Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1 billion monthly active users. One of Messenger’s standout features is free voice and video calling. With Messenger calling, you can make free calls to anyone else who has the Messenger app, regardless of whether they’re in your Facebook friends list or contacts.
Calls made through Facebook Messenger use your phone’s internet connection rather than regular cellular minutes. This allows you to make calls without using up your cell plan’s minutes. Messenger calls use data instead of minutes, so you’ll need a strong WiFi or cellular data connection to avoid a choppy call.
How does Facebook Messenger calling work technically?
When you make a call through Messenger, the call audio and video are transmitted as data packets rather than through a regular cellular network call. Here’s a breakdown of what happens behind the scenes when you make a Messenger call:
| 1. You tap the video or phone icon in a Messenger chat to initiate a call. |
| 2. The Messenger app on your device sends a request to Facebook’s servers to establish a call with the other person. |
| 3. Facebook’s servers notify the receiver’s device that there is an incoming call. |
| 4. Once the receiver accepts the call, a peer-to-peer connection is established between the two devices. |
| 5. During the call, audio and video data is transmitted between the devices in small network data packets. |
| 6. The packets travel over the internet via WiFi or cellular data networks until they reach the other person’s device. |
| 7. Each device reassembles the packets to render the call audio and video in real-time. |
So in summary, Messenger calling works by sending call data as small packets over internet networks instead of through a cellular network like traditional phone calls. This allows the calls to be made for free over data.
Encryption
An important aspect of how Messenger calling works is encryption. Encryption scrambles the data during transmission so that it cannot be intercepted and read by outside parties.
For Messenger calls, the audio and video data is encrypted before being sent over the internet. Facebook uses the Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and AES-256 encryption algorithms to encrypt calls end-to-end. This is the same level of security used by apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime.
The encryption means the call audio and video remains private while traveling between the two devices. The only people that can access the call data are the two people involved in the call itself once the data is decrypted on their devices. Not even Facebook can access the contents of Messenger calls due to this high-level encryption.
Call quality
With Messenger calls transmitted over the internet rather than cellular networks, call quality depends on the internet connection strength on each device. Here are some factors that influence Facebook Messenger call quality:
Internet connection speed
Faster internet connection speeds allow for higher audio and video quality. For optimum call quality, both the caller and receiver should have at least a 3G internet connection. However, Messenger calling will work on slower connections like 2G, just at lower quality.
WiFi vs cellular data
In general, calls made over WiFi provide better quality than those on cellular data because most WiFi connections aren’t metered for speed like mobile data. However, cellular network technology has improved in recent years, so carriers like 5G can provide high call quality.
Nearby server distance
The further apart the devices making the calls are geographically, the more likely lag and choppiness may occur due to increased network travel time. Calling someone in your geographic region provides the best quality experience.
Device capabilities
The capabilities of the smartphones or tablets being used also impacts call quality. Newer device models with faster processors and better audio components provide a better Messenger calling experience.
Network congestion
Like any internet-based transmission, network congestion can hamper call quality. Too many users in one area may overload the local network and cause lag or glitching.
Messenger call features
Facebook has added several useful features to the calling experience in Messenger:
HD video calling
Messenger supports HD video up to 720p resolution for crisp, high-quality video chats.
Group calling
You can make video and audio calls with up to 8 people simultaneously.
Call reactions
Tap react buttons like thumbs up and heart during a video call to interact without interrupting the conversation.
Filters and AR masks
Enhance video chats with fun filters, reactions, and augmented reality masks/effects.
Screen sharing
Share your screen with the person on the other end of the call to collaborate and interact.
Chat during calls
Open the chat window overlayed on the call to send messages and content.
Call forwarding
Forward calls to someone else if you’re unable to answer.
Messenger call limitations
Despite the many benefits of Messenger calling, there are a few limitations to be aware of:
– No call transfer option to connect the call to a third person
– Cannot call landline phones or numbers outside of Messenger
– Requires both parties to have Messenger installed
– Call quality depends on internet connection strength
– No call recording option
– Not accessible on desktop or tablets – mobile app only
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger calling utilizes data packets transmitted over internet networks instead of cellular minutes to provide free voice and video chatting. Encryption keeps calls secure while features like group calling, reactions, and screen sharing enhance the experience. While helpful, Messenger calling does come with some limitations compared to traditional phone networks. But overall it’s an easy and convenient free calling option for connecting with friends and family who also use Messenger.