Highlights
- WhatsApp Web is finally gaining native voice and video calling.
- The rollout is currently limited to beta users, offering one-to-one calls with group calling expected later.
- Calls remain end-to-end encrypted and now include Screen Share support.
WhatsApp is finally bringing voice and video calling to its web app, nearly a year after reports first surfaced about the feature being in development. The new functionality is now starting to roll out to select users, marking a major upgrade for WhatsApp Web.
WhatsApp Web App – Voice and Video Calling
A major gap between WhatsApp desktop app and web version is now beginning to close. As highlighted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started rolling out native voice and video calling directly on WhatsApp Web. With this update, the platform’s long-standing ‘lite’ tag is effectively being phased out.
At the moment, the feature is limited and not available to everyone. Some users can already make one-to-one voice and video calls through WhatsApp Web, while support for group calls is expected to be added at a later stage.
Back in April last year, it was reported that WhatsApp was working on adding calling support to its web client. While WhatsApp’s desktop apps for Windows and macOS have supported audio and video calls since 2021, the web version, which debuted in 2015, had long missed out on this feature, making it the odd one out in the platform’s ecosystem.
How WhatsApp Web Calling Works?
The calling experience on WhatsApp Web closely mirrors what users are already familiar with on the Windows and Mac apps.
Users simply need to open a chat and tap the call icon located at the top right corner of the conversation. From there, they can choose between starting a voice call or a video call.
Calls made via WhatsApp Web also maintain the same privacy standards as other WhatsApp platforms. They are fully end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol, ensuring user conversations remain secure.
In addition to calling, WhatsApp Web video calls now support Screen Share functionality, working in the same way as it does on the desktop apps.
Currently, voice and video calling on WhatsApp Web is rolling out only to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program. A wider rollout to stable WhatsApp Web users is expected to follow in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q1. Does WhatsApp Web now support voice and video calls?
Answer. WhatsApp has started rolling out native voice and video calling on its web client, bringing it in line with the desktop apps for Windows and macOS.
Q2. Who can access WhatsApp Web calling right now?
Answer. Currently, the feature is limited to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program. A wider rollout to all users is expected in the coming weeks.
Q3. Are WhatsApp Web calls secure, and what features are included?
Answer. Calls are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol, ensuring privacy. The update also adds Screen Share functionality for video calls, similar to the desktop apps.