Facebook video calling is a feature that allows users to make video calls directly within Facebook. However, sometimes users may encounter issues trying to use this feature. There are a few common reasons why Facebook video calling may not be working properly.
Internet Connection Issues
One of the most common reasons for problems with Facebook video calling is an unstable or slow internet connection. Video calls require a strong and consistent internet connection to function properly. If your internet is slow or keeps cutting in and out, it can disrupt the video call.
Try testing your internet speed to see if it meets the minimum requirements for HD video calling on Facebook. You’ll need at least 1.5 Mbps download speed and 128 Kbps upload speed for an HD video call with good quality. If your internet speed is below this, pixelation, freezing, and disconnections can occur.
Switching from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa may help in some cases where the WiFi or mobile data has a weak signal. Moving closer to your router may also improve WiFi strength. Check that other devices aren’t hogging bandwidth on your network at the same time. Disconnect or pause any uploads or downloads during your video call.
Facebook App Issues
Problems with the Facebook app itself can also get in the way of Facebook video calling. Here are some common Facebook app issues:
- Outdated app version – Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed.
- App needs reinstalling – Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Facebook app if it is glitchy.
- App needs updating – Check for any app updates available in your phone’s app store.
- App crashing – If the app crashes frequently, reinstalling could help. Update your phone software if needed.
- Permissions not enabled – Enable microphone and camera access in the app settings.
Updating the app, clearing the cache and data, or reinstalling the app can often resolve common Facebook app issues that prevent video calling from working properly.
Account and Privacy Settings
Check your Facebook account and privacy settings. Here are some settings that can affect video calling:
- Age restrictions – You must be at least 13 years old to make video calls on Facebook.
- Blocked contacts – You can’t video call someone who has blocked you or vice versa.
- Restricted contact settings – Adjust your contact settings to allow video calls from people not in your friends list if needed.
- Video calling turned off – Go to Settings & Privacy – Video Calls and check that video calling is enabled.
- Unauthorized access – Log out of all other Facebook sessions to resolve unauthorized access conflicts.
Make sure your account does not have any restrictions enabled that would prevent you from using Facebook video calling features.
Browser Issues
If you are trying to use Facebook video calling in a desktop browser, here are some browser-related issues that could be causing problems:
- Unsupported browser – Facebook video calling only works on the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera desktop browsers.
- Browser out of date – Update your browser to the newest version if it is outdated.
- Browser cache – Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove possible corrupted files.
- Browser extensions – Disable any browser add-ons or extensions temporarily to test if they are interfering.
- Pop-up blockers – Ensure your browser’s pop-up blocker is not blocking the video call pop-up.
Using a supported desktop browser and ensuring your browser is up to date will help prevent browser conflicts with Facebook video chat.
Camera and Microphone Problems
Technical issues with your device’s camera or microphone can make video calling impossible. Here are some troubleshooting tips for camera/microphone problems:
- Allow app access – Double check that you’ve allowed the Facebook app to access your camera and mic.
- Check connections – Make sure your camera, microphone, and audio cables are properly plugged in.
- Test camera app – Open your device’s camera app to ensure the camera is working normally.
- Inspect camera – Check for physical damage, dirt/debris covering lens, sticky caps, or other issues.
- Update drivers – Update your device drivers, especially audio and camera drivers.
- Restart device – Power cycle your device to potentially resolve glitched hardware.
- Check mute settings – Make sure you haven’t muted your mic with the mute switch.
Camera and microphone access must be granted to Facebook, and the hardware must be functional, for video calls to work as expected.
Troubleshooting on Mobile
On mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, here are some additional troubleshooting tips for Facebook video call issues:
- Force close/restart app – Close all apps and restart your device to clear any glitches.
- Update iOS/Android – Ensure your device operating system is updated to the latest version.
- Free up storage space – Delete files and apps to ensure sufficient storage space.
- Check signal strength – Weak cellular signal can disrupt video calls. Move to an area with better signal.
- Disable battery saver mode – Battery saving modes can sometimes interfere with video calling apps.
- Disable VPN app – Turn off any VPN apps that could be rerouting network traffic.
Troubleshooting on mobile devices will involve many of the same steps as desktops, in addition to trying the steps above to address mobile-specific issues.
Facebook Support
If you continue experiencing issues using Facebook video calling after trying these troubleshooting tips, you may need to contact Facebook Support for further help. Here are some ways to get help from Facebook:
- Search Facebook Help Center – The Facebook Help Center contains troubleshooting guides for video calling.
- Facebook Help Community – Post in the Help Community to get help from other Facebook users.
- Contact Facebook support – Reach out to Facebook support staff here for account issues.
- Report a problem – File a bug report through the Facebook app settings if it’s an app issue.
