Wondering how to use WhatsApp new video calling feature? We’ve got a simple guide for getting and using the new feature on iOS and Android devices.
Over the last year, WhatsApp has unveiled a number of handy features to widen communication abilities between users. In April it rolled out new end-to-end encrypted messaging, followed by an updated desktop app experience. Recently the company added ways for users to dress up their photos and videos, such as drawing tools, front-facing flash support, and font color and style options.
Now the company is adding another much-requested feature – video calls. In a post on its official blog, WhatsApp announced Monday that a new video calling feature would be rolling out to Android, iOS and Windows phone users over the next week.
“ Our goal at WhatsApp has always been to help as many people as possible stay in touch with friends, family, and others they care about. That means making a product that’s simple, easy to use, and accessible no matter where you are. We started with messaging and Group Chat. Then we added voice calling. And we did it in a way that works across thousands of device and platform combinations all over the world. Today we’re excited to announce the next step in our efforts to connect people – WhatsApp video calling.”
According to WhatsApp, when the rollout is complete, over one billion users around the globe will gain access to its new video calling feature. While some Android users gained access to the video-calling feature sooner by signing up for beta testing, the feature will soon be available to all WhatsApp users. Speaking with WIRED, the company made it clear that the focus of the video calling feature was to provide secure and encrypted video calling options and would not be adding features like filters or stickers.
“We want it to be simple,” WhatsApp’s lead engineer, Manpreet Signh, told WIRED, “We want to make sure people understand how video calls can be done. That’s been the model for everything we’ve developed at WhatsApp."
If you’ve recently updated and you aren’t sure how to use the new video-calling feature, we’ve put together a quick tutorial below to help you do so.
How To Use WhatsApp Video Calling Feature On Android or iOS
1. Open the WhatsApp app
2. Go to your contacts menu
3. Tap on the contact you want to video call
4. Tap on the phone icon
5. A option to place a video call or audio call will appear – choose the video call option
Help! WhatsApp Video Calling Option Is Missing Or Not Working
If you followed the instructions above and can’t find or use the video calling option, this means the feature hasn’t rolled out to your region yet. According to WhatsApp’s blog post, the update began rolling out to Android users on Monday evening. iOS users were told the update would be coming to them “soon.” Our guess is that iOS users will get the video-calling feature by the end of the week. As to Windows Phone, there was no mention of when the update would be available for those users. Our suggestion is to check daily for new updates to WhatsApp on the app store and install it as soon as one becomes available.
Have you tried WhatsApp’s new video calling feature? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
