You can make a video call on a computer through a desktop app or a supported web browser. Most laptops have the camera, microphone and speakers you need built in.
The person you're calling can join from a phone or another computer, as long as the service supports their device. Check what they already use before installing a new app.
What You Need to Make a Video Call on a Computer
A camera and microphone
Check whether your computer has a built-in camera and microphone. Add a USB webcam if you need a camera, or a microphone or headset if your computer has no mic. Many external webcams include a microphone, so check the specifications before buying both.
Speakers or headphones
Use your computer's built-in speakers, external speakers or headphones to hear the other person. Use headphones if you need privacy or if the other person hears their voice echoing through your speakers.
An internet connection
You can use Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Video calls need a steady upload as well as download connection, since you're sending your own video while receiving theirs. A connection that keeps dropping can interrupt the call even if speed tests show a high download speed.
A service that works on your computer
Choose a service that supports your operating system or browser, and find out whether the other person needs an account to join.
How to Make a Video Call on a Computer
You can call someone from a chat or send them a meeting link, depending on the service.
1. Choose a Video Calling Service
Start with an app you both already use, then check whether it offers video calls on your computer. imo supports one-to-one and group video calls on its PC app. Download the imo PC app from the official website, then sign in with your imo account.
If you prefer to use a browser, choose a service that supports browser video calls, such as Google Meet.
2. Check Your Camera and Microphone
Allow camera and microphone access when the app or browser asks. If access is blocked, enable it in your computer's privacy settings and, for browser calls, in the site's camera and microphone permissions.
Open the service's audio and video settings. Check the camera preview and select the microphone and speakers you intend to use. A connected headset or external monitor may have changed the selected audio device.
3. Open a Chat or Send an Invitation
For a direct call, find the person in your contacts and open their chat. For a meeting, create a meeting link and send it to the people you want to invite. If you're joining an existing meeting, open the link in your invitation.
4. Start or Join the Call
To call from a chat, click the video camera icon and wait for the person to answer. If you're using a meeting link, check your camera preview and click the option to join. Depending on the meeting settings, you may need to wait for the host to let you in.
Once connected, check that you can hear each other. Use the microphone button to mute yourself when needed and the camera button to turn your video off or back on.
When you're finished, click the leave or end-call button. If you're hosting a group meeting, check whether the option leaves the meeting running for others or ends it for everyone.
How to Make a Video Call on imo for PC
The imo PC app supports both one-to-one and group video calls, with the call button at the top of each chat.
Call One Person
- Open imo on your computer and sign in.
- Open the chat with the person you want to call.
- Click the video camera icon in the upper-right corner of the chat window, next to the phone icon.
- Allow camera and microphone access if prompted, then wait for the other person to answer.
Start a Group Video Call
Open the group chat you want to call, then click the video camera icon in the upper-right corner.
Can You Make a Video Call in a Web Browser?
You can make video calls in a supported browser without installing a desktop app.
If someone sends you a meeting link, open it and look for an option to join in your browser. You may need to enter your name, sign in or wait for the host to admit you. To start a call yourself, sign in to the service’s website. Look for a video call button in the chat or an option to create a meeting. A messaging app’s web version may support text chats without offering video calls. If you can’t find a call button, check the service’s help page to see whether calling requires its desktop or mobile app.
How to Improve Video Call Quality on a Computer
If the picture freezes, check the connection
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or try Ethernet if available. Pause large file transfers and streaming on the same connection. If the call remains unstable, try turning off your camera to reduce the amount of data being sent.
Light your face and adjust the camera
Face a window or place a lamp behind your screen, with the light directed towards your face. A bright window behind you can leave your face in shadow. Position the webcam near eye level, using a laptop stand or a stable stack of books if needed.
Use headphones to reduce echo
If the other person hears themselves through your microphone, put on headphones. When two devices join the same call in one room, disconnect the audio on one of them, including its microphone and speakers.
Close demanding apps if the computer slows down
If your computer becomes sluggish during calls, close games, editing software and browser tabs you don't need.
Check the selected device if sound or video is missing
If people can't hear you, check that you're unmuted and the app is using the right microphone. If the camera image is black, open the webcam's privacy shutter if it has one and close other apps that may be using the camera.
Update the app or browser if problems persist
Install available updates, then reopen the app or browser before trying again. If the picture stays blurry, see our guide to fixing blurry video calls.