Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. While Snapchat is best known for its disappearing messages, the app also includes some voice and video calling features.
Can You Make Voice or Video Calls on Snapchat?
Yes, Snapchat does allow users to make voice and video calls to friends and contacts within the app. There are a couple different ways to make calls on Snapchat:
- Chat Calls – You can make a voice or video call through an existing chat thread with a friend. Just tap the phone icon at the top of the chat to start a call.
- Quick Chat – You can also start a quick voice or video call by swiping right from the Camera screen to open your Friends list. Tap a friend’s name to start chatting, then tap the phone icon to call them.
Requirements for Calling on Snapchat
In order to make calls on Snapchat, both you and the person you are calling must meet a few requirements:
- You must both have the latest version of the Snapchat app installed.
- You must both have an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data).
- You must both accept the call and enable access to your phone’s microphone and camera.
- The person you are calling must be added as a friend or contact on Snapchat.
Voice and Video Call Features
Snapchat’s voice and video calling includes the following features:
- Voice calls – Make high quality voice calls over WiFi or mobile data.
- Video calls – Make video calls to see your friends live as you talk.
- Group calls – Call up to 15 other Snapchat friends at once.
- Filters & Lenses – Use Snapchat filters and lenses during your video calls.
- Chat messaging – Seamlessly switch between voice/video calls and text chats.
Are Snapchat Calls End-to-End Encrypted?
Yes, Snapchat does use end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls placed within the app. This means the calls are secured and only the two people in the conversation can access the content. Snapchat calls are not accessible to Snapchat or any third party.
Can You Call Anyone with a Snapchat Account?
You can only call people who you are friends or contacts with on Snapchat. To become friends on Snapchat:
- Go to the Add Friends screen and search for the person’s Snapchat username.
- Tap their username to go to their profile.
- Tap the Add Friend button.
- Once they accept your friend request, you will be able to call them in Snapchat chat.
Both you and the other person must accept the friend request before you can communicate on Snapchat.
Can You Call Someone Who Doesn’t Have Snapchat?
Unfortunately, there is no way to call someone who does not have a Snapchat account using the Snapchat app. Both the caller and recipient must have Snapchat installed and be friends on the app to make a call.
Are There Any Other Ways to Call Through Snapchat?
Snapchat itself only allows you to call other Snapchat users through the app. However, there are some third-party apps and workarounds that let you call phone numbers through Snapchat:
- Snapchat dialer apps – Apps like SnapDialer allow you to input a phone number and connect the call through Snapchat.
- Linking your phone – You can link your phone number to your Snapchat account, then find friends by phone contacts.
- Using a second device – Make a call from your normal phone app, while video chatting on Snapchat from a second device.
However, these workarounds have limitations and risks, so contacting non-Snapchat users directly through the app is not recommended or supported by Snapchat.
Can You Save or Record Snapchat Calls?
No, Snapchat does not allow users to save, record, or store voice or video calls made on the platform. This follows Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging principles:
- Voice and video calls disappear after the call ends.
- There is no call log or history stored within Snapchat.
- You cannot save, record, screenshot, or extract clips from Snapchat calls.
- Using third-party apps to record calls goes against Snapchat’s Terms of Service.
Trying to save Snapchat calls compromises the privacy of other users. However, you can always screenshot a regular photo or video Snap sent during a call.
Pros of Calling on Snapchat
Here are some of the key advantages of making calls through Snapchat:
- End-to-end encrypted calls
- Easy to use interface
- Seamless transition between calls and chat
- Fun AR lenses and filters
- Group call capacity
- No phone numbers required
- Disappearing call history
Cons of Calling on Snapchat
Some potential downsides of Snapchat calls include:
- Can only call Snapchat users
- Call quality relies on internet connection
- No call recording allowed
- Temporary glitches or bugs
- Difficult to identify unknown callers
- No cloud storage for call history
Conclusion
Snapchat offers a convenient way to make voice and video calls to other Snapchat users right within the app interface. However, you can only call people who you are connected with and communicate with on Snapchat. There is no ability to call outside phone numbers directly through Snapchat at this time.
Overall, Snapchat calling is a fun, easy way to communicate visually with friends on the platform. But traditional phone calls may be better for contacting people outside of your Snapchat network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call anyone in my Snapchat contacts?
No, you can only call someone in Snapchat if they are added as a friend or contact and they have accepted your friend request. You cannot call strangers or view contacts who have not friended you back.
Is Snapchat calling free?
Yes, Snapchat calls are completely free to make as long as you have an internet connection. However, normal mobile data rates from your carrier may apply if using mobile data.
Can Snapchat calls be tracked or monitored?
No, Snapchat calls are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Snapchat or any third party. The contents of the call disappear after the call ends. However, your carrier may have records of the call taking place.
Do both callers need to have the app open to connect a call?
Yes, both the caller and recipient need to have the Snapchat app open in order to carry out the call. If either user closes the app, the call will be disconnected.
Can you call someone internationally on Snapchat?
Yes, you can make international calls to any Snapchat user worldwide as long as you both have internet connections. Keep in mind long distance call quality could be impacted by connection issues.
Do Snapchat calls use my phone number?
No, Snapchat calls are placed using your Snapchat username and login credentials. Your actual phone number is not revealed or used for calling within Snapchat.
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