Want to video call someone on Instagram but aren't sure where to start? Instagram supports calls in Direct Messages, including group calls. Start there, then use the settings below if Instagram needs access to your camera or microphone.
Start with Instagram Direct Messages
Open Instagram’s Direct Messages to access its native calling features, including group calls. On a computer at instagram.com, click Messages on the left. Click an existing conversation, or start a new one.
Click Video in the top right of the chat. For an audio-only call, click Call instead. Then click Start call.
You can start an audio or video call with up to 8 people. Button labels in the iPhone and Android apps can change, so don’t treat older screenshots as confirmation of the current app interface.
Skip old Messenger Rooms instructions: Meta discontinued Rooms in late 2023 and directs users to group calls in Instagram DMs instead.
Use Instagram Lite on Android
Instagram Lite supports video and audio calls on compatible Android devices in supported markets. You don’t need to switch to the full Instagram app to use those features.
To get the app, open Meta’s official Instagram Lite listing in the Google Play Store. Select Install. For an existing installation, use the update action offered on that listing.
Instagram Lite needs camera and microphone permissions too. The Android settings below apply to both versions.
Give Instagram Access on iPhone
Denied camera or microphone permission blocks Instagram from using that hardware for a video call.
If you need to install or update Instagram, open its official US App Store listing and use the action offered for your device. The current listing requires iOS 16.3 or later on iPhone, or iPadOS 16.3 or later on iPad.
Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Turn on Instagram. Next, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Turn on Instagram there too.
Missing from the list? Apps appear only after requesting access. These switches give Instagram permission to use your hardware; they don’t start a call.
Set Your Android App Permissions
Open Settings > Apps. If Instagram isn’t listed, tap See all apps. Select Instagram or Instagram Lite, then open Permissions.
Select Camera and choose Allow only while using the app. Return to Permissions, then select Microphone. Choose Allow only while using the app.
Tip: Android menu wording varies by manufacturer, and an alternative route is Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission manager, followed by the permission type and app.
Google notes that some of these instructions require Android 11 or later on Pixel. The same wording may not appear on another manufacturer’s phone.
Check Android’s Device-Wide Privacy Controls
App permissions are only one place to check. Android also has camera and microphone controls that apply across the device, separate from Instagram’s permissions.
On devices with these controls, open Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Privacy controls. Menu wording and availability depend on your Android version and manufacturer. Enable Camera access to allow camera use. Then turn on Microphone access to allow microphone use too.
Check Camera and Microphone Permissions in Chrome
Desktop Chrome has separate website permissions for your camera and microphone. These settings only control hardware access. To start the call itself on instagram.com, follow the steps in the Direct Messages section above.
When a site requests access, select Allow while visiting the site or Allow this time. To change a previous camera denial, open More > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera. Select the blocked site and change its permission to Allow.
Repeat the process under Microphone to permit audio access. Allowing camera access alone does not grant microphone access.
If your work or school manages Chrome, an administrator may control these settings and prevent you from changing them. Ask the administrator to permit the required access; there is no universal consumer menu path for overriding that policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Instagram on an iPad?
Yes. Instagram’s current US App Store listing supports iPad and requires iPadOS 16.3 or later. On iPhone, it requires iOS 16.3 or later.
Where can I download the full Instagram app on Android?
Open Meta’s official Instagram listing in Google Play and select Install. For an existing installation, use the update action offered. The app is available on compatible Android devices, with availability and features varying by region.
Why can’t I change camera or microphone permissions in my work browser?
An administrator can control those permissions in managed Chrome installations. Ask your work or school administrator to permit the required access.