WhatsApp has started rolling out voice and video calling directly on the web, marking one of the biggest upgrades to the browser-based experience in years. The feature is now appearing for users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta, with a wider rollout planned in phases.
This update removes one of the biggest limitations of WhatsApp Web. Until now, users had to rely on the desktop app or their phone to make calls. With web calling enabled, conversations can move from text to voice or video without leaving the browser.
What’s available in the first phase:
- Voice and video calls directly from individual chats on WhatsApp Web
- No need to install the Windows or macOS desktop app
- One-click calling from the chat interface
- Works inside modern browsers with camera and microphone access
Users simply open a chat and tap the call icon, similar to how it works on mobile or desktop apps.
Security and privacy remain unchanged:
- Calls are end-to-end encrypted
- Encryption uses the Signal protocol, the same system WhatsApp uses across platforms
- No additional settings required to enable encryption
- WhatsApp and Meta cannot access call content
This ensures web-based calls offer the same privacy guarantees as calls made on Android, iOS, or desktop.
Screen sharing is also supported:
- Available during video calls on WhatsApp Web
- Lets users share their entire screen or selected content
- Useful for presentations, walkthroughs, and collaboration
- Matches the experience offered by desktop apps
Users should still be cautious while sharing screens, as everything visible on-screen can be seen by the other participant.
Why this update matters:
- Makes WhatsApp Web a complete communication tool
- Removes dependency on phone-based calling
- Improves productivity for work and remote collaboration
- Ideal for users who spend most of their day in a browser
This change is especially important for Linux users. WhatsApp does not offer a native Linux desktop app, forcing Linux users to rely entirely on the web version. With calling support now live, Linux users finally get near-parity with Windows and macOS users.
What’s coming next:
- Group calling support is already in development
- Expected to support up to 32 participants
- Call links and scheduled calls are also being tested
- Group calls will roll out after further stability testing
WhatsApp appears to be taking a staged approach to avoid bugs and performance issues, starting with one-on-one calls before expanding to group conversations.
Availability details:
- Currently live for select users on the WhatsApp Web beta
- Gradual rollout planned over the coming weeks
- Will expand beyond beta users once stability checks are complete
Users who don’t see the feature yet don’t need to take any action. The update is being enabled server-side and will appear automatically once available for their account.
This update signals a shift in how WhatsApp views its web client. Instead of being a companion to mobile, WhatsApp Web is evolving into a fully capable platform that stands on its own.
For users who prefer working from laptops, desktops, or Linux machines, this removes friction and makes WhatsApp far more practical for daily communication.
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