WhatsApp announces new calling features including web calls

WhatsApp is rolling out web calling, call transfers, a waiting room, QuickHD video, and noise suppression for calls. Web calling is the most important feature: it brings audio and video calls to WhatsApp Web without downloading the desktop app. WhatsApp announced these features in a new blog post today.

WhatsApp was rolling out web calling to beta testers

In February, we announced that WhatsApp was finally rolling out voice and video calls on the web. The update allows users to start calls right within their individual chats. In June, WhatsApp expanded web calling to group chats, with support for up to 32 participants, call links, and screen sharing. Both features were only available to some users at that time. Today, WhatsApp is officially bringing web calling to everyone, alongside four more updates for calls.

WhatsApp announces five new calling features today

WhatsApp just published an official blog post to announce a new set of calling features. The announcement covers web calling, call transfers between devices, a waiting room for group calls, faster HD video, and noise suppression. These features address some of the most common limitations with WhatsApp calls. With this update, WhatsApp is making it easier for users to call from wherever they are.

Web calling brings audio and video calls to the browser

Today, WhatsApp is bringing web calling to everyone. Users can now start and receive audio and video calls directly from WhatsApp Web. This feature makes it simpler for users to place a call without installing the desktop app. It is compatible with both one-on-one and group chats, and it works just like calling from the mobile or desktop app. Calls on WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted, so nobody outside the conversation can listen to them, not even WhatsApp. WhatsApp is also rolling out screen sharing, call reactions, call history, and favorites, all from the browser. Web calling is especially useful for Linux users, so they can finally make calls directly from the browser for the first time.

Call Transfer lets users move a call between their devices

When users start a call on their phone, they may need to move to a bigger screen without hanging up. Call Transfer makes this possible. With this feature, users can finally transfer an active group call from their phone or tablet to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, or vice versa. The call continues without interruption, so nobody on the other end notices the switch. This feature makes a real difference for users who may switch between their devices during the day.

Waiting Room gives hosts control over who joins

Waiting Room is a new option available for group calls created with a call link. When a host enables the option "Require approval to join" on the call link, participants who click it land in a waiting room instead of joining directly. The host can see who is waiting and let people in when ready. This is useful for reviewing who is waiting, or for taking a moment to get set up before others join.

QuickHD and Noise Suppression improve call quality

WhatsApp is also improving the quality of calls by introducing two new features. QuickHD delivers high-definition video from the first moment of the call. Noise Suppression filters out background sounds so the other person hears the caller's voice more clearly, even in loud environments. Users can turn Noise Suppression on or off at any time from the calling interface. Both features work quietly in the background and do not require any setup.

WhatsApp is rolling out all five features gradually

WhatsApp confirmed that these features are rolling out gradually. This means that they will be available to everyone soon. If any of the features does not appear yet, users should check back over the coming days.

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