How to Video Call on Messenger (Phone and Computer)

Messenger video calls are free, work on phones and computers, and handle groups as well as one-to-one chats. Starting one is a single tap. The things worth knowing sit around the call: why the camera button is sometimes missing, what to check when nobody can see or hear you, and one privacy detail Messenger spells out that most people have never read.

Steps to video call on the Messenger app

1. Open Messenger and go to the chat with the person or group.
2. Tap the video camera icon at the top of the chat.
3. Wait for them to answer.
4. Tap the red button to end the call.

Video call on messenger.com

1. Open the conversation with the person or group you want to call.
2. Click Start video call.
3. Allow your browser to use your camera and microphone if it asks.
4. Click End call when you're finished.

One person or a group

Messenger lets you video call just one person or a group. Start the call from a group chat and everyone in it can join. During a call on a computer you can also share your screen, which turns a video call into a quick presentation or a way to help someone with a problem on their computer.

The privacy detail most people miss

Messenger's help includes a note worth knowing. In voice or video calls between two people, your IP address is disclosed to the other person once the call is answered. Messenger does this to set up a direct, peer-to-peer connection that improves sound and picture quality, and says it may be possible for the other person to discover your IP address. For calls with friends and family that's rarely a concern, but it's a good reason to avoid one-to-one calls with strangers.

Why video calling isn't working

Problem	What to check
No video call button	Update Messenger; video calling isn't available in every country or on every network
They can't see you	Camera permission for Messenger or your browser
They can't hear you	Microphone permission, mute button, Bluetooth headset switched on
Camera busy	Close other video-calling programs using the camera
Freezing picture	Internet connection; switch Wi-Fi network or move closer to the router

Messenger says calling isn't available in all countries, and some internet providers and mobile carriers may restrict it. If you're abroad or on a work network and the call won't connect, that may be the reason rather than a fault on your phone.

Fixing camera and sound on a computer

1. Check your browser has permission to use the camera and microphone. Messenger has steps for Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.
2. Check your computer's own privacy settings allow the browser to use them.
3. Turn on any Bluetooth microphone or headset you're using.
4. Close other video-calling programs that may already be using your camera or mic.
5. Make sure your microphone isn't muted.
6. Restart your browser and computer, and check your connection.

If you can't see or hear the other person, Messenger suggests asking them to run through the same checks on their side.

A note on mobile data

Messenger says calls made through the app on iPhone, iPad or Android may use your data plan. Video uses far more than voice, so connect to Wi-Fi for long calls if your allowance is small.

Switching between voice and video

Not every call needs video. If your connection is weak, or you'd rather not be on camera, start a voice call instead from the phone icon next to the video camera, or turn your camera off during a video call. You can still share your screen in an audio call on a computer, which is often all a quick work call needs. Switching your camera off is also the quickest fix when a video call keeps freezing, because the call then needs far less bandwidth.

Tips for a better video call

• Face a window or lamp, not away from it, so your face isn't in shadow.
• Prop your phone up at eye level instead of holding it.
• Use earphones in noisy places, so the other person doesn't hear an echo.
• Close apps you don't need, especially ones using the internet in the background.

If Messenger itself is struggling, see my guides to Messenger crashing and Messenger saying waiting for network, which cover the app-level fixes.

My verdict

Open the chat and tap the camera icon, or click Start video call on a computer. If it won't work, check camera and microphone permissions first, then close other calling apps. And remember Messenger shares your IP address with the other person on one-to-one calls, so save them for people you know.

Frequently asked questions

How do I video call on Messenger?

Open the chat and tap the video camera icon. On messenger.com, click Start video call.

Can I make a group video call on Messenger?

Yes. Messenger lets you video call one person or a group of people.

Why can't I video call on Messenger?

Update the app. Messenger says video calling isn't available in all countries and some providers restrict it.

Why can't the other person see me on a Messenger video call?

Check that Messenger or your browser has camera permission and that no other app is using the camera.

Does a Messenger video call share my IP address?

In one-to-one calls, Messenger says your IP address is disclosed to the other person once the call is answered.

Can I turn my camera off during a Messenger video call?

Yes. Turning the camera off, or using a voice call instead, also helps when a weak connection makes video freeze.

Do Messenger video calls use mobile data?

Yes. Messenger says calls through the app may use your data plan.