WhatsApp beta is testing noise cancellation for voice and video calling
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users enable noise cancellation during voice and video calls. The feature will automatically filter out background noise, making voice conversations clearer and more focused in the future.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Noise cancellation |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is widely rolling out a new profile tab on iOS! |
WhatsApp is working on noise suppression to improve voice and video calls
Last month, we announced that WhatsApp launched voice and video calling on the Web. Calls made from WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the two participants can hear the content of the call. Calling on the Web is particularly useful for Linux users, as WhatsApp doesn't offer a desktop app for Linux. So Linux users can enjoy the full functionality of WhatsApp without switching to their phone.
WhatsApp continues to improve its calling experience, and not just on WhatsApp Web. Development is also ongoing on the WhatsApp for Android app, where WhatsApp aims to enhance overall call quality. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.11.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that enables built‑in noise cancellation for voice and video calling.
As you can see from the attached image, WhatsApp is exploring a new feature designed to reduce background noise during voice and video calls. WhatsApp plans to release this feature in a future update, but it is already expected to bring an additional layer of clarity to conversations. Noise cancellation is a technology that identifies and suppresses unwanted background sounds. These usually include traffic, wind, or nearby chatter. It works by isolating the user's voice and minimizing other audio signals in real-time. Filtering noise helps users ensure that their calls sound clearer and more focused, even in noisy environments.
Currently, WhatsApp does not support noise cancellation on Android. Instead, on iPhone and iPad, Apple offers mic models such as voice isolation that filter out sorrowing noice during calls. WhatsApp calls on iOS can benefit from these controls through the device's audio settings. On Android, calls are still processed without built-in background noise suppression. This means that ambient sounds may be more noticeable during voice and video calls.
With a future update, WhatsApp plans to enable noise cancellation by default on Android. The app will automatically enable noise cancellation once a call is initiated. This option will ensure clearer audio immediately when a call begins. To make it clear when noise cancellation is active, WhatsApp will present a toast that informs users that the feature has been enabled automatically. It is important to mention that enabling noise cancellation does not affect end-to-end encryption. The process works locally on the device where the audio is filtered from the microphone before it is encrypted and sent.
Note that users will have control over noise cancellation. It will be possible to disable noise cancellation at anytime right within the calling menu. For example, users may want to turn it off when playing music during a call, as the feature could suppress parts of the audio. Similarly, it might be useful to disable noise suppression when ambient sounds are important, such as during a call in a live event or while sharing environmental audio.
The feature that enables built‑in noise cancellation for voice and video calling is currently under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how the app detects and filters out background sounds. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp will release this feature to some beta testers, making it easier for users to enjoy clearer calls.
Stay Connected with WABetaInfo
Following WABetaInfo on X is the best way to stay informed about new features under development and those released to WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop. We love hearing your feedback, so let us know what you think! You can also explore our dedicated page to discover all our services, or join our Discord Server to chat with others, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest WABetaInfo announcements.