Are you trying to make a video call on WhatsApp, but the button has disappeared or the "Unable to connect" error appears? The problem occurs more often than it seems - it can be caused by both application bugs and system limitations. In 2023, Android smartphones more often than it seems - this may be due to both application bugs and system limitations. In 2023 Meta tightened the requirements for devices for video communication, and after updates to Android 14 many users encountered a sudden disappearance of the function.

In this article - 5 proven ways to restore video calls, from basic (checking the Internet) to advanced (clearing cache via ADB). We will look at why the camera or microphone can be blocked, even if permissions seem to be given, and what to do if the problem appears only on the mobile network. And also - WhatsApp may block the camera or microphone, even if permissions seem to be given, and what to do if the problem appears only on Wi-Fi or mobile network. And also - a unique method for devices with custom firmwarewhich is not written about in the official help.

Spoiler: in 80% of cases a combination of the following helps reset permissions and reinstalling the application. But if you use Xiaomi, Huawei or Samsung with a shell One UIyou'll have to dig deeper - manufacturers often limit the background work of messengers "to save battery."

📊 How often do you use video calls on WhatsApp?
Daily
Several times a week
Rarely
Only when necessary
Never

1. Checking basic conditions: Internet, camera, microphone

Before delving into the settings, make sure that the problem is not trivial. Video calls in WhatsApp require:

  • 🌐 A stable Internet connection (minimum 3 Mbit/s for HD quality).
  • 📷 Working main camera (check in another application, for example, in Google Camera).
  • 🎤 Working microphone (record a voice message in the same WhatsApp).
  • 🔋 Battery charge is above 15% (on some smartphones video calls are blocked when the battery is low).

If at least one of the points is not met, WhatsApp automatically hides the video call button or displays an error. For example, Samsung Galaxy A52 when connecting to Wi-Fi with a speed limit (for example, on public networks), the function may not be available, although voice calls work.

☑️ Checklist before setting up video calls

Done: 0 / 4

Special attention - application permissionsEven if you previously gave WhatsApp access to the camera and microphone, after the update Android or the messenger itself, they could reset. To check:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions.
  2. Make sure that next to Camera, Microphone i Storage status is Allowed.
  3. If permissions are disabled, enable them and restart the application.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi and Redmi check additionally Settings → Special permissions → Autostart. If WhatsApp is disabled there, video calls will not work.

2. Clearing WhatsApp cache and data: when the application is “buggy”

If the basic conditions are met, but video calls are still not available, the problem may lie in damaged temporary files. The cache WhatsApp over time grows to several gigabytes, and after updates, conflicting data may remain.

To clear the cache without losing chats:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage data-i="110">Clear data Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage.
  2. Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data!).
  3. Restart the application and check if the video call button appears.

If this does not help, you will have to take drastic measures - resetting application data. This will delete all media files downloaded through WhatsApp, but will save your chat history if you have a backup copy in Google Drive.

Instructions for resetting:

  1. Make a backup of your chats: open WhatsApp, go to ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Return to settings Android and select Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data.
  3. Install WhatsApp again from Google Play and restore chats from backup copies.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ after clearing the data, you may need to re-link your account via SMS. Make sure that you have access to the phone number.
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If after clearing the data, video calls started working, but after a while they disappeared again, the problem is a conflict with another application. Try removing recently installed apps, especially those that request access to the camera or microphone.

3. Setting up background work and battery optimization

One ​​of the most common reasons for video calls disappearing is restrictions on background workimposed by smartphone manufacturers. For example, on Huawei i Honor by default, background activity is disabled for all applications except system ones. And Samsung s One UI WhatsApp can be included in the list of "sleeping" applications.

To remove restrictions:

Manufacturer Path to settings What to do
Samsung (One UI) Settings → Device care → Battery → Background work Add WhatsApp to the "Never" list disable"
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI) Settings → Applications → Manage applications → WhatsApp → Autorun Enable autorun and background activity
Huawei/Honor (EMUI) Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Battery → Launch applications Disable "Manual control" and enable "Autostart"
OPPO/Realme (ColorOS) Settings → Battery → Consumption optimization → WhatsApp Select "No restrictions"

After changing settings be sure to restart your smartphone — some restrictions apply only after a reboot. If you use Android 12+, additionally check:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Battery optimization.
  2. Find WhatsApp in the list and select Do not optimize.
Why do manufacturers limit background work?

This is part of an energy saving strategy that Chinese brands are aggressively implementing. For example, on Xiaomi, background work is disabled by default for all applications except system ones in order to increase battery life. However, this often breaks the functionality of instant messengers and social networks.

4. Network problems: Wi-Fi, mobile data, VPN

Video calls to WhatsApp may not work due to port blocking the provider or conflicts with VPN. For example, some mobile operators (for example, Tele2 or Iota) limit UDP trafficwhich is used for video communication.

What to check:

  • 📶 Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa).
  • 🔒 Disable VPN or proxies - they can redirect traffic through servers that do not support WebRTC (the technology on which calls to WhatsApp).
  • 📡 If you use Wi-Fi, check if the router is blocking video calls. To do this, connect to another network.
  • 📱 On Android 10+ open Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Network type and select 4G (LTE) instead 3G/2G.

If video calls only work on Wi-Fi or only on a mobile network, the problem is definitely in the connection settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S22 after updating to Android 14 some users encountered a bug in which WhatsApp could not use the mobile data for calls, although other applications worked fine. The solution is to reset the network settings:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  2. Confirm the action and restart your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using corporate Wi-Fi or network with Captive Portal (for example, in hotels), video calls can be blocked by the administrator. In this case, only switching to mobile data will help.

