WhatsApp video calling is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. However, sometimes you may run into issues with call quality or connections dropping. There are a few common problems that can disrupt WhatsApp video calls and some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve them.
Common WhatsApp video call issues
Here are some of the most common technical issues that can affect WhatsApp video calling:
| Problem | Cause |
| Video is blurry or pixelated | Slow internet connection or poor WiFi signal |
| Call disconnects frequently | Unstable internet connection |
| No video, only audio | Camera permissions not enabled |
| Can’t hear audio | Issues with microphone, volume settings |
| Echo during call | Audio feedback between devices |
These types of problems typically arise from technical limitations like low bandwidth, device settings, or software bugs. However, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and try to improve the situation.
Check your internet connection
One of the first things to check is your internet connection speed and stability. WhatsApp video calling requires a relatively fast internet connection to maintain call quality.
For video calling, you’ll generally need at least 1 Mbps upload and download speeds. However, for optimal quality, you should have at least 2 Mbps upload and download speeds available.
If you’re using a WiFi connection, move closer to your wireless router or access point to get a stronger signal. Disconnect from other devices using your home WiFi to preserve bandwidth for your video call. Consider upgrading to a faster internet plan if available.
With a mobile data connection, check that you have a strong 4G, LTE or 5G signal. If your signal is weak, try moving to a location with better coverage. You can also try disabling your mobile data and only using WiFi to avoid network congestion.
Slow internet speeds are one of the main causes of pixelated, blurry, or choppy video quality during WhatsApp calls.
Restart your device
Another quick troubleshooting step is to simply restart your device before making a video call. This clears any memory issues or software glitches that could be interfering with WhatsApp’s performance.
Close down all other apps running in the background as well. This prevents other processes from consuming resources needed for your video call.
After restarting your smartphone, tablet, or computer, open WhatsApp and start a new video call. Check if the issues persist.
Allow WhatsApp camera and microphone access
WhatsApp requires access to your device’s camera, microphone and storage to function properly for calls.
If your device settings are blocking WhatsApp from accessing the camera or microphone, it can prevent video and audio from working during calls.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and Microphone and make sure WhatsApp is enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions and allow permissions for camera and microphone access.
You may also need to allow WhatsApp access to storage/media to save call recordings and media. Enabling these permissions can fix missing video or audio issues.
Check your WhatsApp data usage settings
To optimize bandwidth during video calls, check your WhatsApp cellular data usage settings.
On Android go to WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and data > Data usage.
On iPhone go to Settings > Cellular and enable Use cellular data for calls.
Make sure WhatsApp mobile data usage is enabled for calling. This allows WhatsApp to use your mobile data plan for video calls when WiFi is unavailable.
You can also enable low data usage which uses less data but may impact video quality. Disable this if you have an unlimited data plan.
Update the WhatsApp app
Buggy software can also be the culprit of call issues. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the WhatsApp app.
On iOS devices, go to the App Store and check for any available updates. On Android, go to Google Play Store and update WhatsApp to the newest version.
Major updates often contain fixes for WhatsApp calling performance and reliability. Keeping the app updated can resolve software-related glitches.
Check if WhatsApp is down
In rare cases, the WhatsApp service itself may be experiencing an outage, especially if many users are reporting problems around the same time.
You can check sites like Downdetector to see if others are experiencing WhatsApp connection issues. Try making a voice or video call through another app like FaceTime or Google Duo to isolate the problem.
If WhatsApp is having a widespread outage, unfortunately all you can do is wait for their engineers to get the service back up and running again. Monitoring social media can provide updates on any restoration efforts.
Troubleshoot audio issues
If you can’t hear the other person on a WhatsApp video call, there are a few audio-specific settings to check.
Increase the volume
It may seem obvious, but double check that the ringer/media volume on your device isn’t muted or too low.
Use the volume buttons or slider to turn the volume up to the maximum comfortable level. Make sure sound isn’t set to vibrate only.
You can also try using wired earbuds or headphones to improve audio quality, as well as turn up the volume more.
Check microphone settings
Ensure WhatsApp has permission to access your device’s microphone. On mobile, go to your app settings. On desktop, allow access if prompted by your browser.
Also try switching between the loudspeaker, ear speaker, wired headphones and bluetooth headphones to isolate the issue.
If your microphone isn’t working properly it can prevent you from being heard during video calls.
