Ending an awkward video call: 10 friendly exit lines, and when you don't need one
Updated
Random video chat has a built-in exit, and everyone uses it. The hard part is the few seconds before you tap Next, when you're wondering whether to say something. Here are ten lines that cover almost every situation, a quick rule for when to try saving the call first, and the times you can skip the goodbye entirely.
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10 exit lines, from casual to polite
Keep it short and warm. You don't need an excuse.
- "Nice meeting you! I'm going to keep rolling. Have a good one."
- "I'll let you go. Enjoy the rest of your night."
- "This was fun, but I'm going to bounce. Take care!"
- "I think we're on different wavelengths, but it was nice to say hi."
- "I've got an early shift tomorrow, so I'm heading out. Night!"
- "My roommate needs the room. Good luck out there!"
- "Class starts in ten, gotta run. Nice chatting."
- "I'm going to try a couple more people. Stay cool."
- "Good luck with the move to Denver!" (Name something they told you. It lands well.)
- A smile, a wave, then Next. That counts too.
The one-rescue rule
If the person seems nice but the talk has stalled, give it one rescue, not five. Open a conversation starter card, or start a quick game like This or That or Rock Paper Scissors. A game gives you both something to react to.
If the rescue doesn't spark anything, say goodbye. You tried, and so did they.
Why tapping Next isn't rude here
On random video chat, nobody expects every match to click. Skipping is how the format works. On momos, Next ends the call and finds someone new, and the other person is often just as ready to move on.
Staying in a call that isn't working out of guilt only costs you both time.
No-goodbye cases: report and block
Politeness is for awkward, not for inappropriate. If someone is explicit, aggressive, hateful, or pushing for money or personal details, you owe them nothing. Hit Report and Block and move on. Reports are reviewed by people, and repeat offenders are banned.
Leaving a call that's going well
Sometimes you have to go mid-conversation: it's 1 a.m. in Chicago and you work at 8, or your Uber is outside. Say so and tell them you enjoyed it. "I have to run, but this was really fun" is all it takes.
If you want to talk again, add them as a friend after the call and message them on momos later. No phone numbers needed.
When you're the one getting skipped
Everyone gets skipped, often in seconds. People skip for a different interest, a slow connection, a knock at the door, or just because they like to browse. It's rarely about you. Tap Start, lead with a smile and a specific question, and keep going.
Pick the exit that fits
| Situation | Move |
|---|---|
| Quiet, but they seem nice | One rescue (a game or starter card), then a friendly goodbye |
| Nothing in common | "Nice meeting you" and Next |
| They look checked out | Smile, wave, Next |
| Rude, explicit or asking for money | Report and Block, no goodbye |
| Great call, but you have to go | Say so, then add them as a friend |
Frequently asked questions
Does the other person find out why I tapped Next?
No. Next ends the call and matches you with someone new. No reason is shared.
How long should I give a quiet call before leaving?
There's no rule, but a minute of silence plus one rescue attempt is plenty. If neither of you is enjoying it, a quick goodbye is kinder than waiting it out.
What's an easy exit line when it's late?
Use the time zone. "It's past midnight here in Ohio, I need sleep. Nice meeting you!" It's true, friendly and needs no follow-up.
Can I leave a Duo mode call if my friend wants to stay?
Duo mode pairs you and your friend with another pair, so agree on a signal beforehand. If something is wrong, either of you can tap Report or Block.
What if I want to talk to them again later?
Add them as a friend after the call. You can message them on momos later without sharing a phone number.
Adults only. Never recorded.
momos is for people 18 and older. We don't record or store calls, and report and block are always one tap away. See the safety center.