5. WhatsApp and Android update: why the old version can break video calls

WhatsApp regularly updates video communication protocols, and if your version of the application is outdated, the function may simply disappear from the interface. The same goes for Android: on devices with a version lower Android 8.0 video calls are not officially supported.

To check and update:

  • 📱 Open Google Play, find WhatsApp and press Update (if the button is active).
  • 🔄 If the update does not help, delete the application and install it again.
  • 🤖 Check the version Android: Settings → About phone → Android version. If it is lower 8.0 Oreo, update your system or consider buying a new smartphone.

On some devices (for example, Huawei P30 or Samsung Galaxy J6) after updating until Android 10 video calls stop working due to incompatibility with new codecs. In this case, only rolling back to the previous version will help WhatsApp (but this is unsafe) or changing the device.

If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be the lack of certificates Google Play Services. To check: custom firmware services are disabled, turn them on and restart your smartphone.

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Google Play Services.
  2. Make sure the app is enabled and updated.
  3. If services are disabled, enable them and restart your smartphone.
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If video calls disappear after updating WhatsApp, and rolling back to the old version does not help, the problem is a change in protocols on the Meta server side. In this case, all that remains is to wait for a fix from the developers.

6. Problems with the account: blocking, restrictions, two-factor authentication

It is rare, but it happens that video calls are blocked at the account level. This can happen if:

  • 🔒 Your account is temporarily blocked for violating the rules WhatsApp (for example, sending mass messages).
  • 📱 You recently changed your phone number, but did not confirm it in WhatsApp.
  • 🔐 You have two-factor enabled authentication, but the servers Meta cannot verify it.
  • 🌍 You are in a country where WhatsApp restricts functionality (for example, in some regions of the Middle East).

To check your account status:

  1. Open WhatsApp and try sending a regular text message. If it is not sent, the account is blocked.
  2. Check the email associated with WhatsApp —when blocked, you receive a notification from support.
  3. If you have recently changed your number, confirm it through Settings → Account → Change number.

If the problem is two-factor authentication:

  1. Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number.
  2. On the code entry screen, press Didn’t receive the code? and select Send SMS or Call me.
  3. If the code does not arrive, try entering it manually (sometimes SMS arrive with a delay).
⚠️ Attention: If your account is blocked for violating the rules, video calls may be disabled permanently, even after unblocking. In this case, all that remains is to create a new account with a different number.

7. Radical measures: resetting Android settings and flashing

If none of the above helped, the problem may lie in deep system conflicts. This is relevant for devices:

  • 📱 With custom firmware (LineageOS, Resurrection Remix etc.).
  • 🔧 After unsuccessful updates Android.
  • 🛠️ With damaged partitions /system or /vendor.

Reset to factory settings is an extreme measure, but it helps in 90% of cases when the problem is unclear. Before resetting:

  1. Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, chats WhatsApp).
  2. Remember or write down account logins/passwords.
  3. Open Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data.

If the reset did not help, and you are using custom firmware, try:

  1. Reflash the device to official firmware from the manufacturer.
  2. Install GApps (Google services) the correct version for your Android.
  3. Check the integrity of partitions through TWRP or Fastboot.

For experienced users: if video calls do not work only in WhatsApp, but work in other applications (for example, Google Meet or Zoom), the problem may be the lack of libraries libopus or libvpx. They can be installed via Magisk or ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.whatsapp android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO

adb shell pm grant com.whatsapp android.permission.CAMERA

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Resetting the settings - this is the last chance to return video calls without replacing your smartphone. If the problem remains, most likely it is at the hardware level (damaged camera, microphone or communication module).

Frequently asked questions about restoring video calls in WhatsApp

❓ Why is the video call button gray and cannot be pressed?

The gray button means that WhatsApp cannot access camera or microphone. Check:

  1. Permissions for the application (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions).
  2. Is the camera occupied by another application (for example, Instagram or TikTok).
  3. Not Is "Do Not Disturb" or "Sound Focus" mode enabled (on Samsung).

If everything is fine, but the button is still gray, reinstall WhatsApp.

❓ Video calls only work over Wi-Fi, but not on a mobile network. What should I do?

The problem is in the mobile network settings or operator restrictions. Try:

  • Manually select the network type 4G (LTE) in the settings.
  • Disable traffic saving for WhatsApp (Settings → Network → Data saving).
  • Call the operator's support and find out if UDP port 4244 (used for calls to WhatsApp).
❓ After updating Android, video calls disappeared. How to return?

A system update may have reset permissions or changed power saving policies. Follow the steps:

  1. Check permissions for WhatsApp (camera, microphone, storage).
  2. Disable battery optimization for the application.
  3. Clear cache and data WhatsApp (don't forget to backup your chats!).
  4. If all else fails, roll back to the previous version Android (if possible).
❓ There are two WhatsApp accounts on the phone (personal and work). one. Why?

This is a typical problem for devices with the Double applications or Second userfunction. Solutions:

  • Delete second account WhatsApp and install it again via WhatsApp Business (the official application for work).
  • Check whether the permissions conflict between the two copies of the application.
  • On Xiaomi disable the "Duplicate applications" function in Settings → Applications → Application duplication.
❓ Is it possible to restore video calls without losing chat history?

Yes, if you follow these instructions carefully:

  1. Make a backup copy of your chats. in Google Drive (Settings → Chat → Backup).
  2. Clear data WhatsApp (not cache!).
  3. Install the application again and restore chats from a backup copy when you first start.
  4. If the copy is not restored, check that you are using the same phone number and account Googleto which the copy is linked.

If the backup is old or damaged, try extracting the database msgstore.db from the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases and restoring chats through third-party utilities (for example, Dr.Fone).