Telegram has long ceased to be easy a messenger for exchanging texts - today it is a full-fledged platform for voice and video communication. But while regular calls are easy to deal with, video calls often raise questions among users Android. Why is the button gray? Why can't your interlocutor see your camera? How to switch to the front camera during a call? This article contains detailed answers to all these questions, as well as step-by-step guide taking into account the latest updates Telegram 2026.

We will not limit ourselves to basic actions like clicking on the handset icon. Let's look at the nuances: from application permissions to optimizing communication quality on weak smartphones. And also - a table comparing video calls Telegram with competitors (WhatsApp, Viber, Zoom) and a checklist for diagnosing problems. If you have never used this function or encountered errors, save the article to bookmarks.

Preparing a smartphone: checking compatibility and permissions

Before trying to make a video call, make sure that your Androidsmartphone meets the minimum requirements. Officially Telegram supports video communication on devices with Android 5.0 and later, but for stable operation a version no lower than Android 8.0is recommended. On weak devices (for example, with 1–2 GB of RAM), lags or connection breaks are possible.

Pay special attention application permissions. Without access to the camera and microphone, the video call simply will not start. To check the settings:

  1. Open Android Settings → Applications → Telegram.
  2. Tap on the item Permissions.
  3. Make sure that the following are enabled:
    • 📷 Camera (for video transmission)
    • 🎤 Microphone (for audio transmission)
    • 📶 Storage (optional, for saving screenshots calls)
📊 What version of Android are you using?
Android 10 or later
Android 8–9
Android 5–7
I don’t know

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) permissions may be reset after a system update. If the video call stops working after upgrading Android, check the settings again.

Also make sure that the video calling function is turned on. To do this: Telegram The video calling function is enabled. To do this:

  1. Start the messenger and tap on ☰ (three lines) → Settings.
  2. Select Calls.
  3. Activate the switches:
    • 📞 Incoming calls (for receiving calls)
    • 🔄 Video calls (for the ability to transmit video)

Step-by-step guide: how to make a video call in Telegram

Now Let's move on to the process itself. Video call Telegram can be initialized in two ways: from a chat with the user or through a tab Calls. Let's consider both options.

Method 1: from personal chat

  1. Open a dialogue with the user you want to call.
  2. In the upper right corner, tap on the icon 📞 (handset).
  3. In the menu that appears, select Video call (camera icon).
  4. Wait until the other person accepts the call. Your video will be displayed on the screen in a small window, and the main space will be occupied by the picture from the opponent’s camera (after connection).

Method 2: through the “Calls” tab

  1. Go to the section Calls (handset icon in the bottom menu).
  2. Tap on the button New call (blue circle with a plus).
  3. Select a contact from the list.
  4. Click on icon 📹 Video call.

    5. ☑️ Check before calling

    Done: 0 / 4

    ⚠️ Attention: If the video call button is gray and inactive, this may mean that:
    • 🔄 The interlocutor has disabled video calls in his settings.
    • 📵 You or your opponent have weak Internet (speed below 1 Mbit/s).
    • 🔒 You are in secret chat —video communication is not available there.

    Setting up the camera and microphone during a call

    Once connected, you can control video and audio transmission parameters directly during a call. The interface Telegram offers several useful options:

    • 🔄 Switching cameras: Tap on the icon with two arrows in the lower right corner to change the front camera to the main one (and vice versa).
    • 🔇 Mute the microphone: The microphone icon allows you to temporarily mute sound.
    • 📷 Mute the video: The camera button pauses the image transmission (the interlocutor will see your avatar).
    • 🔊 Volume: The volume slider is in the upper right corner.
    • 📱 Switch to background: Click Home or swipe up - the call will continue to work in the mini-window.

💡

If the image “freezes” or is jerky, try turning off the video for 5-10 seconds and then turning it on again. This often helps to stabilize the connection without dropping the call.

To improve the quality of communication, you can manually limit traffic consumption. This is relevant when connecting via mobile data (3G/4G/5G):

  1. During a call, tap on ⋮ (three dots) → Call settings.
  2. Select Limit data use.
  3. Set a limit (for example, 500 Kbps to save traffic).

Important: when you activate the limit, the video quality is automatically reduced to 360p, and the frame rate to 15 FPS. This can be critical for demonstrating small details (for example, when showing documents).

Comparison of video calls in Telegram with other instant messengers

To understand how convenient video communication is in Telegram, let's compare it with similar functions in WhatsApp, Viber i Zoom. The main criteria are video quality, connection stability and additional features.

Parameter Telegram WhatsApp Viber Zoom
Max. video resolution 720p (HD) 720p (HD) 480p 1080p (Full HD)
Number of participants Up to 30 Up to 8 Up to 20 Up to 1000
Screen separation Automatic Manual Automatic Customizable
Call recording No No Yes (premium) Yes
Background effects Blur background Virtual background No Virtual background + filters

💡

Telegram beats WhatsApp and Viber in terms of the number of participants (up to 30 versus 8–20), but loses to Zoom in video quality and additional functions (recording, virtual background).

Main advantage Telegram — no time restrictions (unlike Zoom, where free calls last up to 40 minutes). In addition, there is no mandatory link to a phone number - you can call by nickname (@username), which is convenient for maintaining confidentiality.

Common problems and their solutions

Even with the correct settings, users encounter errors when making video calls. Let's look at typical scenarios and ways to resolve them.

