Facebook is by far one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet right now. That contributes to Facebook Messenger being one of the most heavily used messaging apps, and the app does deliver.
Messenger has just about every feature you’d expect from a proper messaging app. However, just like everything tech, it can have its issues from time to time.
This article lists 11 ways you can fix the Facebook Messenger video calls not working issue.
Restart your browser
The good old reboot method works just about everywhere. If you’re having trouble with video calls in Messenger, try restarting your browser. If that doesn’t work, you might as well try restarting your PC as well.
Also read: How to log out of Messenger on the iPhone?
Availability
While video calls should work on every browser, the facility is officially limited to Chrome, Opera and Edge as mentioned on the Facebook support page. Note that group calling is not available for Firefox and Edge.
So make sure you’re using a compatible browser if you’re having issues with Messenger video calls.
Try using the Messenger App for Windows
For those of you who don’t know, Messenger is also available as a standalone app for Windows. If in case you’re having issues with the browser version, you can always head over to the Messenger download page and get the Windows app.
This should not only work without any issues, but you should also get better integration with Windows.
Try logging out
Simply logging out and then logging back in can fix seemingly random issues with quite a lot of web services. If you’re having trouble with Messenger, you should try that here as well.
Step 1: Head over to the Messenger website and click on the three horizontal dots at the top.
Step 2: Click on Log Out.
Now restart your PC and log back in again. This should resolve any issues you’re facing with Messenger.
Also read: How to block someone on Messenger?
Check your Bluetooth devices
Check to make sure there aren’t any Bluetooth audio devices connected to your PC. If you’re not hearing any sounds, it’s possible that your PC might be connected to a Bluetooth audio source and be routing the audio there.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Windows Settings and click on Devices.
Step 2: Head over to the Bluetooth and other devices tab and make sure there are no connected devices under Audio.
Grant resource permission in Windows
You need to allow browsers to use your camera and mic to be able to function properly. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Windows Settings and click on Privacy.
Step 2: Under App Permissions, click on Camera and make sure that the Allow apps to access your camera toggle is enabled.
Step 3: Now head over to the Microphone tab and make sure that apps are allowed to use your microphone as well.
Restart your computer and try again.
Also read: What happens when you block someone on Messenger?
Grant necessary permissions to the Messenger site
Apart from allowing your browser to use your camera and microphone, you need to allow each individual site that accesses these resources as well.
Step 1: Head over to the Messenger site and click on the padlock icon before the URL.
Step 2: Click on Site Permissions.
Step 3: Make sure that the site has access to your camera and mic.
Restart your computer and try again.
Check default camera and microphone
If you have connected multiple cameras or mics to your PC, there might a device conflict going on which can cause issues. Follow these steps to make sure you’ve got the right devices selected.
Step 1: Head over to chrome://settings/content/camera. Make sure that the right device is selected in the camera drop-down.
Step 2: Similarly, head over to chrome://settings/content/microphone and make sure that the right mic is selected in the drop-down.
Restart your computer and try video calling on Messenger again.
Disable the second camera
If your camera keeps switching the to the wrong device even after changing your browser settings, you might need to disable the second device completely.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X and click on Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Double-click on Cameras to show all connected devices.
Step 3: Right-click on the camera you’re having issues with and click on Disable device.
Restart your computer and try again.
Note that you won’t be able to use this camera in any other app as well.
Also read: How to remove someone from Messenger?
Reset your browser
If nothign else works, you can try totally resetting your browser to see if that resovles the issue.
Step 1: Head over to chrome://settings/reset. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
Step 2: Chrome will show you a warning prompt. Click on Reset Settings, and your browser will reset to default settings.
Try changing registry settings
This should be your last resort as changing registry settings can be quite risky. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to bring up the Run prompt. Type in Regedit and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform
Step 3: Right-click in the right side pane and click on New > DWORD(32-bit) Value
Step 4: Set the name to EnableFrameServerMode and press enter.
Step 5: Double click on the key and change Value to 0.
Restart your computer and try again.
