Facebook Messenger’s video calling feature allows you to make video calls to your Facebook friends and contacts. However, you may encounter issues trying to make video calls on Messenger at times.
Here are some common reasons why you may be unable to make video calls on Facebook Messenger and steps you can take to troubleshoot the issues.
You don’t have the latest version of Messenger
One of the most common reasons you may be unable to make video calls on Messenger is if you don’t have the latest version of the app installed. Messenger is constantly updating with new features and bug fixes, so running an outdated version can cause problems.
Make sure you have automatic app updates enabled on your device so you always have the latest Messenger version. You can also check for updates manually in your device’s app store. The current latest version as of October 2023 is Messenger 312.0.
Your device or OS is incompatible
Messenger’s video calling feature has certain minimum device and operating system requirements:
- iOS devices must be running iOS 11 or later
- Android devices must be running Android 5.0 or later
- Desktop browsers must be running recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
If your device or operating system is too outdated, Messenger may not support video calling. Update to a compatible OS version or use a newer device that meets the requirements.
You have connectivity issues
Stable internet connectivity with good speeds is essential for making smooth video calls. If you’re experiencing frequent lag, pixelation, or call drops, connectivity issues could be to blame.
Try the following steps to troubleshoot connectivity problems:
- Restart your router and device to refresh connections
- Check if other devices on your network are experiencing issues
- Run a speed test to confirm your internet speeds are sufficient (at least 2 Mbps download and upload is recommended)
- Switch from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa
- Move closer to your WiFi router if on a wireless connection
If the problem persists across devices and networks, contact your internet service provider regarding any outages or issues in your area.
Your Facebook account is restricted
In some cases, you may be unable to make Messenger video calls due to restrictions on your Facebook account.
Facebook may impose restrictions for violations of their policies, such as abusive behavior during calls or spreading misinformation. Restrictions can include temporary suspensions from using certain features like video calling.
Check your account status by logging into Facebook on your desktop browser. If your account has been restricted, you should see a notification explaining the reasons and duration.
You can appeal restrictions by submitting an request to Facebook, but will need to wait out the suspension period if your appeal is denied.
You have video calling disabled
Messenger gives you the option to disable video calling from your account if you prefer not to use the feature.
To check if video calling is disabled:
- Open your Messenger settings
- Go to the Video Calls section
- Make sure the “Turn Off Video Calling” option is switched off
Toggling this back on will re-enable making and receiving video calls from your contacts.
Your microphone or camera is blocked
Messenger requires access to your device’s microphone and camera to make video calls.
On iOS, check that Messenger has permissions to access each input by going to Settings > Privacy > Camera/Microphone. Toggle permissions on if they were disabled.
On Android, open your App Settings, select Messenger, and make sure Camera and Microphone access are allowed.
You can also try restarting your device to reset any permissions issues.
You have Do Not Disturb enabled
Having Do Not Disturb mode activated can block Messenger video call notifications and prevent calls from coming through.
On iOS, disable Do Not Disturb in Control Center or in Settings. On Android, turn off Do Not Disturb in your notification shade quick settings.
You can also check if you have scheduled quiet hours enabled that are blocking calls during certain times of day.
Your contact is unavailable
Keep in mind that making a Messenger video call requires both you and your contact to be online and have an uninterrupted connection.
If your contact has a poor connection, deactivated their account, blocked you, or has video calling disabled, you will be unable to connect with them over video.
Try making a voice call first to confirm they are reachable. If calls are not going through at all, this indicates an issue on their end.
Messenger has service issues
Like any service, Messenger may occasionally suffer outages or technical issues that affect video calling reliability.
Check Facebook’s system status page or Downdetector to see if others are reporting widespread Messenger problems. The issue is likely temporary and should be resolved once engineers address it.
You can also follow Messenger’s social media accounts for updates on any known issues.
How to improve video call quality
When video calls are working, but call quality is poor, try these tips for an optimal experience:
- Position your camera at eye level – Movable laptop cameras work better elevated to eye level.
- Ensure proper lighting – Avoid backlighting from bright windows. Dim lighting also strains the camera.
- Use a stable internet connection or reduce data usage by apps in the background.
- If on mobile, connect to stable WiFi and disable Bluetooth.
- Restart your device to refresh connection and free up RAM.
- Update Messenger to the latest version.
- On mobile, clean camera lens which may have fingerprints/debris.
Troubleshooting tips
Some additional troubleshooting steps to take if Messenger video calls still do not work:
- Force close and relaunch the Messenger app
- Log out and log back into your Facebook account
- Clear Messenger’s cache and data
- Uninstall and reinstall the latest Messenger version
- Try making a call from a different device or network
- Factory reset your device if issues persist across apps (backup data first)
If no combination of the above suggestions restores video calling functionality, get in touch with Facebook or Messenger support for personalized troubleshooting assistance.
Conclusion
In summary, video calls failing on Messenger can stem from outdated apps, incompatible devices, network issues, account restrictions, disabled permissions, or general service problems. Following troubleshooting steps like updating software, checking settings, verifying connections, and reinstalling the app can typically resolve common video call issues. Contact Messenger or Facebook support if problems continue to persist across devices and networks for further help getting video calls functional again.