Problem 1: The video call button is inactive

If the icon is gray and does not respond to presses, check:

  • 🔄 Telegram version: Update the application in Google Play or via official website.
  • 📵 Network connection: Video calls require a stable Internet connection. Try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi.
  • 🔒 Privacy settings: In some countries (for example, the UAE or China), video communication in instant messengers may be blocked at the operator level.

Problem 2: The interlocutor does not hear or see you

Most often this is due to hardware limitations or application conflicts:

  • 🎤 Microphone busy: Close other apps that use the microphone (for example, Google Assistant or Shazam).
  • 📷 The camera is in use: On some smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S22, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11) the camera may be blocked by the security system. Reboot the device.
  • 🔊 Volume is at minimum: Check the volume slider during a call.

What to do if Is the sound delayed?

Sound delay (lag) is usually associated with high CPU load or slow Internet. Try:

  1. Disable all background applications (especially games or torrents).
  2. Switch to wired Internet (if you are using Wi-Fi).
  3. Reduce the video quality in the call settings to 360p.

If the problem persists, try using headphones with a microphone.

Problem 3: The video slows down or disappears

This is the most common complaint. Reasons and solutions:

  • 📶 Weak signal: If you are connected to mobile data, go to an area with better coverage or connect to Wi-Fi.
  • 🔋 Battery Saving: On some devices (Huawei, Honor), the power saving mode limits the camera's operation.
  • 📱 CPU overheating: If the smartphone is very hot, the video call may automatically reduce the quality. Allow the device to cool for 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with processors MediaTek Helio G (for example, Redmi 9A, Realme C11) video calls in Telegram may be unstable due to poor optimization of camera drivers. In this case, try using alternative messengers.

Additional features: group video call and screen broadcast

In addition to standard video calls, Telegram supports group conferences and screen broadcast. These functions are hidden in the menu, but are very useful for work or communicating with friends.

How to create a group video call

  1. Open a group chat (up to 30 participants).
  2. Tap on the icon 📞 in the top menu.
  3. Select Video call and wait for the participants to join.
  4. During the call you can:
    • 👥 Add new participants via the button +.
    • 🔇 Mute the microphone individual users (if you are a group admin).
    • 📊 View the list of participantsby tapping on the avatar in the upper right corner.

How to broadcast the screen during call

The function is useful for demonstrating presentations, games or instructions:

  1. Start a video call (individual or group).
  2. Tap on ⋮ (three dots) → Share screen.
  3. Confirm the screen recording permission (the Android system window will appear).
  4. Select what to broadcast: Full screen or Application window.

💡

When broadcasting screen Telegram automatically turns off your camera to reduce CPU load. To return the video, click on the camera icon in the control panel.

Video call security: what you need to know

Unlike some competitors, Telegram uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for video calls, but with caveats. By default, only individual callsare encrypted. Group conferences are protected by standard transport encryption (as in Zoom), which theoretically allows servers Telegram to access the data.

To enable end-to-end encryption for video communication:

  1. Before the call, make sure that you are communicating in secret chat (click on the name of the interlocutor → Start secret chat).
  2. Initiate a video call from this chat.
  3. An icon 🔒will appear in the upper right corner confirming encryption.

    4. Other security measures:

    • 🛡️ Checking the keys: In a secret chat, compare encryption keys with the interlocutor (click on his name → Encryption).
    • 🚫 Record blocking: Telegram does not allow you to record video calls, but the interlocutor can take a screenshot. Be careful with confidential information.
    • 👁️ IP hiding: In the privacy settings (Settings → Privacy → Calls), you can disable the transfer of your IP address.

⚠️ Attention: Even in a secret chat Telegram saves call metadata (time, duration, participants). If you need complete anonymity, use specialized solutions like Signal or Session.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about video calls in Telegram

Can I make calls from Telegram on a computer?

Yes, video calls are available in desktop versions Telegram (Windows, macOS, Linux). To do this:

  1. Install the official client from the website telegram.org.
  2. Authorize via QR code or phone number.
  3. Open the chat and click on the camera icon in the top menu.

Please note: for the camera and microphone to work, you may need to install additional drivers (especially on Linux).

How much traffic does a video call in Telegram consume?

Traffic consumption depends on the quality of the video:

  • 360p (low quality): ~150–200 MB/hour.
  • 480p (medium quality): ~300–400 MB/hour.
  • 720p (HD): ~500–700 MB/hour.

When connecting via mobile data, it is recommended to limit the quality to 360p in the call settings.

Why are all participants not visible in a group call?

By default Telegram shows only 4 participants at the same time (in “gallery” mode). To see the others:

  1. Tap on the avatar in the upper right corner.
  2. In the list of participants, select who you want to see on the screen.
  3. Or scroll the gallery left/right (on some versions).

If there are more than 8 participants, there are avatars will be displayed as small icons at the bottom of the screen.

Is it possible to call phone numbers via Telegram?

No, Telegram does not support calls to regular phone numbers (unlike WhatsApp or Viber). Video calling only works between messenger users. However, you can:

  • Send your interlocutor an invitation link to a chat (if he is not registered in Telegram).
  • Use bots for integration with IP telephony (for example, @VoIPbot).
How to improve video quality on a weak smartphone?

If your Androiddevice slows down during a call, try:

  • 🔄 Close all background applications (especially games and social networks).
  • 📵 Turn off mobile data and use only Wi-Fi.
  • 🔋 Connect the charger —some smartphones limit performance when the battery is low.
  • 📉 Reduce camera resolution in call settings to 360p.

On devices with 2 GB of RAM or less (for example, Samsung Galaxy J2, Nokia 3.1) it is recommended to use only audio calls.