How Do I Make a Video Call? – Wristcam

First, Video Calling works on Apple Watch Series 3 and higher. It performs optimally on Series 6 and 7.

After successfully downloading the updated Wristcam App software (you will see this in the App Store on your iPhone), if needed, please pair your Wristcam to iPhone Bluetooth and complete the onboarding of accepting permissions to your iPhone.

Please go to the Wristcam app Settings. Then scroll down to the Video Calling EARLY ACCESS section of the Wristcam App. You will see the Video Camera Icon. Once there, click Sign in and make sure to use your Apple ID to register.

Check out the how to make a call, connect with your contacts through the Wristcam App Newsfeed, which is the icon on the lower far left (you will see four panes/squares within the Wristcam iPhone companion app). At the bottom of the app are the Newsfeed, Video Calling, Gallery, & Settings icons.

If your friends/family own a Wristcam- please ensure they also updated their software. If not, they may be able to receive your Wristcam video messages (if they created a Messenger account) but not a video call.

If your family/friends do not have a Wristcam:

Ensure they have an iPhone or iPad as this is currently compatible with iOS and not Android mobile phones (yet- we are working on this for the future).
They will need to install the latest Wristcam software, go to Settings and Sign in to Video Calling EARLY ACCESS to create an account.

Getting Started Tips:

Sometimes it's easier to send a video message 1st to see your family/friends have received it.
Enable Push Notifications from Wristcam Fully charge your Wristcam 3-4 hours before each use. Incoming Video Calls are received by a notification on your Apple Watch, rather than an audible ring. Notifications will not present themselves on the Watch when you are not wearing it on your wrist. We strongly recommend that you allow permissions within your iPhone settings in order to be made aware of incoming calls.
Configure the Apple Watch so the timeout is changed to 70 seconds instead of 15 seconds (settings) so the Apple Watch does not “go dark” during your call.
1. You can change the time in Apple Watch Settings->Display & Brightness -> Wakeup duration ->70 Seconds.
Once you answer the video call on one device - your Apple Watch or iPhone Wristcam app - the call must remain on that device; you can not change the platform of the call.
For ideal performance, you need Apple Watch 6, SE, or 7.

How to make a video call on Wristcam:

Open the the Wristcam app preview on your Apple Watch.
Slide from the Photo option, again to pass the Video option, and locate the Video Calling Screen.
Select “Message” or “Video Call”.
1. For Message, select a contact and the Apple Watch screen will change to a blue outlined screen with a red square stop button in the lower left corner.
  1. A countdown timer - 3,2,1 - will appear prior to the Message recording beginning.
  2. Once recording, the blue outline will turn green, and will slowly move along the edge of the screen indicating the time left for you to record the message and progressing in color to red nearing the end of time to record.
  3. To stop recording at any time, tap the stop button.
  4. Your message will send automatically.
2. For Video Call, select a contact and the call will immediately initiate
  1. The Wristcam self-facing video camera will turn on.
  2. When the recipient accepts the call, the video and audio will connect.

Possible troubleshooting:

Change from Wifi (turn it off on your Apple Watch, under Settings) to switch to Cellular Data if the connection is weak.
Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Wristcam app- please save any needed photos or videos prior to taking this step so you do not lose your content.

Remember, Wristcam Video Calling is in Early Access so you may experience some bugs along the way. Should you encounter any major or minor issues we want to hear from you. Please submit a bug report, which can be found within the Settings section of the Wristcam App (and ensure your Wristcam is paired and your Wristcam app Preview is on in your watch face). Please include as many details as possible with the report.