How to Call Someone on Snapchat: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to connect with your Snapchat friends in real-time? Excellent! Ditching the endless text threads for a quick audio or video chat can be a game-changer. The process is remarkably simple, yet nuances exist that can enhance your Snapchat calling experience. Here’s the lowdown:

How to Initiate a Call on Snapchat

1. Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat application on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in.
2. Navigate to the Chat Screen: Swipe right from the camera screen, or tap the chat icon (the speech bubble) at the bottom of the screen. This will display your list of conversations.
3. Select the Friend: Choose the friend you wish to call from your chat list. Tap on their name to open your conversation with them.
4. Choose Your Call Type: Look for the two icons at the top right corner of the chat screen:
   • Audio Call: The phone icon initiates an audio call. Tap it to dial your friend.
   • Video Call: The video camera icon starts a video call. Tap this to connect visually.
5. Wait for Them to Answer: Once you’ve initiated the call, Snapchat will display a “Ringing” message. Your friend will receive a notification alerting them to your call. If they answer, the call will begin! If they don’t, you can leave a voice note or try again later.

That’s it! You’ve successfully placed a call on Snapchat. But, as with anything seemingly simple, there are subtleties and nuances that experienced users leverage. Let’s delve into some common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Snapchat Calls

1. What Happens If Someone is Unavailable to Answer My Snapchat Call?

If your friend is unavailable to answer your Snapchat call, the app will typically display a “Missed Call” notification on their end. You’ll see a similar notification on your side, indicating the call wasn’t answered. In this scenario, Snapchat offers a convenient option: you can leave a voice note by holding down the microphone icon within the chat. This lets you share your message even when a live call isn’t possible. Alternatively, you can simply try calling again later.

2. Can I Call Someone on Snapchat Who Isn’t My Friend?

The short answer is no. Snapchat prioritizes privacy and connection between established friends. To initiate a call with someone, you both need to have added each other as friends on the platform. This prevents unwanted calls from strangers and maintains a more controlled social environment. If you aren’t friends with someone yet, you’ll need to send them a friend request and have them accept it before you can engage in calls or other direct interactions.

3. Does Calling on Snapchat Use Data? How Much?

Yes, calling on Snapchat does utilize mobile data if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. The amount of data consumed depends on the duration and type of call. Video calls inherently use more data than audio calls due to the transmission of video information. While Snapchat doesn’t publicly disclose precise data usage figures, it’s generally advisable to connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially for extended video calls, to avoid exceeding your data plan limits. Monitoring your phone’s data usage settings can provide more specific insights into Snapchat’s data consumption.

4. Can I Make Group Calls on Snapchat?

Absolutely! Group calls are a fantastic way to connect with multiple friends simultaneously. To initiate a group call, open a group chat, and then tap either the audio or video call icon at the top of the screen. Snapchat will then notify all members of the group, inviting them to join the call. It’s a super-efficient way to coordinate plans, share news, or simply catch up with a bunch of people at once.

5. Can I Use Filters During a Snapchat Video Call?

Yes, you can! Snapchat is all about fun and creativity, and that extends to video calls. During a video call, you can access the filter options by tapping on your face on the screen. This will bring up the familiar array of lenses and filters that Snapchat is famous for, allowing you to add amusing effects, change your appearance, or enhance the overall call experience.

6. How Do I End a Snapchat Call?

Ending a Snapchat call is straightforward. During the call, you’ll see a red phone icon at the bottom of the screen. Simply tap this icon to disconnect the call. Your friend will be notified that you have ended the call, and you’ll be returned to the chat screen.

7. Are Snapchat Calls End-to-End Encrypted?

Snapchat employs encryption to protect the security of your communications, including calls. However, it’s crucial to understand that while Snapchat encrypts data in transit (meaning data is encrypted as it travels between your device and Snapchat’s servers), it doesn’t explicitly state that all calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. Always be mindful of the information you share during any online communication, including Snapchat calls.

8. Can I Record a Snapchat Video Call?

Snapchat does not provide a built-in feature to record video calls. Attempting to use third-party screen recording apps might trigger a notification to the other participant(s) in the call, alerting them that you are recording. Always be respectful of others’ privacy and obtain consent before recording any conversations or video interactions.

9. How Do I Mute My Microphone During a Snapchat Call?

If you need to mute your microphone during a Snapchat call, look for the microphone icon on the call screen. Tapping this icon will toggle your microphone on and off. When muted, the icon will typically display a line through it, indicating that your audio is disabled. This allows you to listen to the conversation without broadcasting your own sounds.

10. Can I Switch Between Audio and Video During a Call?

Yes, you can seamlessly switch between audio and video during an active Snapchat call. If you initially started an audio call and want to switch to video, tap the video camera icon. Conversely, if you’re on a video call and want to switch to audio, tap the same icon. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or preferences during the conversation.

11. Why is My Snapchat Call Quality Poor?

Several factors can contribute to poor call quality on Snapchat. These include:

• Weak Internet Connection: A stable and strong internet connection is crucial for clear audio and video.
• Device Performance: Older devices with limited processing power might struggle to handle video calls smoothly.
• App Version: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Snapchat app, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Background Apps: Close any unnecessary apps running in the background, as these can consume resources and impact call quality.

12. Can I Use Snapchat Calls on a Computer?

While Snapchat is primarily a mobile application, you can technically use Snapchat calls on a computer using an Android emulator like Bluestacks. An emulator allows you to run Android apps on your desktop or laptop. However, the experience might not be as seamless as using the native mobile app, and call quality can vary depending on your computer’s hardware and internet connection. Keep in mind that Snapchat officially supports mobile devices, and using emulators may violate their terms of service, so proceed with caution.

By understanding these nuances and frequently asked questions, you’re now equipped to become a Snapchat calling pro! Get out there and connect with your friends using the power of voice and video. Enjoy!