Facebook introduced video calling in 2016, allowing users to make video calls directly through Facebook Messenger. This convenient feature allows you to see and talk to your Facebook friends and family face-to-face right from your computer. Enabling video calling on Facebook through your laptop is easy to do, just follow the simple steps below.
Things You’ll Need
- A laptop with a webcam and microphone
- The latest version of the Facebook website
- A Facebook account
- The Facebook Messenger app (optional)
Check Your Laptop’s Webcam and Microphone
Before enabling video call capabilities, you’ll first want to make sure your laptop has a functioning webcam and microphone built in. Most modern laptops will have these features already installed, but double check by:
- Looking for a small webcam or camera above your laptop screen – there may be a tiny lens visible.
- Going into your laptop’s Settings or Control Panel and looking for webcam, microphone or audio/video device options.
- Testing your webcam using the Camera app that comes with your laptop’s operating system.
- Testing your microphone by trying a voice recording app or speaking into it on a video call platform.
If you don’t have a webcam or microphone built into your laptop, you can purchase affordable external devices that plug in via USB. Just install any required drivers so your operating system will recognize them.
Update Your Browser
To avoid any potential compatibility issues and access all the latest features, make sure your internet browser is updated to the latest version. On most browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc. you can click on the 3 dots or lines menu > Help > About to check for updates. Install any available updates before proceeding.
Log Into Facebook
Go to www.facebook.com in your internet browser and log into your Facebook account if you aren’t already. Make sure to choose the “Keep me logged in” option so you remain logged into Facebook in that browser continuously.
Enable Video Calling
With your account loaded on the Facebook website, here are the steps to enable video calling:
- Click on the Messenger icon in the top right (it looks like a speech bubble)
- In the Messenger window, click on your profile picture in the top left
- Click on the Video and Audio Calls option
- Toggle the slider or switch option to the On position
Video calling is now enabled! You may need to refresh the page or restart your browser for the changes to take full effect.
Make a Test Call
To confirm video calling is working properly, you can make a test call to one of your Facebook friends:
- Go back to the main Facebook site and select a friend from your list
- In their profile or chat window, click on the Video Call icon (shaped like a video camera)
- When prompted, allow Facebook to access your webcam and microphone
- Once connected, you’ll enter a live video call with your friend! Chat to confirm everything works.
If the call connects without issue, then you have successfully set up video calling through Facebook on your laptop.
Using the Messenger App
While video calling works right from the Facebook website, you can also use the Facebook Messenger mobile app on your laptop for added convenience:
- Download and install the Messenger app for your laptop’s operating system from the official website.
- Log into the Messenger app using your Facebook account details.
- Follow the same steps above to enable video calling in the app settings.
- You can now call Facebook friends right from the Messenger app on your laptop.
The Messenger app provides notifications when you receive calls and messages even when Facebook website isn’t open.
Placing and Receiving Calls
Once enabled, video calls work both ways – you can place a call to a friend and receive an incoming call from a friend. Here are some tips for a smooth video calling experience:
- When placing a call, choose a friend who also has video calling enabled to ensure connectivity.
- If a friend calls you, you’ll get a notification pop up – simply click to answer and join the video call.
- For best video and sound, be in a quiet area with good lighting and minimal background noise.
- Use headphones with a microphone for optimal sound quality.
- Adjust your webcam, microphone or Facebook Messenger settings as needed during the call.
- If connectivity is poor, try turning off other programs using bandwidth on your laptop.
With a few quick settings adjustments, you’ll be video chatting on Facebook in no time!
Changing Video Calling Settings
Once enabled, you can customize your Facebook video calling options:
- Enabling HD Video Calling – For higher quality video, toggle on the HD Video Calling option in Messenger settings.
- Notifications – Choose if you want call notifications to pop up when Facebook isn’t open.
- Data Usage – To save mobile data when on cellular networks, disable video calling while using mobile data.
- Ringtone – Select a custom ringtone sound for incoming Facebook calls.
- Block Settings – Manage which friends or groups can call you directly.
Adjust these as needed to control the video calling experience on your laptop.
Troubleshooting Problems
If you’re having trouble getting video calls working properly on your laptop, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check that your webcam, microphone and speakers are working properly through your operating system’s settings.
- Test your laptop hardware using other platforms like Skype or Zoom.
- Restart your browser and clear cached data/cookies to eliminate any software conflicts.
- Update your operating system, browser, Messenger app and Facebook app to the latest versions.
- Disable firewalls, VPNs or ad blockers temporarily to test if they are interfering.
- Allow Facebook access through your laptop and browser security and privacy restrictions.
If issues persist, reach out to Facebook Help Center support for additional troubleshooting assistance.
Conclusion
With Facebook’s video calling capabilities, you can easily stay connected face-to-face with friends and family right through your laptop. By verifying your laptop’s hardware functions properly, updating your software, enabling video call options and adjusting preferences, you’ll be set up for seamless video chats on Facebook’s platforms. Share meaningful conversations and moments through the convenience of video calls.