Making video calls on Android is normally executed by installing third-party apps. But you can actually skip the third-party apps if you have a built-in Phone app on your Android device. The question is, how to video call on Android?
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of video calling through the built-in video call feature, Google Meet, or third-party apps on your Android device. Additionally, we’ll share some pro tips for optimizing your daily video-calling experience.
Alt: Woman using a smartphone
How to Video Call on Android Using Built-in Video Calling
Most Android phones have built-in video call apps. They are much simpler to use without needing to install third-party apps. Here's how to video call on Android using a built-in video calling app:
1. Open the built-in Phone app on your Android device.
2. Search for the person you want to video call.
3. Tap the Video Call icon to initiate the call.
4. If your contact’s phone can't support video, the call will switch to audio.
How to Make a Video Call with Google Meet
If the person you want to video call doesn’t have the same carrier and default Phone app as yours, a notification will tell you that the person you’re calling can’t receive calls. We suggest Google Meet instead. Here’s how to make a video call on Android through Google Meet:
1. Open the built-in Google Meet app or download it from the Google Play Store.
2. Tap the New button to generate a meeting link.
3. Tap the Create Link button and share the link with the person you want to video call.
4. If the person you want to call is on your contact list, you can directly tap Video Call.
Alt: Student making video call
How to Video Call on Android Using Third-Party Apps
If the person you want to video call doesn’t respond, you might think your receiver doesn’t know how to receive video call on Android. But the truth is, the built-in video calling feature will only work if you and your receiver walk on the same page. If you don’t have the same carrier and default Phone app, you need to use third-party apps. Here’s how to video call on Android using third-party apps:
1.Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
2.Tap the contact person you want to call.
3.Tap the Video Call icon at the top-right corner to begin the video call.
Facebook Messenger
1.Open the Messenger app on your Android device.
2.Open your chat box with the person you want to call.
3.Click on the Video Call button to start video call.
Zoom
1.Download and install the Zoom app.
2.Sign in using your existing email account.
3.Tap New Meeting, then Start Meeting.
4.Tap Participants, then select Invite.
5.Send the invite link to the persons you want to join the meeting,
Alt: People on a video call
Pro Tips for a Better Android Video Calling Experience
After learning how to video call on an Android device, optimize your audio and video display by utilizing the tools and features of your messaging app. Follow these pro tips for a better video calling experience:
1. Check your Internet Speed: Video calling requires the combination of real-time voice and video interaction. Secure a strong internet connection to deliver a high-quality video display and avoid interruptions. It will be an advantage if you’re using a TRTC-powered app, especially if you’re on a trip as its Call function was designed to work under poor network conditions while reducing stutter rate and loading time.
2. Optimize Your Lighting: When video calling, avoid staying in spaces or corners with dark ambiance, especially for professional video meetings. Secure bright, natural lighting that makes you look your best during the call.
3. Use virtual background tools. If you receive an important or unexpected video call, you will tend to panic about being caught having a messy room or background. To prevent this, you can use a virtual background if offered by your messaging app. This usually works on Zoom and TRTC-powered messaging apps where you can blur your background or set the background as an image.
4. Wear Headphones: Whether alone or surrounded by noises, the audio quality is at its best by using headphones during video calling. Headphones with a built-in microphone reduce background noise and improve audio clarity.
5. Test Your Setup: You can skip this if you’re only going to have informal video calls with your family or friends. However, if you’re going to have an important or professional call, consider testing your audio and video delivery to ensure everything works smoothly. As they say, practice makes perfect.
6. Upgrade Your App: If you’re wondering why your Android device doesn’t have a built-in video call option, you’re probably using older Android models with SMS-based messaging. Consider upgrading to advanced Android apps or TRTC-powered apps.
Conclusion
As discussed in this guide, video calling on your Android device can be done through a built-in Phone app or by installing third-party apps. Whether you’re catching up with loved ones, attending an online class, or holding a business meeting, you can pick your preferred video-calling method that suits your purpose. If your Android device doesn’t have a built-in video calling feature, consider upgrading to messaging apps with video call options such as TRTC-powered apps. By following also the pro tips mentioned, you’re elevating the thrill and quality of your everyday video-calling experience.
FAQs
How do I turn on video calling on my Android?
To enable video calling on your Android, check your device if it has a built-in Phone app with a Video Call option. If there is, just open the Phone app, select the contact you want to video call, and tap the Video Call button. If your Android device doesn’t have a built-in video call option, you can download and install third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Zoom.
Does Android have a built-in video call?
The answer is yes. Most Android devices, especially the recent models, have a built-in video calling feature on the default Phone app. However, there are also Android devices that have no Phone app with video calling option. If your device has a built-in Phone app with a video call feature, it will direct you to the Google Meet app when you video call someone on your contact list.
Can you video call on Android without an app?
The answer is yes, provided that your Android device has a built-in video calling feature through the default Phone app. Additionally, the built-in video call feature will only work if the person you will video call has the same carrier and default Phone app as you. Otherwise, you’ll need to install a third-party app like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom.
How to make a video call on Samsung?
To make a video call on Samsung devices, check if your default Phone app has a video call feature. If there is, start by opening the phone app and selecting the contact you want to call. Tap then the Video Call icon to start video calling. Old Samsung models don’t have a video call option on the default Phone app. As an alternative, you can install third-party apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom.