How to ban video calls on WhatsApp?

How to ban video calls on WhatsApp - briefly?

To disable video calls on WhatsApp, you can either turn off the camera and microphone access for the app in your device's settings or use a third-party app blocker that allows for more specific controls.

How to ban video calls on WhatsApp - in detail?

To ban video calls on WhatsApp, you can follow these detailed steps:

1. Understanding the Limitations: Firstly, it's important to recognize that WhatsApp does not provide a direct feature to ban video calls outright. However, there are ways to mitigate or control their use, especially for parents and guardians looking to monitor their children's activities on the app.

2. Using Screen Time (iOS): If you're using an iPhone, you can leverage the built-in Screen Time feature to limit WhatsApp usage. Here’s how:

   • Go to Settings > Screen Time.
   • Tap "Turn On Screen Time" and follow the prompts.
   • Once set up, go back to Screen Time settings and tap on "App Limits".
   • Click “Add Limit” and select Social from the list of app categories.
   • Choose the amount of time you want to allow for WhatsApp use.

3. Using Digital Wellbeing (Android): For Android users, the Digital Wellbeing feature can help manage WhatsApp usage:

   • Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
   • Tap on "Dashboard" and then “Show your data”.
   • Scroll down to find WhatsApp under the list of apps.
   • Tap on it and set a timer for how long you want to allow access each day.

4. Parental Control Apps: For more comprehensive control, consider using parental control applications such as Qustodio or Net Nanny. These apps offer advanced features like real-time monitoring, app blocking, and detailed usage reports. Here’s a general approach:

   • Download and install the chosen parental control app from the app store.
   • Follow the setup instructions to create an account and connect your child's device.
   • Navigate to the app management section within the parental control app.
   • Select WhatsApp and choose the appropriate restrictions, such as blocking video calls or limiting overall usage time.
5. Communication and Education: While technical solutions are effective, it’s also crucial to have open communication with your children about responsible smartphone use. Explain why you're implementing these restrictions and encourage them to understand the importance of digital well-being.

6. WhatsApp Settings: Although limited, WhatsApp itself offers some settings that can help:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to More options > Settings > Account.
   • Tap on Privacy. Here you can control who can call you by selecting “My Contacts” instead of “Everyone”. This won’t completely ban video calls but will limit them to your contacts list.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively manage and reduce the use of video calls on WhatsApp, ensuring a safer and more controlled digital environment for yourself or your family members.