WhatsApp's calling experience is getting a major upgrade, as the platform is finally bringing voice and video calling to WhatsApp Web. Four new features are tagging along as well that improve call quality, device switching and group call management.
You can now start or receive one-on-one and group WhatsApp calls straight from your browser without the dedicated WhatsApp desktop app. The feature carries over most of what you'd expect from the mobile or desktop apps, which includes screen sharing, call reactions and a dedicated Calls tab with your history and favourites.
This has been in the works for a while. One-on-one WhatsApp Web calling began testing with select users in February this year. Meanwhile, group calls, supporting up to 32 participants, call links and screen sharing followed in June.
Today's update makes web calling the default for everyone, including Linux users, who get native in-browser calling on WhatsApp for the first time.
Most importantly, WhatsApp Web calls remain end-to-end encrypted, with no time limits and no extra cost.
The second major addition, Call Transfer, lets you move an active group call from your phone or tablet to WhatsApp Web or desktop without hanging up, or vice versa. You can simply start a call on the go and then switch to a bigger screen once you're home.
Apart from that, WhatsApp Group calls created with a call link can now use Waiting Room, which requires host approval before letting people in. Anyone who joins via the link waits until the host lets them through, giving hosts more control over who joins and when. This is similar to how Google Meet works.
Then there's the QuickHD feature, which gets video calls to HD quality within the first few seconds instead of ramping up the quality gradually. Meanwhile, Noise Suppression adds a toggle that filters out background noise so your voice comes through clearly, even in loud environments.
All five features are rolling out gradually and should reach everyone within the coming days. With web calling and seamless device switching now available, WhatsApp's calling experience feels much more complete, especially for users who frequently move between their phone and browser.
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