WhatsApp video calling is one of the easiest ways to talk face to face with someone in the United States. It is free over the internet, works on iPhone and Android, and most people already have it installed. One honest warning: if you are calling from the UAE, WhatsApp voice and video calls are restricted there, so a call from Dubai to the USA will usually not connect. Use an approved app such as BOTIM, Zoom or Google Meet instead.
How to set up WhatsApp for video calls
Setup takes a few minutes, and you only do it once. Install WhatsApp from the official app store and verify your number with the code sent by text. Allow microphone and camera access when asked — if you refused earlier, turn it back on in your phone settings. Add the person to your contacts, or open an existing chat. Make a short test call first.
How to start a video call to the USA
To call one person, open the chat and tap the video camera icon at the top. To call a group, open the group chat, tap the video icon, and choose who to include — WhatsApp supports group video calls with up to 32 participants. During a call you can switch cameras, turn your camera off, mute yourself, or add more people.
How much data does a WhatsApp video call use?
A WhatsApp video call uses roughly 5 to 8 MB per minute at standard quality, so a 30-minute call uses about 150 to 240 MB. These are approximate figures. Higher quality and group calls use more; a weak connection lowers the quality, which uses less. Voice-only calls use far less, roughly 0.5 to 1 MB per minute. To use less data, turn on "Use less data for calls" in Settings, under Storage and Data.
What does it cost?
A WhatsApp video call itself is free — no per-minute charge, and no extra charge for calling the USA. Your only cost is the internet connection. On Wi-Fi, the call costs nothing. On mobile data, you pay your carrier's normal rate, so check your plan before a long call. Roaming data can be expensive, so use Wi-Fi while travelling. For reference, 1 US dollar is about 3.67 UAE dirhams (AED).
How to get the best call quality
Call quality depends mostly on the internet connection on both sides. Call on Wi-Fi rather than mobile data when you can. Sit facing a window or a lamp, and keep the phone steady. Close other apps and pause downloads during the call. Keep the phone charged, since video calls drain the battery fast.
If the call will not connect
Work through these checks in order. First, check the internet — open a web page. If nothing loads, the connection is the problem. Second, update WhatsApp; an old version is the most common reason calls fail. Third, check permissions: WhatsApp needs microphone and camera access. Fourth, restart the app, then the phone. Fifth, check whether you are in the UAE — calls are restricted there, so a call from Dubai will usually not connect. Use BOTIM, Zoom or Google Meet instead.
FAQ
Is a WhatsApp video call to the USA free? Yes, the call itself is free. WhatsApp does not charge per minute. You only pay for the internet connection, so a call on Wi-Fi costs nothing.
How much data does a WhatsApp video call use? Roughly 5 to 8 MB per minute at standard quality, so about 150 to 240 MB for 30 minutes. These are approximate figures.
Why does my WhatsApp video call to the USA not connect from Dubai? WhatsApp voice and video calls are restricted in the UAE, so calls from Dubai usually do not connect. Use BOTIM, Zoom or Google Meet instead.
Can I make a WhatsApp group video call to the USA? Yes. Open the group chat, tap the video camera icon, and choose the people to include. WhatsApp supports group video calls with up to 32 participants.