How to Make a Call on Snapchat: The Definitive Guide

Snapchat, the ephemeral messaging giant, has evolved far beyond just disappearing photos. One of its most useful, and often overlooked, features is its built-in calling functionality. Making calls on Snapchat is simple, seamless, and perfect for quick chats with friends.

Making a call on Snapchat is straightforward. Open a chat with the person you want to call, then tap either the phone icon for a voice call or the video camera icon for a video call. That’s it!

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, covering everything you need to know about Snapchat calling, from initiating calls to troubleshooting common issues.

Understanding Snapchat Calling

Snapchat calling operates over Wi-Fi or mobile data, meaning it won’t eat into your standard phone call minutes. This makes it ideal for connecting with friends internationally or when you’re in an area with strong Wi-Fi but poor cellular service. The app prioritizes a user-friendly experience, ensuring calls are easy to initiate and manage.

Voice Calls

Voice calls on Snapchat are perfect for moments when you want a quick conversation without the need for video. They’re data-efficient and discreet, allowing you to catch up with friends even in data-restrictive environments.

Video Calls

Video calls bring the fun of Snapchat to life. You can use Snapchat lenses during video calls, adding playful filters and effects to your face in real time. This feature makes video calls on Snapchat uniquely engaging and entertaining.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Initiate a Snapchat Call

Follow these steps to initiate a call on Snapchat:

1. Open the Snapchat App: Launch the Snapchat application on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to the Chat Screen: Swipe right from the camera screen or tap the chat icon (speech bubble) at the bottom left of the screen to access your list of chats.
3. Select the Contact: Choose the friend you want to call from your chat list. If you haven’t chatted with them before, you’ll need to find them via the search bar and add them as a friend.
4. Initiate the Call: Once the chat window is open, look for two icons at the top right corner of the screen:
   • Phone Icon: Tap this icon to initiate a voice call.
   • Video Camera Icon: Tap this icon to start a video call.
5. Waiting for the Connection: Snapchat will then initiate the call. Wait for your friend to answer. If they are unavailable, the call will eventually time out.

Enhancing Your Snapchat Call Experience

Snapchat offers several features to enhance your calling experience:

• Using Lenses: During a video call, tap the screen to access lenses. Choose from a wide variety of filters and effects to add some fun to your conversation.
• Switching Cameras: You can easily switch between your front and rear cameras during a video call by tapping the camera rotation icon.
• Muting and Unmuting: Mute your microphone during a call by tapping the microphone icon. Tap it again to unmute.
• Ending the Call: To end the call, simply tap the red phone icon at the bottom of the screen.

Troubleshooting Common Snapchat Calling Issues

While Snapchat calling is generally reliable, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Poor Connection Quality: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Try moving closer to your router or switching to a different network.
• Microphone or Camera Issues: Check that Snapchat has permission to access your microphone and camera in your phone’s settings.
• Call Not Connecting: Make sure both you and the person you are calling have the latest version of Snapchat installed. A simple app update can often resolve connectivity issues.
• No Sound: Ensure your phone’s volume is turned up and that Snapchat isn’t muted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about making calls on Snapchat:

1. Can I make group calls on Snapchat?

Yes, Snapchat supports group voice and video calls. To initiate a group call, open a group chat and then tap either the phone or video camera icon. Everyone in the group will receive a notification and can join the call.

2. Do Snapchat calls use data?

Yes, Snapchat calls use either Wi-Fi or mobile data. The amount of data used will vary depending on the length of the call and whether it’s a voice or video call. Video calls consume significantly more data than voice calls.

3. How do I know if someone is calling me on Snapchat?

When someone calls you on Snapchat, your phone will ring or vibrate, and a notification will appear on your screen displaying the caller’s name or username.

4. Can I decline a Snapchat call?

Yes, you can decline a Snapchat call. When you receive an incoming call, a button will appear to decline the call. Simply tap this button to reject the call.

5. Can I use lenses during a Snapchat video call?

Absolutely! Using lenses during video calls is one of the most fun aspects of Snapchat calling. Just tap the screen during the call to access the lens carousel.

6. How do I block someone from calling me on Snapchat?

To block someone from calling you, navigate to their profile within Snapchat. Then, tap the three dots (menu icon) in the top right corner and select “Block.” This will prevent them from contacting you in any way, including calling.

7. Can I record Snapchat calls?

Snapchat does not natively offer a call recording feature. However, you can use third-party screen recording apps to record your calls. Be mindful of privacy laws and always inform the other party if you are recording the call.

8. Is there a limit to the length of Snapchat calls?

Snapchat doesn’t explicitly impose a time limit on calls. However, prolonged calls can consume a significant amount of data and battery.

9. Can I call someone on Snapchat if they haven’t added me back?

No, you can only initiate calls with people who are in your list of friends (have added you back).

10. How can I improve the quality of my Snapchat calls?

To improve call quality, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection. Close any other apps that may be using bandwidth, and consider moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.

11. What does it mean when a Snapchat call is “failed”?

A “failed” Snapchat call typically indicates a connection issue between you and the person you’re trying to call. This could be due to a weak internet connection, a temporary server issue, or one of you not having the latest version of the app.

12. Can I make Snapchat calls on a computer?

While Snapchat primarily operates on mobile devices, you can use an Android emulator (like BlueStacks) on your computer to run the Snapchat app and make calls. However, the experience may not be as smooth as on a mobile device.

Conclusion

Snapchat calling provides a convenient and engaging way to connect with friends and family. With its ease of use and unique features like lenses, it offers a distinct calling experience compared to traditional phone calls. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of Snapchat’s calling capabilities and stay connected with the people who matter most.