No app needed: WhatsApp brings voice and video calling to web

New Delhi: Good News for those who are using WhatsApp web, because recently the company has reported rolling out calling options for web users that will enable them to make voice and video calls from the WhatsApp Web. This latest update will now enable users to make calls directly from their web browser, by removing the need to install the desktop application. The feature is being unveiled gradually, and it is currently available to select users. WhatsApp does not enable users to make direct calls on the web client, which is the current situation.

WhatsApp is releasing the first phase of calling support on the web. Users can make voice and video calls from individual chats on WhatsApp Web. To start the call, users will need to open the chat and click the call button, similar to how calling works on the desktop and mobile applications. WhatsApp Web is end-to-end encrypted, just like the calls on the Android, iOS, and desktop applications. This will ensure that only the participants on the call can hear and see the conversation, and neither WhatsApp nor its parent company, Meta, can easily access the call content.

This encryption is powered by the Signal Protocol, which WhatsApp has used for the messages, calls, and status updates for years. Users do not need to turn on any extra settings, as the encryption is allowed by default. WhatsApp Web calling now also supports screen sharing during video calls. This enables users to share their screens in real-time for document sharing or collaboration. The screen sharing works only during video calls, not voice-only calls.

By this latest update, group calls on the web are also in development, but they are not available yet. The group calls on the WhatsApp Web are expected to support up to 32 participants. There are some other features, such as call links and scheduled calls, and they are also planned as part of the wider calling experience. WhatsApp is still testing group calling to ensure the stability and avoid bugs before releasing it more broadly.