Yes, it is possible to make video calls using WhatsApp on your computer. WhatsApp has desktop applications available for both Windows and Mac that allow you to use all the features of WhatsApp, including voice and video calling, on your computer.
Key Points
- WhatsApp has desktop apps for Windows and Mac that you can use to make calls
- The desktop apps sync with your mobile device and mirror all features
- To use it, you need to have WhatsApp installed on your phone and linked to your computer
- Video calling works the same way as on mobile – just select the video icon next to a chat
- The video quality depends on your device cameras, internet speeds, etc
So if you already use WhatsApp on your smartphone, installing the desktop app allows you to seamlessly transition your chats and calls to a bigger screen. Read on for more details on how to set up and use the WhatsApp desktop apps for video calling.
Installing the WhatsApp Desktop App
To get started with video calling on WhatsApp desktop, you first need to install the desktop app on your computer:
On Windows
Go to www.whatsapp.com/download and click on “Download for Windows”. This will start downloading the WhatsApp setup file to your computer.
Run the WhatsAppSetup.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to install WhatsApp. The setup wizard will guide you through the installation process. Make sure to install the app in the default location.
On Mac
Go to www.whatsapp.com/download and click on “Download for Mac”. This will start downloading the WhatsApp setup file to your computer.
Open the WhatsApp.dmg file once it completes downloading. Drag and drop the WhatsApp icon into the Applications folder to install the app.
That’s it! WhatsApp desktop is now installed and ready to use on your Windows or Mac computer.
Linking to Your Mobile Device
However, to use the desktop app you need to have the WhatsApp mobile app installed on your phone and link the desktop app to your mobile account. Here are the steps:
On Your Phone
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone.
2. Open WhatsApp and go to the Menu > WhatsApp Web.
3. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code scanner that shows up on the desktop app.
4. Your WhatsApp on mobile will now link to the desktop app. All your chats will be synced across platforms.
On Your Computer
1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app. It will show a QR code scanner page.
2. Scan the QR code shown on the desktop using your phone’s WhatsApp Web feature.
3. The apps will link and all your chats will be synced to the desktop automatically.
That’s it! WhatsApp on your computer is now connected to your account on your phone. You can access all your chats and start video calls on the desktop app.
Starting a Video Call
Starting a video call using WhatsApp desktop is the same process as on your mobile:
1. Open an individual or group chat in WhatsApp desktop.
2. Click on the video call icon in the top right.
3. Your outgoing video call will now start ringing on the recipient’s device.
4. Once they accept the call, your video call will be connected!
Both you and the recipient will need to have video calling enabled with a webcam setup to make it work. The process is exactly the same as how you start video calls on the WhatsApp mobile app.
Tips for Video Calls
Here are some tips to ensure your WhatsApp video calls go smoothly:
– Make sure you have a stable internet connection on both devices. Preferably use WiFi and avoid switching networks.
– Lighting is important – avoid sitting with a bright background behind you. Face a window or light source for best visibility.
– Adjust your webcam if needed – you can preview your video feed in WhatsApp desktop before making a call.
– For group calls, mute yourself when not speaking to minimize background noise.
– Use headphones with a microphone for optimal sound quality.
Why Use WhatsApp Desktop for Video Calls?
WhatsApp on the desktop has several advantages for video calling compared to mobile:
Bigger Screen
The increased screen size on a computer makes it easier to see everyone on a group video call. You don’t have to squint or huddle around a tiny phone screen!
Better Camera and Sound
Most computers have better webcams and microphones than your phone, so you can get HD video and crisp audio on calls.
Seamless Multi-tasking
You can easily multi-task on a computer while on call – take notes, share files, use other apps simultaneously.
More Comfort and Control
Using a mouse, keyboard, and bigger display gives you more precision and control during video calls rather than relying on a touchscreen.
| Advantages of WhatsApp Video Call on Desktop |
|---|
| Bigger screen size |
| HD webcams and microphones |
| Ability to multi-task |
| More comfort and control |
So if you need to make lots of WhatsApp video calls for work or to stay in touch with family, using the desktop app can make the experience much better.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Video Call Issues
In some cases, you may encounter issues getting WhatsApp video calls to work properly on desktop. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Can’t Link Desktop to Mobile App
– Update the WhatsApp app on your phone in case there are issues with the desktop linking feature in older versions.
– Make sure your phone has an active internet connection and try reloading the QR code scanner on desktop.
– On your phone, check Settings > Linked Devices and unlink any existing devices. Then re-link your desktop app.
Video Call Has No Sound
– Check your speaker and microphone settings in WhatsApp desktop – go to Menu > Settings > Audio and Video.
– Make sure the correct mic is selected as the input device. Try testing your mic in another app on desktop.
– If on a laptop, confirm the external mic is not muted. Disable other apps using the mic.
Video Call Video Not Working
– Go to WhatsApp Settings > Video and select the correct webcam as the video input.
– Give WhatsApp desktop app permission to access your webcam in your computer privacy settings.
– Restart your computer and router if the webcam is not being detected.
– Update your graphics drivers and check for any conflicting apps.
Video Call Quality is Poor
– Make sure you are on a stable WiFi or ethernet connection. Mobile data may have latency.
– Disable any bandwidth-heavy processes in the background that can take up your internet speeds.
– Reduce your video resolution in WhatsApp Settings if you have limited bandwidth.
– Move closer to your WiFi router or modem to improve signal reception.
Following these tips should help you troubleshoot any call issues on WhatsApp desktop. Reach out to WhatsApp support if the problems persist.
Conclusion
WhatsApp desktop provides an easy way to make voice and video calls on your computer. By linking up with your WhatsApp account on mobile, you can seamlessly continue chats and calls on a bigger screen.
Video calling works just like the mobile app – tap the video icon in any chat to start a call. The desktop provides advantages like multi-tasking, better webcam quality, and increased screen size for group calls.
Make sure your desktop app is linked properly, and your mic, speaker and webcam are configured correctly in Settings. This will ensure you have the best calling experience. With WhatsApp desktop video calling, you can easily keep in touch with family and friends from the comfort of your computer.