WhatsApp has taken a step forward in its communication services. by allowing group calls and video calls to support up to 8 participants simultaneously, on both iOS and Android. This feature responds to the growing demand for users who need to be connected with several people at once, whether for personal, professional or educational reasons.
How do WhatsApp group calls with 8 participants work?
Until recently, the limit for group calls was 4 participants.. Now, WhatsApp allows you to add up to seven people plus the host, for a total of 8 simultaneous connections. This limit applies to both audio and video calls within the app.
The feature is available to all users who have the app updated to the latest version. It's important to put attention on If any of the participants do not have the latest version, the call cannot be completed with more than four people.
Requirements for making extended group calls
- All participants must have the WhatsApp application installed on their device.
- It is essential to have the latest version available on the Google Play Store or App Store. If it's not available for your device, download the official APK from the WhatsApp for Android page.
- Each participant's phone number must be saved in your contacts list. to add them to the call.
- Stable internet connection, since the quality of the call will depend on each user's network.
If one of the invited contacts has an older version of WhatsApp, the app will display the following message:
“Several people are using an older version of WhatsApp. To start calls with up to six people (any number over four), all participants need the latest version of WhatsApp.”
How to start a group call or video call with up to 8 people
- Access the group conversation Wherever you want to make the call, tap the phone or video icon in the top right corner and select up to seven other participants (in addition to yourself).
- If you don't share a group with everyone: Go to the “Calls” tab, tap the call button (the “+” icon or bubble in the bottom right corner), select “New Group Call,” and choose up to seven contacts.
- Press the call or video call icon to start communication.
With these steps you can organize family gatherings, get-togethers with friends, or work sessions easily, without the need for external apps.
Security and privacy features
All calls, both voice and video, are protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only the call participants have access to the content of the conversation, preventing third parties or WhatsApp itself from accessing the information transmitted. Privacy is one of the main pillars of the platform, which puts it a step ahead of other alternatives.
Advantages of group video calls on WhatsApp compared to other platforms
- You don't need to install additional applicationsWhatsApp is a widely used app, present on most smartphones, which makes coordinating a group call instant.
- Easy use and accessibility: Starting group video calls from the app is intuitive and fast, without complex processes.
- Acceptable video and sound quality, even when up to eight people are connected, as long as the participants' connection is stable.
- Compatibility with inexpensive devices or slow networks, allowing more people to connect no matter what phone they use.
- End-to-end encryption protection which ensures the confidentiality and privacy of conversations.
Tips to improve the quality and experience of group calls
- Make sure all participants have the latest version of WhatsApp. to avoid problems when connecting.
- Use a stable WiFi network, especially if the video call is going to be long or many users will be connecting.
- Keep the device charged or connected to power, as prolonged video calls can drain battery quickly.
- Choose a well-lit environment for video calls, so that the camera captures the image better.
- If you have audio or video problems, close other background apps and restart WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about group calls and video calls on WhatsApp
- What happens if one of the participants doesn't have the latest version? The call cannot be initiated by more than four people. A message will appear indicating that everyone must update the app.
- Is it possible to add more participants once the call has started? You can invite up to the maximum of eight people. If you've already reached the limit, you'll need to end the call and start a new one to change participants.
- Are group calls available on WhatsApp Web? For now, the feature is limited to mobile devices, although calls can be made through smart devices like Facebook Portal.
- Is it safe to use WhatsApp group calls? Yes, all communications are protected with end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp has established itself as one of the most versatile applications for maintaining group contact, expanding its possibilities with calls and video calls. up to 8 participants. Thanks to its simplicity, accessibility and integrated security, is the ideal option for family gatherings, remote work, or any time you need to connect with multiple people instantly, no matter where they are in the world. Remember to keep your app updated to enjoy all the benefits of group calls with the best possible quality.
