- WhatsApp group call limits at a glance
- How to call a group of 32 or fewer
- How to call a group with more than 32 members
- Joining and rejoining a group call
- What to do when 32 isn't enough
- Tips for smoother group calls
- Calling from a computer
- Running a big call well
- Can the limit be raised?
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
A WhatsApp group call can have up to 32 people, for both voice and video. If your group has more than 32 members, you choose up to 31 of them to call, plus you. For a bigger group conversation that doesn't ring everyone, use voice chat instead.
The 32-person limit surprises people who run large WhatsApp groups. You can have a group chat with far more members than that, but a call is capped. Here's how the limit works, how to pick who joins, and what to do when you need to reach more people.
WhatsApp group call limits at a glance
| Call type | Maximum people | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group voice call | 32 | Only members of the group can take part |
| Group video call | 32 | In big groups, pick up to 31 people plus you |
| Calls on WhatsApp Web, Windows or Mac | 32 | The desktop apps support voice and video calls with up to 32 people |
| Group voice chat | Works in any size of group | Members drop in and out without being rung |
How to call a group of 32 or fewer
- Open the group chat.
- Tap the call option at the top and choose Video call or Voice call.
- Everyone in the group is rung.
To call only some members, choose Select people, tick who you want, then tap Call.
How to call a group with more than 32 members
- Open the group chat and tap the video call option.
- WhatsApp asks you to choose who to call. Select up to 31 people.
- Tap Call with the number you selected.
That's 31 people plus you, which makes 32. If more people need to hear the conversation, split them into two calls, or use voice chat, which doesn't ring anyone and can be joined by members of the group as they're free.
Joining and rejoining a group call
- When a group call comes in, you can join or decline.
- If you missed it, you can still join while it's ongoing, from the call history in the Calls tab.
- The first person listed on an incoming group call is the person who added you.
- Only group members can take part in a group call started from that group.
Rejoining is handy if your connection drops mid-call: find the call in the Calls tab and tap to get back in while it's still going. The same works if you were busy when the call started and want to join late. Nobody has to call you again, and the rest of the group isn't interrupted while you find your way back in.
What to do when 32 isn't enough
| Need | Best option |
|---|---|
| A conversation with a big group where not everyone needs to talk | Voice chat in the group |
| Everyone hears the same update | A voice message or a video note in the group |
| Two separate teams | Two smaller group calls |
| A presentation to a large audience | A dedicated video meeting tool, then share the link in the group |
Voice chat is the best WhatsApp-native answer. In groups of 3 to 32 you start it by swiping up and holding in the chat. In groups of 33 or more, you start it from the menu. It's available on Android and iPhone only.
Tips for smoother group calls
- Ask people to mute when they're not talking, especially on big calls.
- Use Wi-Fi where you can, because group video can use a lot of mobile data.
- Send a message before calling a large group, so people aren't surprised by the ring.
- For a regular call, start it from the group so the right people are always included.
If group calls keep cutting out, my guides on whether WhatsApp needs Wi-Fi and using WhatsApp on a cruise ship cover the connection side.
Calling from a computer
You don't need your phone in your hand for a big call. WhatsApp says its Mac and Windows apps can make voice and video calls with up to 32 people, and WhatsApp Web supports video calls of up to 32 too. A laptop is often the better choice for a long group video call: a bigger screen to see everyone, a steadier position, and your phone stays free.
To call from your computer, link it to your WhatsApp account first through Linked devices on your phone, then open the group on the computer and start the call there. The same 32-person limit applies wherever you call from.
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Running a big call well
- Name one person to host, who starts the call and keeps an eye on who's joined.
- Share an agenda in the group beforehand, so the call stays short.
- Tell people they can rejoin from the Calls tab if they drop out.
- Afterwards, post a short summary in the group for anyone who couldn't join.
Can the limit be raised?
WhatsApp's help pages give 32 as the maximum for group calls, and there's no setting to increase it. An older WhatsApp help page still mentions a much smaller limit from the early days of group calling, so if a guide quotes a lower number, it's out of date.
My verdict
Plan around 32. For groups bigger than that, pick the 31 people who need to be on the call, or switch to voice chat so members can drop in without being rung. And for a one-way update to everyone, a voice message often works better than a call anyway, because people can listen when it suits them.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can join a WhatsApp group call?
Up to 32, for both voice and video calls.
How do I video call a WhatsApp group with more than 32 members?
Open the group, start a video call and select up to 31 people to join, plus you.
Can I rejoin a WhatsApp group call?
Yes. If it's still ongoing, join from the Calls tab.
Is there a WhatsApp option for bigger group conversations?
Voice chat lets members of large groups drop in and out without everyone being rung.
