If you’re having issues making video calls on Snapchat, there are a few potential reasons why it may not be working properly:
Video Calling Requires a Strong Internet Connection
Snapchat video calls require a relatively strong internet connection to work properly. If you’re on a weak WiFi network or slow cellular data, you may experience issues with video quality or the call connecting at all. Try moving closer to your router or switching to cellular data if you’re on WiFi to see if that helps.
Both Parties Need to Have Video Calling Enabled
In order to make a Snapchat video call, both you and the other person need to have the feature enabled. If they don’t have it turned on, the video call option won’t show up when you try to call them. Make sure to check that the person you’re trying to call has video calling enabled on their end.
The App May Need to Be Updated
Snapchat frequently releases updates to fix bugs and add new features like video calling. If you or the other person is not on the latest version of Snapchat, issues can occur with video calls not functioning properly. Go to your device’s app store and make sure you both have the most up-to-date version of Snapchat installed.
Your Account Could Be Restricted
In some cases, Snapchat may restrict accounts from using certain features like video calling if they detect suspicious activity. If your account has been temporarily locked or restricted for any reason, video calling may not work even if you were previously able to use it.
Video Calling Servers Could Be Down
Like any technology, Snapchat’s video calling servers may occasionally go down for maintenance or experience outages. If the feature stops working entirely, even after trying the other troubleshooting tips, it could be a temporary outage on Snapchat’s end. Check their status page or try again later.
How to Troubleshoot Snapchat Video Call Issues
If you’re still having trouble making video calls work in Snapchat, here are some steps to try troubleshooting the issues:
Force Stop and Relaunch the App
Closing Snapchat entirely and re-opening it can sometimes help resolve temporary glitches that are preventing video calls from connecting. On Android, you can force stop the app in your device settings. On iOS, swipe up to close it from the app switcher.
Update Your Phone Software
Having the latest OS version on your device will ensure compatibility with Snapchat’s video calling feature. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone or Settings > System > Advanced > System Update on Android.
Check Your Internet Connection
Run a speed test on your WiFi or cellular data connection to verify you have a minimum of 2-3Mbps download speeds for a video call. If your internet is slow, try connecting to a different WiFi network or using cellular data instead.
Allow Snapchat Access to Your Camera and Microphone
Make sure Snapchat has permission to access your phone’s camera and microphone, which are required for video calls. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera > Snapchat and Settings > Privacy > Microphone > Snapchat. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Snapchat > Permissions.
Clear the Cache and Data for Snapchat
Wiping the temporary data and cache for Snapchat can help resolve software issues that may be interfering with video calls. On iPhone, delete the app and reinstall. On Android go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Contact Snapchat Support
If all else fails, reach out to Snapchat’s support team from within the app by going to Settings > Support > Contact Us. They may be able to help troubleshoot or identify any unknown problems affecting your account.
Why Does Snapchat Say “Could Not Connect” During Video Calls?
One common video call error on Snapchat is getting a “could not connect” message instead of starting the call. There are a few potential reasons you may see this:
- Weak internet connection on either your end or the recipient’s end
- Cellular network switching between WiFi and mobile data
- Outdated version of the Snapchat app
- Restrictions on the recipient’s account blocking video calls
- Temporary server outage at Snapchat
To fix the “could not connect” error, double check your internet connection is steady and fast enough (at least 2 Mbps download speed). Make sure both you and the recipient are on the latest version of Snapchat. Try toggling your phone’s Airplane mode on briefly then off to reset the connection. If the issue persists, it’s likely a temporary problem on Snapchat’s end.
Why Can I Only Do Snapchat Video Calls with Some Friends?
If you can only video call some friends on Snapchat but not others, here are a few possible reasons:
They Don’t Have Video Calling Enabled
In order for you to video call someone, they need to have the feature enabled on their end as well. Make sure your friend has gone into Settings > Additional Services > Video Chat and enabled it.
Parental Controls Are Enabled
For younger Snapchat users, parents can enable parental controls that limit features like video chat. If your friend is younger, they may need to get permission from a parent to enable video calling.
You’ve Been Blocked
If a friend has blocked you on Snapchat, you will no longer be able to video call them. You can see if someone has blocked you if their Bitmoji disappears from the chat bar at the top.
Different Versions of Snapchat
In rare cases, having different versions of Snapchat can prevent video calls between friends. Make sure you’re both updated to the latest version of Snapchat in your device’s app store.
Why Does My Face Look Blurry on Snapchat Video Calls?
A few things can cause blurriness or poor video quality during Snapchat video calls:
- Slow internet connection – Video calling requires consistent fast speeds of at least 2 Mbps.
- Older phone model – Phones without HD cameras or video encoding may create blurry video.
