Making video calls on Facebook Messenger is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. With Messenger, you can make free video calls right from your laptop’s browser.
Can I make Messenger video calls from my laptop?
Yes, you can absolutely make video calls on Messenger from your laptop! Messenger has a web browser version that allows you to make and receive video calls without having the app installed. As long as you have a webcam built into or connected to your laptop, you can make video calls from your browser.
Requirements for video calls from laptop
To make Messenger video calls from your laptop, here are the requirements:
- A Facebook account
- The latest version of your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc)
- A built-in or external webcam connected to your laptop
- A reliable internet connection
- Microphone and speakers built into or connected to your laptop
As long as you meet these requirements, you should be able to make and receive video calls through the Messenger website on your laptop. The process is the same as making video calls from the mobile app.
Steps to make a video call on Messenger from laptop
Follow these simple steps to start a video call on Messenger from your laptop browser:
- Open your preferred web browser on your laptop and go to www.messenger.com.
- Log into your Facebook account if you aren’t already logged in.
- On the left sidebar, click on the person you want to video call.
- At the top of the message thread, click on the video camera icon.
- Once your friend accepts the call, your video feeds will connect!
Here is a quick visual guide to starting a video call from Messenger on your laptop:
As you can see, the process is very quick and straightforward. Now let’s go over some tips for a successful video call from your laptop.
Tips for better quality video calls
Follow these tips for making high quality Messenger video calls from your laptop:
- Make sure you allow Messenger to access your microphone and webcam when prompted.
- Position your webcam at eye level for the most natural angle.
- Make sure you have proper lighting so your video isn’t too dark or washed out.
- Test your microphone and speakers beforehand to check sound quality.
- Close other apps using your webcam to avoid lagging video.
- If your internet is slow, try turning off your video to improve connection.
- Use headphones with a built-in mic for optimal sound if needed.
Following these tips will help ensure your video calls go smoothly without technical difficulties.
How to receive a video call on Messenger from laptop
Accepting a Messenger video call from your laptop browser is very easy. Follow these steps when you get an incoming video call:
- When someone calls, you’ll get a pop-up notification on your screen.
- Click on the “Answer” button to join the video call.
- Your video feed will automatically connect!
- To end the call, click on the red phone icon.
As long as you’re logged into Messenger in your browser, you can seamlessly accept incoming video calls. The call will keep ringing for up to 20 seconds if you miss it, giving you a chance to answer.
How to switch cameras during a Messenger video call
If you want to switch between your front and rear webcam while on a Messenger video call, it’s easy to do:
- During your call, look for the camera icon in the bottom toolbar.
- Click on this icon to switch between your front and rear facing camera.
- The icon will turn blue when your rear camera is active.
Switching cameras allows you to show your surroundings or change up the angle. This works exactly the same from a laptop as it does on the mobile app.
How to add people to a group video call
Messenger allows you to add multiple people to the same video call to chat as a group:
- Start a 1-on-1 video call with one friend.
- At the bottom, click on the add person icon (silhouette with +).
- Select the other friends you want to add from your contacts list.
- They will get a join call notification. Once they accept, all members will be conferenced in.
You can keep adding more friends from an ongoing group video call. This lets you bring all your friends together no matter where they are!
Troubleshooting tips for Messenger video calls
If you are having issues with making Messenger video calls from your laptop, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Allow access to your microphone and webcam for Messenger.
- Check your internet connection speed and restart your router if needed.
- Restart your browser and clear the cache and cookies.
- Update your browser, webcam drivers, and other software if out of date.
- Disable any VPN connections temporarily.
- Close other apps using your webcam or microphone.
Following these tips should get Messenger video calls working again on your laptop in no time. Reach out to the Messenger support team if issues persist.
Conclusion
Video calling your friends from your laptop using Messenger is quick, convenient, and free. As long as you have a webcam, microphone, and internet connection, you can stay connected face-to-face. Follow the steps outlined above to successfully start or accept video calls right from your browser. With group calling features, you can bring all your friends together in one virtual room. Messenger makes it easier than ever to see your loved ones no matter where you are located. So open your laptop and start a video chat anytime!