Video calling is the simplest way to have a real-time connection with your friends and family, regardless of the distance. And while we’ve had to use third-party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype, etc., there’s arguably nothing as simple as video calling integrated into your phone, just like you’re making a phone call or sending SMS. If you've always wanted to make video calls without using any third-party app on your Android phone, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll guide you on how to video call on Android without the app!
How to video call on Android without an app
To make video calling on Android as easy as ever, Google released Google Duo, its own high-quality video calling platform, in 2017, serving as Apple’s Face Time of Android. What makes it stand out from Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other video calling apps is its integration into your phone system.
Google Duo’s system integration allows you to start a video chat with your contact, just like you’d make a call or send a text message. You can start a video chat with a recently called number in the Phone app, while texting in the Android Messaging app, from your Contacts app, or just by opening Google Duo itself.
Besides its simplicity and functionality, Google Duo offers additional features like Knock Knock, allowing you to see a live preview of who’s calling you before accepting the call. You can also add special effects to bring life into your video chat. And you don't even have to have privacy issues because all your calls are encrypted end-to-end.
Likewise, Google Duo allows you to send a video message if a person you're trying to reach isn’t available. All in all, you’re not relegated to just video calling; Duo has full support for voice calls, and you can record short videos or voice messages to get in touch with friends if they’re currently unavailable.
Enough of the features! How easy is it to set up/use Google Duo? Well, it’s as simple as it sounds. First, you’ll need to link your phone number with Duo, then with your Google account, after which you’ll have access to call any of your contacts who also use Google Duo. People who are not using Duo can also get the app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhones or just use the Web app.
After all is said, here’s how to video call on Android without the app!
How to make normal video calls on Android with Google Duo
Google Duo is pre-installed on many Android phones, but you can get it on the Play Store if it's missing on yours. Now, here’s how to video call on Android without the app.
- Install Google Duo and open the app
- Accept the terms of service and verify your phone number
- Link up your Google account to complete the registration.
- Now, you'll see all your contacts that are on Google Duo, and they'll also see you in their app.
- Tap the search bar at the top to find a contact you want to call or scroll through the list.
- Select a contact and tap the video button to make a video call, or tap the Voice call button if you want to make an audio-only call.
How to make a group video call on Android with Google Duo
Besides making person-to-person video calls, you can also make group video calls on Google Duo. That way, bringing up your friends and family members on a virtual assembly wouldn’t be a problem. Google Duo can assemble up to 32 people making a video call between Android devices, iPhones, tablets, iPads, or just a computer. It’s as simple as adding all the participants in a closed group or creating a link and sharing it with them to join at their convenience.
Here’s how:
- Launch the Google Duo app on your phone.
- Tap new call at the lower right corner.
- Click Create group.
- Select the contacts you want to include in the video chat.
- Hit Done!
You can now tap the Start Meeting button once you’re ready to begin the video chat. You can also use the Share or Copy button to share the group video call link with more people.
How do I activate video call features without any app?
As earlier said, Google Duo is the default video calling app for Android. Just like Apple’s Facetime on iPhones, Google Duo comes pre-installed on many Android devices, and it’s also integrated to work with the stock Phone, Contacts, and Messages app on your device.
If you've been searching for 'how-to video call on Android without the app,' now you know what to do. Just use the Google Duo app pre-installed on your phone or get it on the Play Store.
The app is pretty easy to use, and you can also make video calls from your Phone or Messages app. The best part? Google Duo also works cross-platform, unlike Apple’s Facetime. That way, you can make video calls with your friends who use iPhones, iPads, PC, tablets, and others.
Final thoughts
Since Google announced it in 2017, Duo has continued to improve as a substantial video calling feature on Android. And while there are already several alternatives, even from Google itself, there’s arguably no other video calling app as well integrated into Android as Google Duo.
Your ability to start a video chat from your recent calls in the Phone app or while texting in the Messaging app is smoother than ever. Plus, Google Duo works as a simple video caller; no unneeded feature or weird interface. Just call!
If you’ve been looking for how to video call on Android without the app, I think we pretty much answered your question in this article.