- Dirty camera lens – Wipe your front-facing camera lens gently with a soft cloth.
- Backlighting – Position yourself with light source behind camera, not behind you.
- Beauty mode enabled – Disable any beauty modes or filters which can cause blurring.
Make sure to have plenty of light, hold your phone steady, and clean the camera lens for the sharpest video quality during Snapchat calls. If issues persist, it may be time to upgrade your phone’s camera with a newer model.
How Can I Do Group Video Calls on Snapchat?
Unfortunately, Snapchat currently only supports 1-on-1 video calling between two friends at once. Group video calling is not yet a feature on Snapchat.
A few tips for having a group call on Snapchat:
- Take turns video calling different members of the group one at a time.
- Use speakerphone and conference everyone in on an audio-only call.
- Switch to a different app like FaceTime which offers group video calls.
Snapchat may roll out group video calls in the future, but for now you can only video chat with one friend at a time. Take turns calling each person or use a conference call setup as a workaround.
Can I Video Call Someone on Snapchat Who Hasn’t Added Me Back?
No, unfortunately Snapchat requires mutual friends in order to video call. If you’ve added someone but they haven’t added you back yet, you will not see the video call option when chatting with them.
Both you and the person you want to video call need to have each other’s Snapchats added. This builds trust and prevents strangers from being able to call you if you haven’t allowed them as a friend.
Some ways to troubleshoot include:
- Ask them to add your Snapchat back so you’re connected friends.
- Double check that you typed their username correctly when adding them.
- Clear your Snapchat cache in case it’s a temporary bug.
As soon as they add you back and accept your friend request, the video chat option should unlock on both ends provided you both have it enabled.
Why Can I Only Video Call Some Snapchat Friends Once Per Day?
Snapchat intentionally limits video calls to once per friend per day as part of their privacy and anti-spam measures. Trying to video call the same friend twice in one day will show an error “you’ve already called this snapchatter today.”
This daily limit resets at midnight so you can call that friend again the next calendar day. It helps prevents endless calling loops or harassment.
Some reasons for the once-daily call limit include:
- Prevent spam and abuse
- Conserve server resources
- Encourage more diverse interactions
- Maintain exclusivity of video calls
While you may want to video chat with your best friends for hours, Snapchat intentionally caps it at once per day. Take advantage of the daily call, then text and Snap as usual throughout the day. The limit reset overnight.
Can I Video Call Someone Internationally on Snapchat?
Yes, Snapchat supports international video calls to friends worldwide. However, call quality may vary depending on a few factors:
- Slower internet connection in other countries
- Cellular coverage and availability in remote areas
- Bandwidth costs and data caps on international plans
- Increased latency over long distances
For best results on international Snapchat calls:
- Both parties should connect to WiFi for free calling
- Check that the friend you’re calling has good reception and internet
- Consider paying for an international calling plan if needed
- Schedule calls during both parties’ peak waking hours
With strong internet on both ends, Snapchat can facilitate video calls with friends around the world. But be aware quality may not be as flawless as local calls. Test call beforehand to check connectivity.
Is Snapchat Video Calling Safe for Kids?
Snapchat offers robust privacy features to make video calling relatively safe for kids provided proper parental guidance. Here are some of Snapchat’s safety measures:
- Direct messaging and video calls only between mutual friends
- Call recording not allowed
- Ability to block contacts at any time
- Snap Map location sharing optional
- Parental controls to limit usage and features
However, risks remain so parents should:
- Discussion cyberbullying and online safety
- Review child’s friend list frequently
- Activate Snapchat parental controls via Family Center
- Monitor time spent video calling
- Ensure kids only answer calls from known friends
With parental guidance and digital literacy, Snapchat video calls can be a safe way for kids to socialize. But complete oversight is still recommended for children using any social media.
Snapchat Video Call Limits
Snapchat imposes the following limits on video calls:
- 1-to-1 calls only (no group calling yet)
- Maximum of 30 minutes per call
- Call recipient must accept call for it to connect
- Only once per friend per day
- Requires strong and consistent internet connection
- Not available for users under 13 years old
These limits are in place to:
- Protect user privacy
- Reduce bullying/harassment
- Conserve server resources
- Encourage balance and diverse communication
While you can’t call endlessly, the 30 minute cap is pretty generous. And calls reset daily, so you can look forward to chatting face-to-face again tomorrow!
Conclusion
Snapchat video calling is a fun way to communicate visually with friends when text or photo snaps just won’t cut it. But like any technology, it may occasionally have issues connecting or quality problems. Troubleshoot your internet connection, update the app, and contact Snapchat support if needed. With proper settings and expectations set, Snapchat can provide a unique way to bond face-to-face across distances.