How to Make a Video Call (2026)

If you've never made a video call before, the whole process can feel intimidating. Which app do you use? Do you need to download something? What if the other person can't see or hear you?

This guide walks you through everything from scratch. No assumptions about what you already know. By the end, you'll be able to make a video call on any device using any method you prefer.

What You Need Before You Start

Every video call requires three things. If you have all three, you're ready to go:

1. A device with a camera and microphone. Any smartphone made in the last 10 years has both. Most laptops have them built in too. Desktop computers usually don't, so you may need to buy a USB webcam (basic ones cost around $20-30).
2. An internet connection. Wi-Fi is best. Mobile data works too, but a one-hour video call uses roughly 500 MB of data, so check your plan if you're not on unlimited.
3. A way to make the call. This is where people get stuck. There are three main methods, and we'll cover all of them below.

You don't need expensive equipment. The camera and microphone built into your phone or laptop are perfectly fine for everyday calls. A stable internet connection matters far more than fancy hardware.

Method 1: Browser-Based Video Call (Simplest)

This is the fastest way to get on a video call. No downloads, no accounts, no app stores. You just need a web browser, which your device already has.

Step-by-step with InstantVideoCall:

1. Open your browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge all work)
2. Go to InstantVideoCall.com
3. Tap or click Start Call
4. A unique link is created for your call. Copy it
5. Send that link to the other person through text message, email, WhatsApp, or however you normally message them
6. When they click the link, they'll be asked to type a display name and allow camera/microphone access
7. You're both in the call

The whole process takes less than a minute. This method works on any device with a browser, including phones, tablets, laptops, and even Chromebooks. You can think of it as a video call website that just works.

When to use this method: When you want to call someone quickly and don't want to make them install anything. Especially useful for one-time calls with people you don't regularly talk to.

Limitations: No contact list, no call history, and no recording. Each call is a one-time link. If you want to call the same person every day, an app with a contact list is more convenient.

Method 2: Using a Video Calling App

If you plan to make video calls regularly, installing an app gives you extra features like contacts, call history, and scheduled meetings. Here are the most common options:

WhatsApp (best for personal calls):

1. Download WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store
2. Set it up with your phone number
3. Open a conversation with the person you want to call
4. Tap the video camera icon at the top of the chat
5. The other person's phone will ring. When they answer, you're connected

Google Meet (best for groups and screen sharing):

1. Go to meet.google.com in your browser, or download the Google Meet app
2. Sign in with a Google account (you need one to create a meeting)
3. Tap New Meeting, then Create a meeting for later
4. Copy the link and share it with the people you want to invite
5. When everyone joins, the call starts

Zoom (best for large groups with advanced features):

1. Download Zoom from zoom.us or your app store
2. Create a free account
3. Tap New Meeting to start immediately, or Schedule to set one up for later
4. Share the meeting link or meeting ID with participants

For a detailed comparison of these apps, check our guide to the best free video chat apps.

Method 3: Your Phone's Built-In Video Calling

Both iPhones and Android phones have video calling built directly into the phone app:

iPhone (FaceTime):

1. Open the FaceTime app or the Phone app
2. Find the contact you want to call
3. Tap the FaceTime Video button
4. If the other person has an Apple device, it will ring as a FaceTime call

Android (Google Duo / built-in video):

1. Open your Phone app
2. Find the contact and tap their name
3. Look for a video call button (the exact icon depends on your phone manufacturer)
4. If the other person has an Android phone with the same feature enabled, the call connects

The big limitation: Built-in video calling usually only works when both people are on the same platform. FaceTime works best between Apple devices. Android's built-in calling works best between Android phones. If you're calling someone on a different type of phone, use one of the other methods. Our guide on calling from Android to iPhone covers this in detail.

How to Allow Camera and Microphone Access

The first time you make a video call on any device, your browser or app will ask permission to use your camera and microphone. This is normal and necessary. Here's what to do:

If a popup appears asking for camera/microphone access: Tap Allow. If you accidentally tap Block or Deny, you'll need to go into your device's settings to fix it.

On iPhone: Go to Settings, scroll down to the app or browser, and toggle Camera and Microphone on.

On Android: Go to Settings, then Apps, find your browser or video app, tap Permissions, and enable Camera and Microphone.

On a laptop: Click the lock icon in the browser's address bar. You'll see camera and microphone permissions there. Change any "Blocked" settings to "Allow."

Troubleshooting Common Problems

These are the issues people run into most often, along with quick fixes:

"They can't hear me"

• Check that your microphone isn't muted in the call (look for a microphone icon with a line through it)
• Make sure you allowed microphone access in your browser or app permissions
• On a laptop, check that the correct microphone is selected in settings. Sometimes external monitors or headphones change the default

"They can't see me"

• Check that your camera isn't turned off in the call
• Make sure no other app is using the camera at the same time (close other video apps)
• On a laptop, check if there's a physical camera cover or privacy switch. Some laptops have a slider that blocks the camera

"The video is freezing or choppy"

• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router
• Close other apps or browser tabs. Streaming video, downloads, and other video calls all compete for bandwidth
• Ask other people on your network to pause large downloads or streaming
• If nothing helps, turn off your camera and do an audio-only call. This uses much less bandwidth

"I can hear an echo"

• Use headphones or earbuds. This is the most reliable fix
• If you can't use headphones, turn down your speaker volume. Echo happens when your microphone picks up sound from your speakers

Tips for a Better Video Call Experience

Once you've got the basics working, a few small adjustments make a big difference:

• Face a light source. Sit facing a window or lamp. If the light is behind you, the other person will only see a dark silhouette. Good lighting matters more than an expensive camera
• Position your camera at eye level. On a phone, prop it against something at face height instead of holding it. On a laptop, stack some books under it if needed. Calling from below gives an unflattering angle
• Use a quiet room. Background noise from TV, traffic, or other people makes it hard for the other person to hear you. Close the door if you can
• Test before an important call. If you have a job interview or important conversation coming up, do a practice call with a friend first. Check your lighting, audio, and background

For more detailed advice on looking and sounding your best, read our video interview tips guide.

Want to skip the setup entirely? Start a free video call right now with no download, no login, and no app required.