Instagram Video call is one of its amazing features that lets not only speak with family and friends but you can also see them live from any location. Whether you want to have a casual chat, share something interesting, or have some fun, Instagram has you covered.
But there is also the possibility that you face many problems like lagging or even bad quality while calling. Relax! Problems like these can be fixed and calls can be improved to be even better with some simple guide tricks. In this blog, we’ll first share with you step-by-step guidelines enabling you to make individual or group video calls. Then we’ll discuss the problems which you might face while calling and give you effective solutions. So, stay tuned!
How do I start a video call on Instagram?
Are you confused about how you can make video calls on Instagram? If so, then trust me it is really simple and does not require other third-party software. You just have to follow these steps and you will be ready for the video call in seconds!
Steps:
- Open your Instagram on your mobile device.
- After logging in to your Instagram account, you have to tap on the message button located at the top right part of your screen.
- Now, you have to search for the name of the friend to whom you want to call and tap on their name to open the chat.
- In your friend’s chat, you will find a video camera icon located at the top of the chat. So, to initiate the video call, click on it.
- You know here comes the easy part; just wait and enjoy! Their phone will start ringing, and when they pick up the call, you will be able to see them on your display.
- Finally, to end the call, just tap the red phone icon at the bottom of your screen.
How do I video call with multiple people(group calls)?
Now, if you wish to chat with multiple friends at the same time. Then, take it easy! Instagram also allows you to initiate a group chat. Thus, you can view and speak with multiple people at the same time without needing any additional applications.
So, let’s get started!
Steps:
- Open your Instagram application on the mobile device and click on the message icon which you will see on the top right corner of the screen.
- You can simply select an existing group text if you’ve already created one.
- If you do not have a group, then first you can make a 2-person video call by following the steps which I have discussed in detail in the previous section. For instance; e message icon > friend chat > video call icon.
- After this, you have to tap the invite icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, you have to search for the friends with whom you want to make a video call. Then click on the Call button next to the person’s name.
- Now, repeat the same step as above to add more friends. Do remember you can make group chat with up to 8 persons at a time.
- You can press the microphone icon to mute and press it again to unmute. This feature assists when there’s noise in the background.
- Finally, when you wish to exit, just press the red phone button.
Common issues with Instagram video calls and how to fix
Are you facing problems with Instagram video calls like your call may not connect; there is a lagging video, or the quality is unclear? If you are experiencing any of these issues. Don’t panic. In this section, I will share with you different solutions for each problem!
Instagram video call not working
If you are unable to make a video call for some reason and it is not going through, here’s what you need to do.
Check your internet connection: Keep in mind that Video calls require a good internet connection. If you are on Wi-Fi, make sure you are not too far from the router. However, if you are on mobile data, check how strong your signal is. Moreover, you can also try to switch from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data or the other way and check which works fine.
Update your Instagram: Apart from this, if you do not update your Instagram then it is the reason why things are not working perfectly. So, quickly head over to the App Store or Play Store and update the app.
Restarting your phone: Additionally, I would recommend you to just restart your phone. So power it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on again. Now, start your call, hopefully, it will work.
Check app permissions: Furthermore, you have to make sure Instagram has permission to access the camera and microphone for video calls. So, to do this: Go to the Settings Apps > Instagram > Permissions > Check camera & microphone settings.
Log out and log in: However, if you have tried all the above solutions but still facing the same issue. Then, try logging out of Instagram and logging back in.
Reinstall the app: Lastly, if all else fails, you can remove the Instagram application and then install it again.
Instagram video call lagging
Are you facing the issue of your Instagram video call getting struck? Well! I know it’s frustrating, but don’t panic. You can try the following solutions!
Check your internet speed: First, do remember lagging can be caused by a poor internet connection. So, try using Wi-Fi as it is better, and if mobile data is a must, check for good signal bars.
Close all unnecessary apps: There is also a possibility that you are using multiple apps at the same time and may forget to close such apps. Thus, it may slow down the speed of the phone. Therefore, close all unnecessary apps.
Restart Instagram: As I have mentioned earlier, log out from Instagram completely and re-login again. This will also fix some small bugs.
Disconnect other devices: Sometimes, too many users connected to your Wi-Fi may cause lag while you’re on a call. So, if possible, ask others to stop streaming and gaming during your call.
