For nearly a decade, WhatsApp Web has been a convenient but limited companion to the platform’s mobile app. While it made messaging easier for users working on larger screens, it stopped well short of offering a complete communication experience. That long-standing gap is now beginning to close.
WhatsApp has started rolling out native voice and video calling support on its web platform, allowing users to make calls directly through their browser without installing the Windows or Mac desktop app. The update marks one of the most significant upgrades to WhatsApp Web since its launch in 2015 and signals a shift in how Meta views browser-based usage of its messaging service.
From Companion Tool to Full-Fledged Platform
Until now, WhatsApp Web functioned largely as a mirror of the mobile app. Users could send messages, share files, and manage chats, but audio and video calling remained exclusive to smartphones and desktop applications. While WhatsApp introduced calling support for Windows and macOS users in 2021, browser users continued to face restrictions, often forcing them to switch devices mid-conversation.
With the new update, WhatsApp Web begins to move closer to feature parity with its desktop counterparts. Users who receive the rollout will see dedicated voice and video call icons appear at the top of individual chat windows, enabling one-click calling directly from the browser.
This change is particularly relevant for professionals, students, and remote workers who spend most of their day on a computer and prefer not to rely on their phone for calls.
How Calling Works on WhatsApp Web
According to details first highlighted by WABetaInfo, the calling interface on WhatsApp Web closely resembles that of the desktop apps. Users can initiate either a voice or video call from within a one-to-one chat, with the call opening in a separate browser window.
At this stage, the feature is limited to individual conversations. Group voice and video calls are not yet supported on the web, though industry watchers expect WhatsApp to expand functionality once stability and performance benchmarks are met.
The gradual approach reflects WhatsApp’s broader rollout strategy, which prioritises reliability before mass deployment especially for features that rely heavily on real-time audio and video transmission.
Privacy and Encryption Remain Central
Despite the technical shift to browser-based calling, WhatsApp says privacy standards remain unchanged. All voice and video calls made through WhatsApp Web continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption, using the Signal protocol that underpins the platform’s security across devices.
This means that calls cannot be accessed by WhatsApp, Meta, or third parties, regardless of whether they are made on mobile, desktop, or the web. Maintaining encryption parity is critical, especially as WhatsApp positions the web version as a serious alternative rather than a secondary interface.
Screen Sharing Brings Added Utility
Alongside calling support, WhatsApp Web now also includes screen-sharing functionality during video calls. The feature mirrors what is already available on the desktop apps and adds practical value for collaborative use cases.
Screen sharing opens up possibilities for quick presentations, technical troubleshooting, document walkthroughs, and remote assistance scenarios where switching to platforms like Zoom or Google Meet was previously necessary.
For small teams or informal professional interactions, WhatsApp Web could now serve as a lightweight communication tool without the friction of scheduling meetings or installing additional software.
A Win for Linux and Cross-Platform Users
One of the most overlooked benefits of browser-based calling is platform inclusivity. WhatsApp does not offer an official desktop app for Linux, leaving millions of users dependent on web access or unofficial third-party clients.
By enabling voice and video calls directly in the browser, WhatsApp effectively eliminates this gap. Any operating system that supports a modern web browser can now access calling features, making WhatsApp Web more universally usable than its desktop apps.
This move aligns with Meta’s broader push to make WhatsApp more accessible across devices and environments, particularly as web-based workflows continue to dominate professional and educational settings.
Rollout Timeline and Availability
At present, native calling on WhatsApp Web is rolling out gradually and is primarily available to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta programme. Meta has not announced a precise timeline for a global release, but a wider rollout to stable users is expected in the coming weeks.
As with previous feature launches, availability may vary by region and account type during the initial phase.
What This Means for WhatsApp’s Future
The addition of voice and video calling significantly reshapes the role of WhatsApp Web. Rather than being a secondary extension of the mobile app, it now stands as a viable standalone communication platform for many users.
While it may not yet rival dedicated video conferencing tools in terms of advanced features, WhatsApp Web’s simplicity, encryption, and massive user base give it a unique advantage especially for everyday communication that blends personal and professional use.
As Meta continues to unify WhatsApp’s experience across devices, browser-based calling could be a stepping stone toward deeper integration, including group calls and expanded collaboration tools in the future.
