How to Make a Call on WhatsApp: A Definitive Guide

Making a call on WhatsApp is surprisingly straightforward, a testament to the app’s commitment to user-friendliness. To make a voice or video call, simply open the chat with the person you want to call, then tap the voice call or video call icon at the top of the screen. The call will initiate, and you’ll be connected assuming the recipient answers. Simple, right? But beyond this simplicity lies a world of nuances, features, and troubleshooting tips that can elevate your WhatsApp calling experience. Let’s dive deep.

The Anatomy of a WhatsApp Call: Beyond the Basics

While the fundamental process is easy, understanding the underlying mechanics empowers you to master this powerful communication tool. WhatsApp utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which means your calls are routed through the internet rather than traditional cellular networks. This has profound implications:

• Cost Savings: Calls are essentially free, consuming only your data allowance (Wi-Fi is recommended, especially for video calls).
• Global Reach: Call anyone worldwide with a WhatsApp account, regardless of their location, without international calling fees.
• Call Quality: Dependent on your internet connection; a stable and strong Wi-Fi or data signal is crucial.

Understanding these principles sets the stage for optimizing your WhatsApp calling experience. But what about the practical aspects? Let’s explore the specifics of initiating and managing different types of calls.

Initiating a Voice Call

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
2. Select a Contact: Navigate to the “Chats” tab and open the conversation with the person you wish to call. You can also use the “Calls” tab and select a contact from the list.
3. Tap the Voice Call Icon: Located at the top right corner of the chat screen, it looks like a telephone handset.
4. Initiate the Call: The call will begin, and you’ll see a calling screen displaying the contact’s name and profile picture.

Initiating a Video Call

The process for initiating a video call is nearly identical to a voice call:

1. Open WhatsApp: As with voice calls, launch the app on your phone.
2. Select a Contact: Choose the person you want to connect with from your “Chats” or “Calls” tab.
3. Tap the Video Call Icon: This icon, resembling a video camera, is situated next to the voice call icon.
4. Grant Camera Access: If this is your first time making a video call, WhatsApp will likely request permission to access your camera and microphone. Grant these permissions to proceed.
5. Start the Video Call: The video call will commence, displaying your camera feed and attempting to connect to the recipient.

Making Group Calls

WhatsApp truly shines when it comes to group communication, and its group calling functionality is no exception. There are two main methods:

Method 1: Calling from an Existing Group Chat

1. Open the Group Chat: Navigate to the WhatsApp group you want to call.
2. Tap the Call Icon: At the top right corner of the screen, you’ll see a phone icon with a plus sign. Tap it.
3. Select Participants: A list of group members will appear. Choose the individuals you want to include in the call (up to 32 participants can join).
4. Choose Voice or Video: Select whether you want to initiate a voice or video call.

Method 2: Calling from the “Calls” Tab

1. Go to the “Calls” Tab: Located at the bottom of the WhatsApp screen.
2. Tap the “New Call” Icon: This icon, usually a phone with a plus sign, is typically in the bottom right corner.
3. Select “New Group Call”: This will open your contact list.
4. Choose Participants: Select the individuals you want to add to the call.
5. Choose Voice or Video: Decide whether you want a voice or video group call.

During a Call: Mastering Call Controls

Once a call is in progress, you have access to a range of controls to manage your experience:

• Mute/Unmute: Tap the microphone icon to silence your microphone (useful when you need to cough or speak to someone nearby).
• Turn Video On/Off: During a video call, tap the camera icon to disable your video feed.
• Switch Camera: Toggle between your front and rear cameras (particularly helpful during video calls).
• Speakerphone: Activate speakerphone mode for hands-free communication.
• Add Participant: Add another person to the call, creating a mini-conference call on the fly.
• End Call: The red phone icon terminates the call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I make calls on WhatsApp?

Several factors can prevent you from making WhatsApp calls: poor internet connection, outdated WhatsApp version, insufficient microphone or camera permissions, WhatsApp server issues, or a blocked contact. Verify your internet connectivity, update the app, check permissions in your phone’s settings, and ensure the person you’re calling hasn’t blocked you.

2. How much data does a WhatsApp call use?

WhatsApp voice calls typically consume around 0.5MB per minute, while video calls use significantly more, ranging from 2MB to 5MB per minute, depending on video quality. Using Wi-Fi is always recommended to minimize data charges.

3. Can I record WhatsApp calls?

WhatsApp doesn’t natively offer call recording features for privacy and legal reasons. However, some third-party apps and phone features (screen recording) can be used, but always seek consent from the other party before recording a conversation. This is crucial to avoid legal issues related to privacy violations.

4. Can I use WhatsApp calling on my computer?

Yes, you can. Download the WhatsApp Desktop app for Windows or Mac, or use WhatsApp Web through your browser. You’ll need to scan a QR code with your phone to link your account. Both voice and video calls are supported on desktop, provided you have a working microphone and camera.

5. How do I improve WhatsApp call quality?

To improve call quality, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferred). Close other apps that consume bandwidth. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router. If using cellular data, try moving to an area with better signal strength. Check if WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone and camera.

6. Can I make calls to landlines or mobile phones using WhatsApp?

No, WhatsApp calls are exclusively between WhatsApp users. You cannot directly call landlines or mobile phones that don’t have WhatsApp installed using the app.

7. What does “Call Ended” mean on WhatsApp?

“Call Ended” simply signifies that the call has been terminated. This can happen for various reasons: the other party ended the call, your internet connection dropped, or there was a problem with WhatsApp’s servers.

8. How do I know if someone is calling me on WhatsApp?

When someone calls you on WhatsApp, your phone will ring, vibrate (if enabled), and display a notification with the caller’s name or number. You’ll also see options to answer or decline the call.

9. How do I block someone from calling me on WhatsApp?

Open the chat with the person you want to block. Tap their name at the top to access their profile. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Block”. You can also block someone from the “Calls” tab by long-pressing their name and selecting “Block”.

10. Can I make emergency calls using WhatsApp?

No, WhatsApp is not a substitute for traditional phone services and cannot be used to make emergency calls. You should always use your cellular phone to dial emergency numbers like 911.

11. My microphone isn’t working on WhatsApp. What do I do?

First, ensure WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone in your phone’s settings. Restart the app and your phone. Check if your microphone is physically obstructed. If the problem persists, there might be an issue with your phone’s microphone hardware, requiring professional repair.

12. Can I use WhatsApp calling with Bluetooth headphones?

Yes, WhatsApp is compatible with Bluetooth headphones and headsets. Simply pair your headphones with your phone, and WhatsApp will automatically use them for audio input and output during calls.