WhatsApp introduced group voice calls back in 2018, allowing up to 4 people to chat together. In 2020, they increased the limit to 8 participants. If you’re looking to have a group conversation using WhatsApp voice chat, here’s what you need to know.
Check Your WhatsApp Version
To use WhatsApp group voice chat, make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp. Group voice calls are supported in WhatsApp versions 2.18.39 and higher on Android, and 2.18.42 and higher on iOS. Here are the steps to check your version and update if needed:
On Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top right
- Go to Settings > Help
- Under ‘App info’ check the version number
- If it’s lower than 2.18.39, update WhatsApp through the Play Store
On iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings
- Tap Help > App Info
- Check the version number shown
- If lower than 2.18.42, update via the App Store
Start a New Group Voice Call
Once you’ve confirmed you’re on the right WhatsApp version, starting a group voice call is easy:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the person or group you want to voice call
- Tap the phone icon in the top right
- On the Call Screen, tap the Add call icon (it looks like a person and plus symbol)
- Check the contacts you want to add to the call. You can add up to 7 people.
- Tap the phone icon to start the call
Once the call starts, you’ll see small profile icons for each participant along the bottom of the screen. The blue highlighted icon indicates who is speaking. Tapping an icon will focus on that user.
Join an Ongoing Group Voice Call
If you receive a group voice call invite while one is already ongoing, here are the steps to join:
- When you receive the call, slide to answer
- Tap the Add call icon
- Select ‘Merge calls’ to join the ongoing group call
The two calls will merge and you’ll join the conversation seamlessly.
Enable Call Notifications
To avoid missing group voice call invites and notifications, check that call notifications are enabled:
On Android
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Tap Notifications > Groups & calls
- Make sure ‘Repeat alerts’ is enabled
On iPhone
- Go to iPhone Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp
- Enable ‘Repeated Alerts’
This will make your phone repeatedly notify you when a WhatsApp call comes in, so you don’t miss it.
Change Default Outgoing Call Type
By default, tapping the call icon in WhatsApp will initiate a voice call. You can change this to default to starting a video call instead:
On Android
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Calls
- Under ‘Default calls’ select ‘Video calls’
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > Calls
- Under ‘Default call type’ select ‘Video calls’
Now when you tap the call icon, it will default to initiating a group video call. You can still select ‘Voice call’ manually each time.
Internet Connection
Group calls require a strong, stable internet connection. For best results:
- Use a WiFi connection rather than mobile data if possible
- Avoid switching between WiFi and mobile data during the call
- If using mobile data, try to be in an area with good coverage
- Close other apps using internet in the background
Having participants in different locations can also increase the chances of disruptions. Try keeping participants connected to the same local network.
Audio and Video Settings
Check your WhatsApp settings to optimize audio and video quality:
Audio Settings
- Enable ‘High quality audio’ for better sound
- Toggle ‘Low data usage’ off to prioritize call quality over data usage
Video Settings
- Set video quality to ‘High’ if you have a good connection
- Otherwise set to ‘Low’ to save mobile data
- Enable ‘Low light mode’ to improve visibility in dark conditions
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having issues with group voice chats, here are some things to try:
- Confirm all participants are on the latest WhatsApp version
- Check your internet connection and switch to a better network if possible
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app
- Restart your phone
- Clear cache and data for WhatsApp in your phone settings
- Uninstall and reinstall the latest WhatsApp version
- Try creating a new group and initiating a fresh call
Limitations
Keep in mind some limitations of WhatsApp group voice calls:
- Maximum 8 participants (less on older versions)
- No conference calling – all users must join a single call
- No call recording option
- No dial-in option – all users must have WhatsApp installed
Despite these limitations, WhatsApp group voice chats are a convenient way for small groups to connect. With end-to-end encryption, it offers a secure way to chat without requiring phone minutes.
Conclusion
To summarize, here are the key steps to using WhatsApp group voice calls:
- Confirm you have the latest WhatsApp version installed
- Start a new voice call and tap the add user icon to make it a group call
- Or join an ongoing group call when you receive the invite
- Enable call notifications so you don’t miss any incoming calls
- Use WiFi and optimize audio/video settings for best quality
- Troubleshoot issues with network, app version, restarting devices etc
With these tips, you’ll be able to easily start and join group voice chats on WhatsApp. It provides a free and convenient way to connect multiple people together for conversations.
| Platform | Minimum Version |
|---|---|
| Android | 2.18.39 |
| iPhone | 2.18.42 |
Android Steps to Check Version
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap Menu > Settings > Help
- Check ‘App info’ for version number
iOS Steps to Check Version
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings > Help > App Info
- View version number
With WhatsApp group voice calls, up to 8 people can join a conversation. It offers an easy way to connect multiple people through your smartphone. Follow the steps outlined above to get started with group voice chats on WhatsApp today.
WhatsApp group voice calls provide a convenient way to have conversations with multiple people at once. By following this guide, you can easily initiate or join group voice chats, optimize the audio and video quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
So gather your friends, family or colleagues and start a group voice chat on WhatsApp! With end-to-end encryption, it offers a secure and private way to talk to up to 8 people simultaneously. Give it a try and see how easy it is to connect on WhatsApp today.
WhatsApp’s group voice calling feature allows you to have conversations with up to 8 people at once. It’s a great way to stay connected with family, friends or co-workers right from your phone. We hope this guide gave you all the tips you need to enable group calls and start talking with multiple people on WhatsApp.
Let us know if you have any other questions! WhatsApp group calling provides a convenient way to chat face-to-face from anywhere with an internet connection. Take advantage of this useful communication tool on WhatsApp today.
That covers the key things you need to know about activating and using WhatsApp’s group voice chat feature. With the ability to talk to up to 8 people at once, it makes staying in touch with groups easy and convenient. We hope this guide gave you the information you need to get started with WhatsApp voice calls.
Don’t forget to check your app version, use a stable internet connection, adjust audio settings and troubleshoot any issues that come up. With these tips in mind, you’ll be voice chatting with groups on WhatsApp in no time. Have fun connecting with friends, family and colleagues!
WhatsApp has certainly transformed how we stay in touch with one another. The addition of group voice calls has further expanded its capabilities. We appreciate you reading this guide on how to enable the feature and are confident it gave you the key things to know. Please reach out with any other questions. Enjoy your WhatsApp group chats!