In an era where staying connected is crucial, apps facilitating group calls have become lifelines. WhatsApp, known for its versatile messaging, steps up with the ability to make group calls, offering a viable alternative for smaller groups compared to platforms like Zoom.
This article guides you through the process of making group calls on WhatsApp, keeping it simple for our Indian audience.
also read: A Guide to WhatsApp Video Calling: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding WhatsApp:
WhatsApp’s popularity stems not only from its text messaging capabilities but also from its audio and video call features.
It operates over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional SMS, and has become a preferred choice for communication due to its end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy.
Compatibility and Set-Up:
WhatsApp caters to both iOS and Android users, ensuring that communication remains seamless regardless of the devices in use.
To start making group calls, users need to set up an account on the app, emphasizing the importance of securing their accounts for a safe and reliable experience.
Limitations of Group Calls:
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to address a limitation of WhatsApp’s group calling feature.
Once a group call begins, users cannot switch between audio-only and video. Any desire to change the mode necessitates ending the call and starting a new one.
How to Make Group Calls on WhatsApp
From the “Calls” Section:
- Navigate to the “Calls” section by clicking the phone icon on the screen’s bottom.
- Tap the phone icon with a plus sign in the top right corner.
- Select “New Group Call” and browse your contacts. Add participants by clicking the circles next to their names.
- Initiate the call by tapping the phone button for audio or the video button for video.
From a Group Chat:
- Access “Chats” and open the desired group conversation.
- For groups with four or fewer members, use the video or phone icon in the top right corner to start a call instantly.
- Larger groups require an additional step: Click the phone icon with a plus sign, select participants, and initiate the call with the video or phone button.
Adding More People to a One-on-One Call:
- Tap “Chats” and open an existing conversation.
- Start an audio or video call.
- After the call connects, click the person icon with a plus sign to add more participants.
- Type the name in the search bar, select the contact, and confirm the addition.
Benefits of WhatsApp Group Calls:
Aside from its user-friendly interface, WhatsApp group calls offer several advantages.
The platform’s end-to-end encryption ensures the privacy of conversations, a crucial factor in today’s digital landscape.
Additionally, the ability to make group calls with up to eight participants makes it an excellent choice for smaller gatherings, providing a more intimate and secure environment than larger video conferencing platforms.
Overcoming Interface Differences:
While WhatsApp’s interface may differ slightly between Android and iOS devices, the basic steps for making group calls remain consistent.
This universality contributes to the app’s accessibility, ensuring that users can easily navigate the process regardless of their chosen operating system.
Enhancing Group Call Experience:
WhatsApp enables users to enhance their group call experience by allowing instant additions to ongoing one-on-one calls.
This feature proves particularly useful when spontaneous decisions to include more participants arise.
By seamlessly integrating additional contacts into the call, WhatsApp ensures a dynamic and inclusive communication environment.
Wind Up
WhatsApp’s group calling feature facilitates staying connected effortlessly, whether through planned calls or spontaneous additions during one-on-one conversations.
While some limitations exist, its simplicity and encryption make it a preferred choice for those seeking straightforward communication in today’s socially distanced world.
Embrace the ease of making group calls on WhatsApp and keep those connections strong.
the ability to make group calls on WhatsApp serves as a valuable tool for maintaining connections, especially in the context of social distancing.
With its straightforward interface, cross-platform compatibility, and emphasis on privacy, WhatsApp stands out as a reliable choice for making group calls on WhatsApp.
Whether catching up with friends, conducting virtual meetings, or staying connected with family, mastering the art of group calls on WhatsApp ensures that distance doesn’t hinder meaningful connections.
