WhatsApp Brings Calling Features to Its Web App-WhatsApp is finally expanding the capabilities of its web app, rolling out support for voice and video calls directly through a web browser. The update marks a major shift for the platform, which has long limited calling features to its mobile and desktop apps.
For years, WhatsApp Web has been a convenient companion tool, allowing users to access their chats from a computer without installing additional software. However, its functionality has remained relatively basic, focused almost entirely on text messages, media sharing, and file transfers. Voice and video calls—one of WhatsApp’s most widely used features—were notably absent.
That’s now beginning to change.
Calling comes to the browser
As first reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started rolling out voice and video call support for its web version. This means users will be able to make and receive calls directly from browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari, without needing to download the WhatsApp desktop application.
Once the feature is fully rolled out, WhatsApp Web will more closely mirror the experience offered on mobile and desktop, giving users a true cross-device communication option. Calls will use the computer’s microphone, speakers, and webcam, making it possible to handle meetings, catch up with friends, or take quick calls while working at a desk.
Closing a long-standing feature gap
Until now, users who wanted to make WhatsApp calls on a computer had only one option: install the standalone desktop app for Windows or macOS. While that app works well, it adds friction for people using shared computers, work devices with restricted installations, or systems where downloads aren’t allowed.
By bringing calls to the browser, WhatsApp removes one of the most persistent limitations of its web client. It also puts the platform more in line with competitors like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom, all of which support calling directly from a browser without requiring a dedicated app.
For casual users, the change may seem small. For power users and professionals, it’s a meaningful upgrade that reduces dependency on smartphones during the workday.
How it’s expected to work
While WhatsApp hasn’t officially detailed the technical implementation, early reports suggest the web-based calling feature closely resembles the desktop app experience. Users will see familiar call icons within individual chats, allowing them to initiate voice or video calls with a single click.
Calls are expected to retain WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, meaning conversations remain private and inaccessible to third parties, including WhatsApp itself. The platform already uses this encryption standard across messages and calls on mobile and desktop, and there’s no indication that browser-based calls will be treated differently.
Because the feature is still rolling out, availability may vary by region and account, with some users gaining access earlier than others.
A sign of WhatsApp’s broader platform shift
The move reflects WhatsApp’s broader effort to evolve beyond its mobile-first roots. Over the past few years, the company has invested heavily in multi-device support, allowing users to stay logged in across multiple devices without requiring their phone to remain constantly connected.
Adding calls to the web app is a logical next step in that transition. As more users rely on laptops and desktops for daily communication—especially in hybrid and remote work environments—WhatsApp needs to function as a full-featured platform, not just a mobile companion.
It also signals that WhatsApp is taking its web experience more seriously, treating it as a primary access point rather than a secondary convenience.
Practical benefits for everyday users
The update offers several immediate advantages:
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No downloads required: Ideal for work computers or shared systems
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Seamless multitasking: Easier to switch between chats, documents, and calls
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Better audio and video hardware: Many users prefer their computer’s mic and webcam over a phone
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Reduced phone dependency: Less need to keep your phone nearby during long work sessions
For users who already rely on WhatsApp for personal and professional communication, this change could significantly streamline daily workflows.
Remaining questions and limitations
As with any rollout, there are still unanswered questions. It’s unclear whether WhatsApp Web will support group calls immediately or if the feature will launch with one-on-one calls only. Performance on lower-powered devices and older browsers is another unknown, particularly for video calls.
There’s also the question of feature parity. The desktop app includes options like screen resizing, call notifications, and background operation that may be more limited in a browser environment.
WhatsApp hasn’t yet published a full support document outlining browser compatibility, system requirements, or known limitations.
A small update with big implications
While browser-based calling might not sound revolutionary, it represents a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for millions of users. WhatsApp has long been one of the world’s most popular communication platforms, yet its web experience lagged behind its mobile offering in key areas.
By finally enabling voice and video calls on the web, WhatsApp removes one of its most noticeable shortcomings—and makes its web app far more useful in modern, device-agnostic workflows.
The feature is still rolling out, but once widely available, WhatsApp Web will no longer be “just for messages.” It will be a full communication hub—no app download required.