Poor video quality
Moreover, if you notice that the video is blurry, try doing the following:
Connect to a stronger network: Weak signals will almost always lead to poor-quality video which is why you should use Wi-Fi as opposed to mobile data. In case you’re connected to Wi-Fi, try restarting your router or relocating closer to it.
Enhance the lighting: Your camera will have difficulty taking clear pictures in low light. For best results, sit close to a window or ensure that there is sufficient light in the area.
Wipe the camera lens: In other cases, the most practical solution could be to wipe the lens with a soft cloth. Fingerprints along with dust can easily obscure the video quality.
Modify camera settings
Some smartphones give you the option to set the quality of the cameras. Go to the settings of your phone and set the camera to maximum quality.
Tips for making the most of Instagram video calls: Advanced features
Moreover, you will definitely be happy to know that you can also control who can call you, and ensure that the best experiences are guaranteed. So, let us explore its advanced features via Instagram video call settings so that you are able to have better video calls.
Stop calls from unwanted persons
If you do not wish to receive calls from strangers, then you will need to change your call options. Let’s see how you can do this:
- To begin with, you have to log into Instagram and tap your profile picture.
- Next, look for the three lines in the upper corner right corner of the screen. Click on it and find “Privacy and settings”.
- Now, you have to scroll down until you see Notifications. From there select the calls option.
- You will find quite a number of options like;
- Off: No one can call you on Instagram
- From Profiles I Follow: You can only receive calls from profiles that you follow.
- From Everyone: Allows everyone to call you.
- So, select the From Profiles I Follow option to stop unwanted calls.
How to mute an Instagram video call?
Moreover, if you want to stop calls from a specific person. Then you can do this easily!
- You just have to open your Instagram Direct messages.
- Then, search for the person to whom you don’t want to receive any calls. Long press and select mute calls from the drop-down menu list.
However, if you want to mute your microphone during an Instagram video call, then you just have to tap on the microphone icon located at the bottom of the screen. That’s all. You can also unmute it by again tapping on it.
Are Instagram video call private?
When you make video calls on Instagram, privacy should certainly be one of your major concerns. Just like Standard calls, Instagram video calls are 100% encrypted so that the only people who can hear and see you are the ones you are talking to.
But here’s the thing; you still have to be cautious. Once the conversation is taking place, it is up to you to determine who you want or don’t want to call you. Video calling strangers on social media has its own risks, but for the most part like for professional purposes is completely safe.
Moreover, don’t answer calls from people you don’t know. If someone repeatedly calls you and makes you uncomfortable, it’s recommended to block them. Plus, there is the risk of giving out private information during a call so do not.
Thus, you can maintain the privacy of your Instagram calls by being careful about who you interact with and tweaking your settings!
Protect kids’ privacy when they are using Instagram
In this digital era, kids and teens are mostly seen active on Instagram. However, if you show carelessness then there are high chances that they may get exposed to potential dangers like cybercrimes.
So, definitely, you want to keep your children safe from Instagram. Thus, having the right set of safety features is important, and that is exactly what FlashGet Kids gives you. This is a highly reliable parental control app that keeps you updated bout your kid’s digital activities.
Let’s see how it does so;
Keyword detection: Owing to this feature, FlashGet Kids allows you to monitor your kid’s social media activities including Instagram. For instance; it allows you to set keywords related to inappropriate content, thus, if kids engage in any risky conversation, this app will instantly alert you.
SMS safety: Moreover, it also allows you to check the messages sent and received by your kids via heading toward its notice page.
Daily usage report: FlashGet also lets you know which type of apps (Instagram) your kids have used and for how much time. Thus, if you find any suspicious activity then you can time take action.
Screen time: It also allows you to limit the screen time on Instagram. Thus, when kids try to exceed the time limit you will instantly get an alert.
Screen mirroring: This is one of its amazing features that allows you to see live what type of posts your kids are seeing on Instagram. Moreover, to whom your kids are chatting.
Conclusive notes
In a nutshell, Instagram video calls allow you to connect to your family and friends living far away from you. You will feel like they are just close to you. Moreover, you can also make a group chat with up to 8 persons, thus can virtually enjoy with your friend’s group. However, if you face problems while video calling then you can easily resolve them by trying out our mentioned solutions.