Enable WhatsApp VoIP settings
WhatsApp uses VoIP (voice over IP) to handle calling over the internet. Make sure it’s enabled for the best audio experience:
– On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable VoIP Calls
– On Android, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Calls using Internet
Enabling VoIP allows WhatsApp call data to work properly on mobile networks. Try toggling this on or off to troubleshoot.
Fix video call echo
If you hear echo during a WhatsApp video call, it’s typically caused by audio feedback between devices. Here are some tips to prevent echo:
– Use headphones to avoid microphone/speaker feedback
– Mute your mic when not speaking
– Lower the volume to minimize audio feedback
– Increase distance between devices to allow better separation
– Avoid having multiple devices on the call in the same room
– Turn off any other nearby devices playing audio
– Check for accessories that could cause interference like phone cases
Making some adjustments to volume levels, mic muting etiquette, and the call environment can usually resolve annoying echo issues.
Prevent call dropping
Frequently dropped WhatsApp video calls can be incredibly frustrating. Here are some ways to help prevent calls from disconnecting unexpectedly:
Check your network strength
A weak internet connection is one of the main causes of dropped calls. Check your WiFi bars or mobile data signal strength before making a call. Move closer to your router or access point if the connection is poor. Switch to mobile data if your home WiFi is unstable.
Limit bandwidth usage
If other devices or users on your network are consuming a lot of bandwidth, it can disrupt your video call. Try pausing large downloads or uploads during calls, disconnect other devices from WiFi, or upgrade your internet plan.
Disable battery optimizations
Some device power saving modes can interrupt WhatsApp’s network access causing dropped calls. Go into your smartphone settings and disable battery/power optimizations or background restrictions for WhatsApp.
Update WhatsApp
Installing WhatsApp updates may provide performance improvements that prevent call disconnections. Always keep WhatsApp fully up-to-date for better call reliability.
Restart your phone
Quickly power cycling your phone before a call can clear any software or memory issues causing dropped calls. Close all other apps as well for best performance.
Switch devices/locations
Determining if the issue only occurs on one device or in one location can confirm where the problem originates. Try making WhatsApp calls from different WiFi networks, cellular connections, and devices.
Improve video quality
Here are some tips for improving blurry, pixelated, or choppy video during WhatsApp calls:
Check your camera lens
Make sure the camera lenses on both devices are clean and not obstructed. Gently wipe them with a microfiber cloth before calls.
Clean up storage
Low storage space and cluttered memory can bog down phone performance leading to video lag. Offload photos/files, delete unused apps and clear caches to free up storage.
Close other apps
Multitasking drains resources needed for video processing. Close out of other apps before making WhatsApp calls for optimal performance.
Disable video stabilization
Phone video stabilization features can sometimes interfere with video call quality. Try disabling these options in device camera settings.
Turn off HD/high quality video
High bandwidth video modes use more data which could exceed your connection speed and cause pixelation. Disable HD video in WhatsApp settings.
Use mobile data instead of WiFi
If your home WiFi suffers from interference or congestion, cellular data may provide a more reliable connection for high quality WhatsApp video.
Move closer to your router
With WiFi, maximize signal strength by moving as close as possible to your wireless router or access point. Or try repositioning the router for better coverage.
Face a light source
Proper lighting with a light source in front of you provides the best results for video calls. Avoid sitting with a bright window or light behind you.
Other WhatsApp calling tips
Here are some other tips for avoiding issues during WhatsApp calls:
– Update to the latest OS version on your device for best performance
– Disable automatic background app downloads/updates during calls
– Turn on Do Not Disturb to avoid distracting notifications
– Adjust cellular data settings for optimal network usage
– Make test calls to rule out specific device, accessory, or account problems
– Delete and reinstall WhatsApp as a troubleshooting step to clear out bugs
– Report ongoing technical issues to WhatsApp by contacting their support team
– Use WhatsApp’s Data Usage control in settings for call data management
– Try calls at different times to determine if network congestion causes issues
Conclusion
WhatsApp video calling is a great feature when it’s working properly. However, technical glitches can sometimes disrupt your calls. By troubleshooting issues like choppy video, echo, and dropped calls, you can get your WhatsApp video chats running smoothly again. Checking your internet connectivity, restarting devices, adjusting app permissions and settings, upgrading equipment, and contacting WhatsApp support are all great ways to resolve pesky video call problems. With a combination of preventative measures and quick fixes, you can minimize frustrations and stay connected with the important people in your life through WhatsApp’s video chat capabilities.