Facebook calling allows users to make voice and video calls over the Facebook platform. While Facebook calling originated as a mobile feature, it is now possible to make and receive Facebook calls on a desktop or laptop computer as well.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about making Facebook calls on a computer, including:
- An overview of Facebook calling features
- Requirements for making Facebook calls on desktop
- Step-by-step instructions for making and receiving calls
- Tips for having the best call experience
- Troubleshooting common Facebook calling issues
Whether you want to chat face-to-face with friends and family or make business calls over Facebook, this guide will teach you how to get set up for calling on desktop in no time.
Facebook Calling Features
Facebook first launched voice calling in 2015 and later expanded to include video calling capabilities in 2016. Here are some of the key features available with Facebook calls:
- One-on-one calls – Have personal conversations with individual Facebook friends.
- Group calls – Call multiple friends at once with up to 50 participants.
- Video calling – Enable your webcam for face-to-face conversations.
- Call recording – Record your calls for later playback.
- Filters and effects – Use fun AR filters and effects during your video calls.
- Screen sharing – Share your screen with call participants.
- Closed captions – View closed captions of what is said during a call.
Facebook is continually expanding its calling features, so expect more options in the future for engaging calling experiences.
Requirements for Desktop Facebook Calling
To make and receive Facebook calls on your computer, you need to meet the following requirements:
- A Facebook account – If you don’t have one, sign up for free.
- The Facebook website open in a browser on your desktop or laptop – Facebook calling does not currently work in the Facebook mobile app or Facebook Lite.
- A web camera and microphone built-in or connected to your computer – This enables video calling capabilities.
- An updated browser – Facebook calling works best in the latest version of browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
- A stable internet connection – For clear audio and video quality, a minimum of 2 Mbps download and upload speeds is recommended.
As long as you meet these requirements, you can make and receive calls through Facebook on your Windows PC or Mac computer. Keep in mind calls may not work as well on very old or slow computers.
How to Make a Facebook Call on Desktop
Ready to start making Facebook calls from the comfort of your computer? Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Facebook website and log into your account.
- Find the friend you want to call in your Friends list or by searching.
- Click on your friend’s name to open up their profile.
- In the upper right corner of your friend’s cover photo, click the Video Call or Voice Call icon.
- If prompted, allow Facebook access to your computer’s microphone and webcam.
- Your friend will receive a notification of your call. When they answer, your call will begin!
- To end the call, click the red phone icon.
When you initiate a call, your friend will see the incoming call notification pop up on their screen if they are actively online. They can choose to accept or decline the call.
If your friend misses your call, they can call you back by clicking the Missed Video Call or Missed Voice Call notification that will appear at the top of their Facebook page. This makes it easy to return calls in just one click.
How to Receive a Facebook Call on Desktop
When someone calls you on Facebook from their desktop, here is what to expect:
- You will receive a Facebook notification that “[Friend’s Name] is video calling you” or “[Friend’s Name] is voice calling you.”
- The notification will appear near the top right of your Facebook page if you have the site open at the time of the call.
- To answer the call, click the Accept button on the notification within 20 seconds before it expires.
- Allow access to your microphone and webcam when prompted in the browser pop-up.
- Your call will begin! Chat with your friend live.
- To end the call, click the red phone icon.
If you miss a call, the notification will change to “Missed video call from [Friend’s Name]” or “Missed voice call from [Friend’s Name].” You can easily call them back by clicking on this notification.
Tips for the Best Desktop Facebook Calling Experience
Now that you know how to place and receive Facebook calls on your computer, here are some tips for having the best experience:
- Use a stable, high-speed internet connection wired to your desktop or laptop for optimal call quality.
- Allow Facebook access to your microphone and webcam when prompted by your browser for full calling capabilities.
- Adjust your microphone and webcam settings as needed – click the settings gear icon during a call.
- Plug headphones into your computer to avoid echo and prevent background noise.
- Speak directly into the microphone and sit close enough for your webcam to provide a clear picture.
- Adjust your webcam height to eye level and aim it straight on for ideal video framing.
- Ensure proper lighting by facing natural light or positioning an artificial light in front of you.
- Test calling a friend first before an important business or job interview call.
- Use Facebook Messenger desktop chat to exchange links, photos, and other content during calls.
Following these best practices will help you look and sound your best on Facebook calls from your computer. Have fun connecting face-to-face with friends and family online!
Troubleshooting Facebook Calling Issues
In some cases, you may encounter issues making or taking Facebook calls on desktop. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Can’t place or receive calls
- Allow access to your microphone and webcam in your browser settings.
- Check your internet connection – restart your router if needed.
- Update your browser or try a different browser.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache.
- Restart your computer.
Call disconnects
- An unstable internet connection can cause calls to end abruptly – switch to a wired connection if on WiFi.
- Limit other bandwidth-intensive processes during your call like streaming video.
- Move closer to your router if using WiFi or boost your WiFi signal.
Echo during calls
- Use headphones to prevent audio feedback between your microphone and speakers.
- Lower speaker volume to the minimum necessary level.
- Increase your microphone volume for your voice instead of raising speaker volume.
Poor video quality
- Position yourself in a well-lit area and direct light sources towards your face.
- Make sure your camera lens is clean.
- Adjust your webcam settings for brightness and contrast as needed.
- Reduce other computer processes to devote more bandwidth to the video call.
Following this troubleshooting guide should help resolve any Facebook calling problems on desktop. Reach out to Facebook support if issues persist.
Conclusion
Facebook calling is a convenient way to connect face-to-face with the people who matter most to you directly through the Facebook platform. While Facebook calling originated as a mobile feature, users can now place and receive voice and video calls from a desktop or laptop computer using the Facebook website.
To recap, you can make Facebook calls on a computer by following these key steps:
- Meet the minimum requirements like having an account, webcam, and mic.
- Initiate a call from your friend’s profile or answer an incoming call.
- Allow Facebook access to your computer’s microphone and camera when prompted.
- Chat live with your friend once the call connects!
Optimizing your settings, internet connection, and call environment will provide the best desktop Facebook calling experience. Refer to the troubleshooting guide if you encounter any issues. With the convenience of Facebook calling on the desktop website, you’ll always be just one click away from connecting with loved ones face-to-face.