Facebook Lite is a stripped-down version of the regular Facebook app that uses less data and is designed primarily for developing countries where mobile data is expensive and internet connections are slow. Since Facebook Lite is a light version of the main Facebook app, it does not include all the features of regular Facebook. One of the most frequently asked questions about Facebook Lite is whether it can make voice and video calls like the main Facebook app. In this article, we will provide a quick answer to this question and discuss it in more detail.
Quick Answer
No, Facebook Lite does not have the capability to make voice or video calls. The calling features are not included in the light version of the app. So you cannot make or receive calls using Facebook Lite.
Facebook Lite Features
Facebook Lite was launched in 2015 and is aimed at people using low-end smartphones and slow internet connections. The app is less than 1 MB in size and is designed to load quickly on 2G networks. Here are some of the key features of Facebook Lite:
- Uses less data – Images, videos and ads are compressed or not loaded by default.
- Quick loading times – The app is optimized to work on slow networks.
- Takes up less space – App is under 1 MB compared to over 100 MB for regular Facebook app.
- Basic Facebook features – You can share status updates, photos, videos, check newsfeed, react to posts, etc.
- Supports most media content – You can view photos, videos, GIFs, etc. shared by contacts.
As you can see from the list above, Facebook Lite contains the basic social media and networking capabilities that people expect from Facebook. However, more advanced features like marketplace, gaming, calling are not available.
Calling and Messaging
One of the significant limitations of Facebook Lite is that it does not support calling and messaging features. Here are some key points about lack of calling support:
- No voice or video calls – You cannot make or receive calls over Facebook Lite.
- No chat/messages – Facebook Lite does not have a chat sidebar or messaging.
- Groups messaging not available – You cannot participate in group chats.
- No VoIP support – Platform lacks support for VoIP calling.
So users who rely heavily on messaging and VoIP services will find Facebook Lite lacking in these areas. You have to download the full Facebook app if you want access to these communication features.
Reasons for Lack of Calling Support
There are some technical and strategic reasons why calling capabilities have not been included in the Facebook Lite app.
Focus on Minimalism
The core design principle behind Facebook Lite is minimalism. It is supposed to provide a quick and light Facebook experience for people on slow networks. Adding complex features like VoIP calling and video chat would go against this minimalist approach. The aim is to keep the app size under 1 MB. So bandwidth-intensive functions have been avoided.
Technical Constraints
There are also some technical factors that restrict addition of calling functionality:
- Low memory phones – Cheaper phones often have very little RAM/internal storage. Supporting calling requires more memory.
- Slow processors – Low-end phones have less powerful chipsets that may struggle with processor-intensive calling.
- Poor microphones/speakers – Calling quality also depends on having decent built-in mic and speakers.
Given these technical limitations of the target user base, Facebook likely decided that adding calling would degrade the experience.
Reduced Data Usage
Voice and video calls consume large amounts of data, especially on older 2G/3G networks. Facebook designed Lite to minimize data usage, so leaving out a data-heavy function like calling aligns with this goal. Omitting calling ensures most of the minimal data is used for core social networking actions.
Regional Growth Focus
Facebook Lite was conceived to fuel growth in developing countries where people use lower-end devices and have restrictive data plans. In many of these markets, users prefer communicating via messaging apps rather than social media calling. So Facebook may have excluded calling to better cater to local user preferences.
Alternatives for Calling on Facebook Lite
While you cannot make calls directly on Facebook Lite, here are some alternative options:
Messenger Lite
Facebook offers a lightweight Messenger Lite app with messaging and voice/video calling capabilities. It has a similar minimalist design as Facebook Lite. You can install Messenger Lite separately and use it for calling your Facebook contacts.
Install Regular Apps
You can install the full version of the Facebook and Messenger apps to get access to all features including calling. However, these standard apps take up much more space and data.
Third-Party Apps
Consider using alternative communication apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Google Duo etc. for your calling and messaging needs. These dedicated chat apps may offer better quality calls.
Mobile Network Calling
Make use of your mobile network’s built-in calling and SMS capabilities to call your contacts. This avoids using data altogether.
The Bottom Line
Facebook Lite does not support calling because the stripped-down app is focused only on core social networking capabilities. The lack of calling aligns with Facebook Lite’s goals of being small in size, having minimal features, and reducing data usage. For fuller Facebook experience including calls, you will need to use the standard Facebook and Messenger apps. If calling is a priority, dedicated chat apps or your mobile network’s phone and SMS functions are good alternatives to use with Facebook Lite.
| Feature | Facebook Lite | Regular Facebook App |
|---|---|---|
| News Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Photo/Video Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging | No | Yes |
| Groups | Yes | Yes |
| Events | Yes | Yes |
| Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Voice/Video Calls | No | Yes |
Conclusion
To summarize, Facebook Lite does not support voice or video calling. Its stripped-down design is focused on core social networking features only. Lack of calling functionality is due to the app’s goals of being lightweight, having minimal features, and reducing data usage. For full Facebook capabilities including calling, you need to use the standard Facebook and Messenger apps. Alternatives like Messenger Lite, third-party chat apps or mobile network calling can enable calling functionality while using the Facebook Lite app.