Facebook’s troubleshooting resources and staff can help pinpoint more complex underlying problems preventing video calls from working.
Third-Party App Issues
If you are trying to use Facebook video calling through a third-party app and having trouble, here are some things to check in that app:
- App up to date – Ensure the third-party app is updated to the latest version and supported on your device.
- Reinstall app – Try uninstalling and reinstalling the problem app.
- App permissions – Make sure the app has permission to access your camera, microphone, contacts, etc.
- Camera and mic access – Confirm that the app’s access to your camera and microphone are enabled.
- Background app refresh – Enable background app refresh if disabled for the third-party app.
Consult the third-party app developer’s documentation and support resources for additional troubleshooting tips specific to that app.
Group Calling Issues
Trying to video call multiple people at once in a Facebook Messenger group call comes with its own set of potential issues. Here are some common group calling problems and fixes:
- Too many participants – Video quality decreases as you add more people. Stick to fewer participants for better quality.
- Add participants during call – Calls must be ended and restarted to add people once a call has started.
- Leave and rejoin call – Quickly toggling leaving and rejoining a group call can cause crashes.
- Poor connectivity – With multiple participants, one person’s bad connection can disrupt the whole call.
- App freezing/crashing – Large group calls increase the risk of app glitches and freezes.
Limit group call participants, ensure everyone has a strong internet connection, and avoid add/leaving participants mid-call to minimize group video call issues.
Portal Video Calling Issues
When video calling from Facebook Portal devices, here are some Portal-specific issues that could arise:
- Outdated Portal software – Check the Portal settings to ensure you have the latest software installed.
- Incorrect Portal placement – Make sure the Portal camera is stable and positioned properly to view you.
- Camera/mic obstructions – Remove anything partially covering the Portal’s camera or microphone.
- Portal remote issues – Make sure the Portal remote is nearby and has working batteries.
- Bandwidth overload – Too many high-bandwidth tasks using the same WiFi can disrupt Portal calls.
Follow Portal troubleshooting steps like adjusting camera position, reducing WiFi congestion, and installing Portal updates to fix video call issues.
Messenger Video Call Issues
Troubleshooting tips when you can’t make or receive Messenger video calls:
- Update Messenger – Make sure the Messenger app is updated to the latest version.
- Messenger not installed – The main Facebook app alone does not support video calls. Install Messenger.
- Disabled notifications – Turn notifications back on for Messenger.
- Blocked contact – You can’t call someone who has blocked you on Messenger.
- Spam settings – Adjust your Messenger spam filter settings if needed.
Ensure you have the separate Messenger app installed and updated, with the proper notification and call settings enabled.
Recent Facebook Changes
Has Facebook video calling stopped working after recently making a change like:
- Updated Facebook app?
- Installed app update?
- Switched browsers?
- Changed privacy/security settings?
- Got a new device?
Think about any recent Facebook-related changes that could have coincided with the video call issues starting. Reverting those changes, like rolling back app updates or adjusting new settings, can often resolve new Facebook video call problems.
Temporary Facebook Issues
Once in a while, Facebook does experience temporary site-wide bugs or outages that affect video calling for all users. Some ways to check for known Facebook issues:
- Check facebook.com/status for reported issues.
- See Downdetector.com for user-reported Facebook problems.
- Ask friends if they’re having issues too.
If there are widespread reported problems with Facebook services, wait for Facebook to fix the problem on their end before continuing to troubleshoot your video call issues.
Conclusion
Facebook video calling is convenient for keeping in touch when you can’t meet in person. But like any technology, it is susceptible to technical glitches. In many cases, Facebook video call issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps on the user’s end, like checking internet connectivity, app permissions, browser settings, and device hardware. For problems stemming from Facebook’s services, reporting the bugs can help Facebook address them faster. With some diligent troubleshooting, Facebook users can get their video calls working again.
| Common Facebook Video Call Issues | Potential Fixes |
|---|---|
| Slow/unstable internet connection | Switch from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa, move closer to WiFi router, reduce network congestion |
| Outdated Facebook app | Update to latest Facebook app version |
| Age/privacy restrictions | Ensure account meets age minimum, adjust privacy settings |
| Unsupported browser | Use latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera browser |
| Camera or microphone not working | Allow Facebook access to camera/mic, test hardware with other apps, inspect for damage |
| Portal camera placement | Reposition Portal device for better view of user |
| Messenger not installed | Install Messenger app in addition to main Facebook app |
| Recent Facebook changes | Rollback recent app updates, settings changes, or privacy changes |
| Temporary Facebook outage | Check facebook.com/status or downdetector.com to confirm issues |
Following Facebook’s troubleshooting guides, using their support channels, and methodically testing possible fixes can get Facebook video calls working again in most cases where users are experiencing problems.