio and video quality. An iPhone 11 Pro has much more powerful hardware than, for example, an iPhone 7. In any case, make sure that you are well lit during video calling and that you are in an environment with little ambient noise. That way you can understand each other well.
Do you have earbuds with built-in microphones, such as AirPods? Then put it in during video calling. Here you hear the sound of others through the earplugs and you avoid reverberation. That is not only nice for yourself, but also for the other participants. As a result, they do not hear themselves back through the speakers of your iPhone.
3. What are the costs of WhatsApp video calling?
Nothing! Video calling with WhatsApp is free. That said, you do consume data, of course, and that’s not free. With video calling outdoors, this data is deducted from your internet bundle. You may therefore wonder how much MB video calling via WhatsApp costs.
It is difficult to say exactly. After all, it depends on several factors, such as the quality of the video call and how many people you call. When you make video calls over a 4G connection with three others, you use about 3MB of data per minute, calculated MakeUseOf.
4. Can I make video calls via WhatsApp Web?
No, video calling via WhatsApp Web is not possible. However, there have been regular reports in recent years that WhatsApp is working on this function, so it may be possible in the near future.
Do you still want to make video calls with your Mac (Book)? Fortunately, there are more than enough good alternatives, such as FaceTime. Apple’s own video calling app lets you chat with up to 32 people at the same time. House party is also a fun option, because you can play digital games together.
Read more: The 3 best video calling apps for group calls
5. Can I record WhatsApp video calls?
Which can. You can use your iPhone’s built-in screen recording for this. You activate this from the Control Panel, after which everything that happens on the screen of your device is registered. You can indicate yourself whether the microphone should also be switched on or not. Obviously, ask permission from other participants in advance: it is not nice to be admitted without knowing.
Also handy: This is how you take a picture of your iPhone or iPad screen
6. I want to turn off WhatsApp video calling: how do I do that?
Unfortunately that is not possible. It is currently impossible to turn off the video calling function completely. WhatsApp does indicate that this may be added in the future. In the meantime, you can Block WhatsApp contacts. This is useful, for example, when someone is harassing you. It is even possible to create whole Block WhatsApp groups.
More about WhatsApp
Via WhatsApp you probably share joys and sorrows with friends, your partner, colleagues and acquaintances. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Check out our WhatsApp security guide for some simple precautions. That way you reduce the chance of trouble, such as WhatsApp hacks.
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