How to Make a Free Phone Call Using WhatsApp

What you will learn

You will learn how to make free voice calls using WhatsApp. You will learn how to call a single contact, how to call from a chat conversation, and how to manage your call settings for the best experience.

What you need

• A smartphone (iPhone or Android) with WhatsApp installed
• A Wi-Fi connection or mobile data
• The person you want to call must also have WhatsApp

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

Tap the WhatsApp icon on your home screen to open the app. You will see your list of recent chats.

Step 2: Find the person you want to call

There are two ways to start a call. The easiest way is to open your chat with the person. Scroll through your chats and tap on the conversation with the person you want to call. If you have never chatted with them, tap the New Chat button (pencil icon) and select their name from your contacts.

Step 3: Start the voice call

In the chat screen, look at the top-right corner. You will see a phone icon (not the video camera icon). Tap the phone icon to start a voice call. Your phone will ring the other person. Wait for them to answer.

Step 4: Talk and manage the call

Once the person answers, you can talk normally like a regular phone call. You will see a timer showing how long you have been on the call. During the call, you have several buttons on screen. Tap the microphone icon to mute yourself if you need a moment of silence. Tap the speaker icon to switch to speakerphone so others in the room can hear.

Step 5: Add another person to the call

If you want to bring someone else into the conversation, tap the Add Participant button (a person icon with a plus sign) during the call. Select a contact from your list and WhatsApp will call them. When they answer, all of you will be connected together in a group call.

Step 6: End the call

When you are finished talking, tap the red phone button at the bottom of the screen to hang up. After the call ends, you will see the call duration in your chat. The call will also appear in the Calls tab at the bottom of WhatsApp, where you can see your complete call history.

Tips

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible for the best call quality and to avoid using mobile data
• Use earphones or headphones for a more private conversation and clearer sound
• If the call does not connect, make sure the other person has WhatsApp installed and an internet connection
• You can call someone directly from the Calls tab by tapping the phone icon next to their name
• WhatsApp calls work even when you are traveling abroad, saving you expensive international calling fees

Useful links

• WhatsApp help: How to make voice calls
• WhatsApp download page