How to Video Call on Android in 3 Easy Steps

There are many reasons to appreciate technological development, and video calling is among them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, video calling was one of the most reliable ways to connect with loved ones and colleagues. Even after the pandemic days, video calling is still a heaven-sent solution when you need one-on-one communication with people at a distance, whether for remote work or chatting with friends that live far. Thankfully, if you have an Andriod phone or tablet, it is seamless to make video calls and even be virtually present on special occasions.

Read on as we show you the simple ways to make video calls on your Android. 

Method #1: Using the Default Phone App

If you have the Google Phone app as your default, you are in luck as it has a video calling feature. Google integrates Google Meet into its phone app, making video calling easier. If you are using this feature for the first time, you must install it.

Here are the steps for setting up and making a video call using Google’s phone app. 

Step 1: Launch the App and Open the Contact to Call 

Tap the phone icon to open the Phone app. On the app, head to the Contacts section and scroll through the contacts list as you look for the name of the person you want to video call. 

Step 2: Set Up the Video Call Option 

Click on the Set up option with a small video icon above it to start the setup process. 

Step 3: Give a Phone Number to Set Up with 

Enter your country code and the phone number that will be used for video calls. Click Agree at the bottom right to continue. 

Step 4: Make the Video Call

After the setup process, you can make the call by tapping the video icon among the contact options you selected.

If the other party hasn’t set up their video calling feature, you can invite them to the call, directing them to set up their account. If you want them to avoid the setup process, create a Google Meet meeting they can join without setting up their account. 

Method #2: Using Google Meet

Google Meet is Google’s phone calling app, previously merged with Google Duo. The app is mainly preinstalled on most Android devices, but you can still download it on your device. It is also available in the Apple Store, making it an ideal choice if making calls from an Android to an Apple device.

Here is how to make video calls using Google Meet. 

Step 1: Launch the App

Look through your list of apps to see whether the Google Meet app is preinstalled on your device. If not, open the Play Store and search for and download Google Meet. After you get the app, agree to the terms and conditions and give necessary permissions, such as access to the camera and microphone. Google Meet will use the default Google account on the device to make calls. 

Step 2: Click the New Call Button

Hit the New Call button at the bottom right corner to open options for a new call. This will open a field where you can enter or search contacts.

Below that, your contact list is divided into two: Connect on Meet and Invite on Meet. 

Step 3: Make a Call to Someone in the Meet

If the contact you want to video call falls under the Connect to Meet section, tap their name to begin the video call. If the contact you want to call is under Invite on Meet, skip this step. 

Step 4: Make a Meet Meeting for Those Not on Meet 

If the person you want to call is not on Meet, click Create a New Meeting to create a link to a meeting. Copy the link and share it with the person you want to video call.

Tap Join the meeting below the link to start the call. 

The following video references the Pixel phone, but the steps for making a video call with Google Meet are the same for any Android phone.

Method #3: Using Third-Party Apps

You aren’t tied to the options Google provides when you need to make video calls on Android. Instead, you can use other third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram to make video calls on Android. 

Let’s break down the steps for each app below.

Method 3.1: WhatsApp

This popular messaging tool can also serve perfectly for making group video calls. Here are the steps for making video calls using WhatsApp. 

Step 1: Open the App

Search for WhatsApp in the search apps bar, then tap the WhatsApp icon among the results to open the app. 

Step 2: Select the Contact You Want to Call 

Scroll through the WhatsApp chats as you look for the contact you want to video call. You can also open all contacts by tapping the messaging icon at the bottom right corner while looking for the number you want to video call. 

Step 3: Make the Video Call 

Tap the video icon next to the caller’s name, then select Call in the confirmation pop-up to start the video call.

Method 3.2: Telegram

Telegram also offers more than just messaging, it enables video calls. Unfortunately, unlike Whatsapp, Telegram doesn’t support group video calls. However, it allows picture-in-picture video calls, meaning you can check messages from other apps without exiting the call. Additionally, the person you call must have the app on their end for you to make the video call. 

Below are the steps for making telegram video calls. 

Step 1: Launch Telegram 

Download Telegram from the Play Store if you don’t have it on your Android. Otherwise, search for Telegram in the search apps bar and tap it to open. 

Step 2: Locate the Contact You Want to Video Call 

Tap on the three lines at the top left corner to open a menu, then select Contacts. Under Contacts, tap the name of the person you want to video call. 

Step 3: Make the Video Call

Tap the call icon next to the contact name, then select Start Video Call on the next screen. This will turn the call from audio to video and give you options for selecting the camera you want.  

Method 3.3: Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger enables you to make video calls to one or more people using Messenger Rooms. This app lets you have a video chat with up to 50 people. Additionally, you don’t need to have a Facebook account to make video calls using this app. 

Here is how to make video calls using Facebook Messenger. 

Step 1: Open the Messenger App 

Search your list of apps and tap on the Messenger app to open it. If you don’t have the app download it from Google Play Store. 

Step 2: Open the Conversation with the Person You Want to Call

Tap the conversation you have had with the person or group that you wish to video call. 

Step 3: Make the Video Call

Click the video icon next to the contact’s name to start the video call. Give the necessary permissions, like access to the camera and microphone, and continue the video call. 

Method 3.4: Zoom

Zoom is your best option for hosting a large meeting, as it allows up to 1,000 participants in a video call. However, unlike other calling platforms where you directly make the video call, you must schedule the meeting in Zoom.

Here is how to start a video call on Zoom. 

Step 1: Get the Zoom App 

Open the Play Store and install Zoom. Search for the app among the other apps and tap to open. Sign in or create an account to continue. 

Step 2: Create a New Meeting 

Tap the New Meeting option with a video icon on top, then select Start a Meeting on the next page. 

Step 3: Invite Participants 

Tap Participants at the bottom of the screen with the camera, then click Invite at the bottom left corner under Participants. This will open a list of your messaging and emailing apps.

Select the app you want to use to invite participants to the meeting. This will open contacts using the app you selected, and Zoom will send the invitation link to the video call. They can then join the call by clicking on that link. 

Wrapping Up 

Your phone or tablet keeps you only a call away from one-on-one conversations with your loved ones. Ensure you have the same app as the person you are video calling for easy connections. Additionally, whenever possible, use a Wi-Fi connection instead of cellular data, since video calls cause high data usage. 

Up Next:

• How to Check AirPods Battery on Android in 2 Easy Steps 
• How Do I Enable Wireless Charging in Android in Easy Steps 
• How to Find Hidden Spy Apps on an Android in 5 Easy Steps

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com.