Fixing connection problems on a video call
“Match found” and “I can see them” are different steps. Most failures sit in the second one.
WebRTC tries a direct path between the two phones. If both of you are behind strict NAT (common on campus Wi-Fi and some mobile carriers), that path does not exist. We then offer an encrypted TURN relay. The relay carries packets; it does not keep a recording. Direct is cheaper and usually clearer; relay exists so “both of us are on terrible NAT” is not a dead end.
Quick checks
- Camera and mic actually granted (see permissions).
- Another app is not holding the camera (Instagram, Zoom, the system camera).
- Battery saver is not killing the app the moment the screen dims. Stay on the call screen.
- VPN off for one test call. Some VPNs break ICE candidate exchange.
One-way video
If you see them and they do not see you, it is often your camera permission, a cover over the lens, or the in-call camera-off toggle. If it is always one direction with every partner, say so in email — that smells like a client bug on one side, not “the internet.”
Audio but no video, or the reverse
Mute and camera-off are separate. A peer can turn their camera off on purpose. The call screen should say so rather than showing a frozen last frame forever. If the UI lies, that is a bug.
We would rather you send a timestamp and your network type (Wi-Fi / LTE / 5G) than a five-page theory. Contact.
Questions: support@randomvideocall.in · More guides