If you are unable to see or access the video calling feature on WhatsApp Web, there could be a few possible reasons for this:
Requirements for Video Calling on WhatsApp Web
In order to use video calling on WhatsApp Web, there are a few requirements that need to be met:
- You must be using a desktop or laptop computer – WhatsApp video calling is not available on mobile browsers.
- Your computer must have a webcam and microphone installed and connected.
- You need to be running the latest version of WhatsApp on your computer’s web browser.
- The mobile device that you have linked to WhatsApp Web must also have an updated version of the WhatsApp app installed.
- Your mobile device needs to be connected to the internet and have an active internet connection.
- Both your computer and mobile device should ideally be connected to a stable WiFi network for optimal video call performance.
So first make sure that all these requirements are met on your end before troubleshooting further. If any one of these is not fulfilled, it can prevent you from accessing video calls on WhatsApp Web.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you have ensured that all the requirements above are met, but still cannot see the video call option, try these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Your Browser
WhatsApp Web is only fully supported on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera browsers. Safari and Internet Explorer are not supported. To check which browser you are using and update it if needed:
- On Chrome – Go to Settings > Help > Google Chrome Info to see your version.
- On Firefox – Go to Help > About Firefox.
- On Edge – Go to Settings > About Edge.
- On Opera – Go to Help > About Opera.
Make sure you are running the latest version for your browser. If not, allow your browser to update itself and then try WhatsApp Web again.
2. Reload WhatsApp Web
A simple page reload can sometimes resolve any temporary glitches. Close WhatsApp Web completely, force quit your browser if needed, and then reload the WhatsApp Web page again from www.web.whatsapp.com. Then check if the video icon is now visible.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Large buildups of cache and cookies can sometimes disrupt WhatsApp Web functionality. To clear these:
- On Chrome – Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Clear data.
- On Firefox – Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear data.
- On Edge – Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data.
- On Opera – Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Clear data.
Clear browsing data for at least the last 4 weeks, close and reopen your browser, then reload WhatsApp Web.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable internet connection can also prevent accessing the video call feature. Make sure that both your computer and linked mobile device are connected to a high-speed 3G/4G/WiFi network for optimal performance. If possible, move closer to your WiFi router or connect via Ethernet cable to troubleshoot.
5. Update the WhatsApp Apps
Outdated app versions can sometimes be the culprit. Make sure you have installed the latest updates of WhatsApp available on your computer’s browser as well as your linked mobile device. On mobile, go to your app store to check for and install updates. On desktop, you will be prompted to update WhatsApp Web when a new version is released.
6. Reconnect Your Mobile Device
If your mobile device lost its internet connection or was disconnected from WhatsApp Web, the video call feature may disappear. Disconnect and reconnect your mobile device to WhatsApp Web to refresh the connection.
- On Android – Go to WhatsApp > Settings > WhatsApp Web > Disconnect.
- On iPhone – Go to WhatsApp > Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Disconnect.
Then open WhatsApp Web on your computer again and use the built-in QR scanner to reconnect your mobile device when prompted.
7. Log Out and Log Back In
If other troubleshooting steps don’t work, logging out and back into WhatsApp Web may help. Close WhatsApp Web completely, force quit the browser, clear cache/cookies again, and launch the site. Use the QR code to log into your account again. The video call option should reappear.
8. Allow Camera and Microphone Access
Make sure your browser has been allowed access to your webcam and microphone. There will be prompts displayed on first use for allowing camera/mic access that you need to approve. If accidentally denied, go to your browser settings to change permissions:
- On Chrome – Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera/Microphone > Allow.
- On Firefox – Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Camera/Microphone > Allow.
- On Edge – Go to Settings > Site Permissions > Camera/Microphone > Allow.
- On Opera – Go to Settings > Site Settings > Camera/Microphone > Allow.
9. Enable HTTPS Scanning
WhatsApp Web requires HTTPS protocol to enable video calls. On Chrome, this can sometimes be disabled. To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security.
- Enable the setting for “Scan for potentially compromised passwords on every sign-in.”
Save changes, reload WhatsApp Web and check if video calls now work.
10. Test on Another Computer/Browser
To confirm if the issue is specific to your computer or browser, try logging into WhatsApp Web on another device and see if video calls work. Connect your mobile device to WhatsApp Web on another computer’s browser. If video calls work fine here, then there is likely an underlying browser, software or hardware issue on your original computer that needs more specific troubleshooting and solutions.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If you still cannot get the video calling option on WhatsApp Web after trying all troubleshooting steps, you should contact WhatsApp support for further help:
- Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us on your mobile app. You can email WhatsApp with your issue.
- Check for solutions on the WhatsApp FAQ page: https://faq.whatsapp.com
- Report the problem on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsApp
- Ask for help on WhatsApp’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsApp
WhatsApp technical support may be able to provide additional troubleshooting tips or determine if there are any problems at WhatsApp’s end preventing video call access on WhatsApp Web.
Common WhatsApp Web Errors
Along with the video call icon missing, some common errors can also occur on WhatsApp Web preventing you from accessing chats and messages. These include:
“QR code expired” Error
This means your current QR code scan has timed out. Generate a new code from your mobile device and scan it again within the allotted time.
“Please reconnect phone” Error
Your paired mobile device has disconnected from WhatsApp Web. Reconnect it again using the QR code scanner.
“Reloading…” Loading Icon
This indicates a connectivity issue between your computer and mobile device. Check your internet connections are stable on both devices.
“Something Went Wrong. Please try again” Error
Could occur due to an account verification issue or server problem. Log out and back in or clear cache/cookies.
Page Not Loading
An internet disconnection or web browser issue. Check connections and restart the browser. Update browser or try a different one.
Conclusion
To summarize, here are some key points to remember when troubleshooting WhatsApp Web video call issues:
- Ensure your computer hardware meets the requirements for WhatsApp Web.
- Check you are using a supported browser and that it is updated to the latest version.
- Your computer and mobile device need stable internet connections.
- Update both the desktop browser app and mobile WhatsApp to the newest versions.
- QR codes need to be scanned within the valid timeout period.
- Try common troubleshooting steps like reloading, clearing cache/cookies, reconnecting devices.
- Allow your browser access to camera and microphone as needed.
- If issues persist, contact WhatsApp support through email or social channels.
Following these tips should help you successfully access video calling on WhatsApp Web. Let us know if any other problems come up!