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WhatsApp Web to Get Voice and Video Calls: A Game Changer for Desktop Users

WhatsApp Web to Get Voice and Video Calls: A Game Changer for Desktop Users

WhatsApp Web is about to get a major upgrade! Soon, users will be able to make voice and video calls directly from their web browsers, bringing it on par with other communication platforms like Microsoft Teams. This exciting news comes from WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp beta developments, indicating that the feature is currently being tested and is expected to roll out to users in the coming weeks.

Currently, WhatsApp users who want to make calls have to rely on the mobile app or the dedicated desktop applications for Windows and Mac. But that's about to change. As reported by Umar Shakir of The Verge, WABetaInfo discovered new call buttons appearing on the web client. This means you could soon access all the same features no matter where you use WhatsApp.

screenshot of the web version of WhatsApp with camera and phone icons on the top of a group chat
WhatsApp Web is getting voice and video calling.

According to IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd, the new features will benefit users who primarily access WhatsApp on desktops and laptops, ensuring a consistent user experience across platforms. It will be available for both individual and group calls, allowing users to connect even when their smartphone is not nearby.

WABetaInfo shared a screenshot showcasing the familiar camera and phone icons available on the main app now appearing in a WhatsApp group chat within a web browser. This update aligns with WhatsApp’s broader efforts to streamline the user experience, regardless of the platform used. Last month, WhatsApp introduced a new call dropdown menu for beta testers, making initiating voice or video calls easier. Now, with these features surfacing on the web version, users may soon enjoy full call functionality directly from browsers such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge—without needing to install any application.

The report also highlights that Meta has been testing these native voice and video calling capabilities on both Windows and macOS versions of the WhatsApp web app. Do note that WhatsApp web clients on Windows and MacOS do not allow users to directly log in to their WhatsApp account. Instead, they enable users to attach them as companion devices. WhatsApp currently allows four companion devices per account, which could be smartphones, web clients, or direct web login.

Once the feature is widely available, users will be able to initiate a voice or video call from the top right corner of the app. Incoming calls will also be supported, making it easier for users to take WhatsApp calls on their work computers.

This enhancement positions WhatsApp to compete more directly with platforms like Microsoft Teams, making it a more versatile communication tool accessible from virtually any device with internet access.

With voice and video calling coming to WhatsApp Web, how do you think this will change your communication habits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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