WhatsApp is rolling out voice and video calls on the Web
WhatsApp is gradually introducing voice and video calling on the Web, starting with individual chats for users enrolled in the beta program. This initial release lets users place calls directly from their browser without installing a desktop app.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Voice and video calls |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sc, for collaborating, testing, and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is working on improved status privacy with custom audience lists! |
WhatsApp Web adds voice and video calling
Last month, we reported that WhatsApp was developing group calling for the web client. With this feature, users will be able to place calls directly from the web without installing the desktop app. The update will support both voice and video calls, making it easier for users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Group chats are expected to support calls with up to 32 participants, along with other new features such as call links and scheduled calls.
The group calling feature is still under development to ensure a bug-free experience before its official release in the future. However, it appears that WhatsApp is now ready to launch the first phase of calling support on the Web. In this initial stage, users can start calls directly from individual chats, making it simpler to quickly reach others from their browser.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is finally rolling out a feature that lets some users make calls directly from the web client. The feature has been in development for about a year, over which time WhatsApp has refined the experience to match the functionality offered by desktop apps. This initial rollout focuses on individual chats, allowing users to place both voice and video calls without installing the desktop app. Users can simply open a chat and click the call button to start.
Calls made from WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted, the same way as they are on Android, iOS, and desktop apps. This ensures that only the two participants can hear the conversation, so not even WhatsApp and Meta can access the content of the call. Calls placed from the web client are encrypted using the Signal protocol, which has protected all messages, calls, and status updates on WhatsApp for years. It's worth noting that users do not need to enable any special settings, as encryption is automatically available for all calls.
Web calls also support Screen Share. Screen sharing lets users show their screen in real time. The feature works similarly to desktop apps, providing a familiar experience to users and making it easier to present documents, slides, or other content directly from the browser. To use this functionality, users need to be in an active video call, as voice calls do not support voice calls. It's important to remember to share your screen only with people you trust. Since the other participant will see everything you show on your screen, including any passwords and other personal information, always double-check what's visible before you start sharing.
The availability of calling on WhatsApp Web is especially good news for Linux users. Since WhatsApp doesn't offer a desktop app for Linux, these users have relied on WhatsApp Web for messaging and media sharing. With voice and video calls now supported, Linux users can enjoy the full functionality of WhatsApp without having to switch to their phone. This makes it easier to join meetings, catch up with friends, or collaborate with colleagues directly from a browser on Linux. Even some users on Windows who do not use the new hybrid desktop app can finally take advantage of making calls directly from the web.
Voice and video calling are available to some users who have signed up for the WhatsApp Web beta program. Over the next few weeks, WhatsApp will roll out this feature to more users, making it available even to users outside the beta program. Group calling will also be released after an initial testing phase, enabling WhatsApp to provide a complete calling experience.
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