Can you make voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web now? Here’s what to know

WhatsApp Web is taking a major step toward closing the gap with its mobile and desktop counterparts. Meta has begun rolling out voice and video calling support on WhatsApp Web, marking one of the most significant upgrades to the browser-based experience in years.

The feature, which is currently reaching beta users, allows WhatsApp Web users to place calls directly from their browser—without needing to install the desktop app. While the rollout is still in its early stages, it signals a broader push by Meta to make WhatsApp Web a fully standalone communication platform.

Who Gets Access First?

According to reports from WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new calling functionality is now being activated for users enrolled in WhatsApp Web’s beta program, starting with one-on-one chats.

For now, group voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web are still under development, but this initial release lays the foundation for those features to arrive in the near future.

This change is particularly notable because, until now, WhatsApp users who wanted to make calls on a computer were required to download Meta’s official desktop app. With this update, WhatsApp Web users can make calls directly through their browser, making the platform far more convenient for work and everyday use.

How Voice and Video Calls Work on WhatsApp Web

The calling experience on WhatsApp Web has been designed to closely mirror what users are already familiar with on desktop and mobile.

Once the feature becomes available:

• Users can open a one-on-one chat

• Click the call or video icon

• Instantly place a voice or video call directly from the browser

There’s no additional setup required, provided your browser has access to your microphone and camera.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been under development for nearly a year, during which WhatsApp focused on refining performance, stability, and feature parity with its desktop apps.

Security and Screen Sharing

Security remains a key priority. Just like WhatsApp on iOS and Android, voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted, using the Signal encryption protocol. This ensures that conversations remain private and inaccessible to third parties, including Meta itself.

For video calls, users can also take advantage of screen sharing, making the feature useful not just for casual conversations, but also for remote collaboration, presentations, and online meetings.

When Will Group Calls Arrive?

While one-on-one calling is the focus of the current rollout, WhatsApp has not abandoned group calls on the web.

WABetaInfo reports that group calling support is still being actively developed. Once launched, WhatsApp Web is expected to support:

• Voice and video group calls

• Up to 32 participants

• Call links

• Scheduled calls

However, there is no confirmed timeline yet for when group calling will become available on WhatsApp Web.

When Will Non-Beta Users Get It?

At the moment, access appears limited to users participating in WhatsApp Web’s beta program. That said, Meta has made it clear that this restriction won’t last long.

The company is expected to expand availability to non-beta users over the coming weeks, gradually rolling out the feature more widely as stability and performance benchmarks are met.

How to Join WhatsApp Web’s Beta Program

Users eager to try the feature early can enroll in WhatsApp Web’s beta program by:

1. Opening WhatsApp Web

2. Navigating to Settings

3. Selecting Help and Feedback

4. Toggling the “Join the Beta” option

Joining the beta does not guarantee immediate access to voice and video calling, but it significantly increases the chances of receiving new features early as they roll out.

A Bigger Shift for WhatsApp Web

This update represents more than just a new feature—it’s a strategic shift. By bringing calling directly to the web, WhatsApp is positioning its browser-based platform as a serious alternative to apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams for lightweight communication.

As Meta continues to blur the lines between mobile, desktop, and web experiences, WhatsApp Web is no longer just a companion—it’s becoming a full-fledged communication hub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web now?

Yes, but only if you are part of WhatsApp Web’s beta program and the feature has been enabled for your account.

Does WhatsApp Web support group calls yet?

No. Group voice and video calls are still under development and have not yet rolled out.

Is calling on WhatsApp Web secure?

Yes. All calls are end-to-end encrypted using Signal’s encryption protocol.

Do I need to install the desktop app to make calls?

No. The new feature allows calling directly from a web browser without installing the desktop app.

When will the feature be available to everyone?

WhatsApp is expected to roll out the feature to non-beta users over the next few weeks.