“WhatsApp Web has played a secondary role to the company’s mobile and desktop apps for years now, offering a convenient way to type messages on a larger screen but stopping short of delivering the full WhatsApp experience. That is now beginning to change.”
WhatsApp has started rolling out native voice and video calling on its web platform, allowing users to make calls directly from a browser without installing additional software. The update marks a notable shift for WhatsApp Web, which since its launch in 2015 has functioned mainly as a companion to the mobile app rather than a fully featured communication tool.
Until now, voice and video calling were limited to WhatsApp’s mobile apps and its standalone desktop applications for Windows and macOS, where calling support was introduced in 2021. Browser-based users were excluded, despite growing demand from people who spend much of their day working on computers. The new update brings WhatsApp Web closer in functionality to its desktop counterparts.
According to information shared by WABetaInfo, eligible users will begin seeing voice and video call icons appear at the top of one-to-one chats within WhatsApp Web. Calls can be initiated with a single click, following the same process already familiar to desktop app users. At this stage, the feature is restricted to individual conversations, with group calling not yet available.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing and refining the experience before expanding the feature more broadly. The company has not confirmed a timeline for when group calls may be added to the web version.
Privacy remains a central element of the update. Voice and video calls made through WhatsApp Web continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol, maintaining the same security standards across mobile, desktop, and web platforms. In addition, the update introduces screen-sharing during video calls, expanding WhatsApp Web’s usefulness for professional meetings, presentations, and remote support.
The rollout is currently limited to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta programme, with a wider release expected in the coming weeks. Availability varies by region and is subject to local regulations.
In the United Arab Emirates, access to WhatsApp calling features remains restricted. Voice and video calls on WhatsApp mobile and desktop apps are still subject to approval by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). As a result, it remains unclear when or if the new WhatsApp Web calling features will be enabled locally.
If fully rolled out, the update could significantly change how users rely on WhatsApp Web, transforming it from a basic messaging companion into a more complete communication platform for users who prefer browser-based tools.
