WhatsApp has finally begun rolling out voice and video calling on WhatsApp Web, a long-awaited feature that brings browser users closer to the full app experience. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the new capability is currently available to a limited number of beta users and is expected to reach more people in the coming weeks.
Until now, WhatsApp Web functioned mainly as a companion service, allowing users to send messages and share media. At the same time, voice and video calls were restricted to the Windows and macOS desktop apps. With this update, users can place calls directly from their web browser, eliminating the need to install the desktop application.
The feature, reportedly in development for nearly a year, supports one-to-one voice and video calls. Users can start a call by clicking the call button in the top-right corner of the chat window. Group calling is not supported at this stage, but it is expected to arrive later once the feature stabilises.
Privacy remains a key focus. Calls made through WhatsApp Web are protected with end-to-end encryption, using the same Signal protocol that secures messages, calls, and status updates across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms. This ensures that users receive the same level of protection on the web as they do on other devices.
Reports also suggest that WhatsApp Web calling supports screen sharing, enabling users to present their screens in real time during video calls. This addition could make the web version more useful for professional and collaborative conversations.
One major advantage of browser-based calling is platform flexibility. Since the feature runs entirely in a web browser, it works on operating systems like Linux that still lack an official WhatsApp desktop app. This removes the need for third-party solutions or device switching for many users.
WhatsApp Web was originally launched in 2015 as a lightweight extension of the mobile app, while desktop apps gained calling support in 2021. With this update, WhatsApp Web takes a significant step toward offering a more complete communication experience, narrowing the gap with its desktop counterparts.
Alongside this rollout, Meta is reportedly working on additional features for WhatsApp, including a close friends option for status updates and a premium subscription that may offer enhanced personalisation and productivity tools.
For now, WhatsApp Web voice and video calling is being rolled out gradually to beta users, with a broader release to stable users expected soon.
