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How to Call a WhatsApp Number: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to make a call using WhatsApp? It’s simpler than ordering your morning coffee, and this guide will walk you through it step-by-step. Whether it’s a voice call to catch up with a friend or a video call to see a loved one across the globe, WhatsApp makes staying connected remarkably easy and almost always free of charge (data charges may apply, of course!).

The Quick and Dirty: Making a WhatsApp Call

Making a call on WhatsApp is straightforward:

Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your smartphone. Ensure you have the latest version for optimal performance.
Select a Contact: Navigate to the ‘Chats’ tab and choose the contact you wish to call. Alternatively, use the search function to find them quickly.
Initiate the Call: Once the chat window is open, look for the call icons at the top right corner of the screen.
- For a Voice Call: Tap the phone icon.
- For a Video Call: Tap the camera icon.
That’s It! WhatsApp will now initiate the call.

That’s the gist of it. Now, let’s dive deeper and address some common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About WhatsApp Calling

1. What are the Prerequisites for Making a WhatsApp Call?

Beyond having the WhatsApp application installed, you’ll need a few essentials:

Active Internet Connection: This can be Wi-Fi or mobile data. Remember, Wi-Fi is generally preferable to avoid data charges. A stable connection is key for good call quality.
WhatsApp Account: Naturally, you need an active WhatsApp account linked to your phone number.
Contact’s WhatsApp Account: The person you’re calling must also have WhatsApp installed and be active.

2. Can I Make a WhatsApp Call to Someone Who Doesn’t Have My Number Saved?

Yes, as long as you have their number saved in your phone’s contacts, even if they haven’t saved yours, you can call them via WhatsApp. WhatsApp uses your phone’s contact list to identify users.

3. What if I Don’t See the Call Icons?

If you’re not seeing the call icons (phone or camera), it usually means one of two things:

The contact doesn’t have WhatsApp: Double-check if the person you’re trying to call actually uses WhatsApp.
Outdated WhatsApp version: Ensure you and the contact are using the latest version of WhatsApp. An outdated version can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Go to your app store and update if necessary.

4. How Much Data Does a WhatsApp Call Consume?

This depends heavily on the duration of the call and the type of call (voice vs. video). Video calls consume significantly more data than voice calls. Generally, you can expect a voice call to use around 0.5 MB per minute, while a video call can consume anywhere from 2MB to 6MB per minute, or even more at higher resolutions. Monitor your data usage if you’re on a limited data plan.

5. Can I Make International Calls via WhatsApp?

Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages of using WhatsApp for calling. You can make international calls to anyone in the world as long as you both have WhatsApp and an internet connection. Be mindful of the time zone difference, though!

6. How Do I Improve the Quality of My WhatsApp Calls?

Several factors influence call quality:

Strong Internet Connection: This is paramount. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a stronger mobile data signal.
Close Other Apps: Closing unnecessary applications running in the background can free up resources and improve call quality.
Use Headphones or Earphones: This can reduce background noise and improve audio clarity.
Update WhatsApp: Ensure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp, as updates often include performance improvements.
Minimize Movement: Avoid moving around while on a video call, as this can cause the video to become blurry.

7. Can I Make Group Calls on WhatsApp?

Yes, WhatsApp supports both group voice and video calls. To initiate a group call:

Start a call with one contact: Initiate a voice or video call with the first person.
Add participants: Once the call is in progress, tap the “Add Participant” icon (usually a person icon with a plus sign).
Select contacts: Choose the other contacts you want to include in the call.

The maximum number of participants in a WhatsApp group call is currently limited to 32.

8. Is WhatsApp Calling Secure?

Yes, WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you and the person you’re calling can hear or see the content of the call. This encryption ensures that your conversations remain private and secure from third-party interception.

9. Can I Record a WhatsApp Call?

WhatsApp doesn’t natively offer a call recording feature for privacy reasons. However, there are third-party apps and methods to record WhatsApp calls, but it’s crucial to be aware of the legal implications and obtain consent from all parties involved before recording. Recording a call without consent can be illegal in many jurisdictions.

10. Can I Use WhatsApp Calling on My Computer?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp calling on your computer through the WhatsApp Desktop app or WhatsApp Web. Make sure your computer has a microphone and camera for voice and video calls, respectively. The process is similar to using the mobile app: simply open a chat and click the phone or camera icon.

11. What if I’m Having Trouble Hearing the Person I’m Calling?

Several factors can contribute to this:

Volume: Ensure your phone’s volume is turned up.
Microphone Issues: Ask the other person if their microphone is working correctly.
Internet Connection: A poor internet connection can cause audio distortion or dropouts.
App Permissions: Check if WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone in your phone’s settings.

12. Can I Block Someone from Calling Me on WhatsApp?

Absolutely! If you want to prevent someone from contacting you on WhatsApp, you can block them. To do this:

Open the chat with the person you want to block.
Tap on their name at the top of the screen.
Scroll down to the bottom and tap “Block”.

Once blocked, they won’t be able to call you or send you messages on WhatsApp. You can unblock them later if you change your mind.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp calling is a fantastic way to stay connected with friends and family, especially those living abroad. By understanding the basics and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy seamless and cost-effective communication. Remember to always prioritize a stable internet connection for the best possible call quality. Now go ahead and make that call!