WhatsApp Web adds voice and video calling for browser users

WhatsApp has begun rolling out voice and video calling support for WhatsApp Web, allowing users to make and receive calls directly through a web browser without relying on the desktop application. The update expands the platform’s communication features by bringing browser users closer to the experience already available on the mobile and desktop apps.

We’re introducing new features that make @WhatsApp calls even easier, like calling from WhatsApp Web, call transfer, background noise suppression, and more. https://t.co/4HKD5xjxZb

— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) July 28, 2026

The feature supports both one-to-one and group voice and video calls. It has been undergoing testing for several months, with group call support appearing in testing during June before the wider public rollout. The latest release is now being made available to users globally in stages.

Browser users gain a more complete calling experience

The introduction of voice and video calling on WhatsApp Web removes a long-standing limitation that required users to switch to their phones or install the dedicated desktop application to participate in calls. Once the update reaches an account, users can place and receive calls directly from supported web browsers without downloading additional software.

The browser experience closely mirrors WhatsApp’s existing mobile and desktop applications. Users will have access to screen sharing during calls, emoji reactions and a dedicated Calls tab that displays recent call history and favourite contacts. These additions are intended to provide a consistent experience across different devices while making it easier to manage conversations from a computer.

WhatsApp said all calls made through the web version remain protected by end-to-end encryption, maintaining the same privacy standards available across the rest of the platform. Calls continue to have no time limits and remain free to use, with users only requiring an internet connection.

The wider availability of browser-based calling also reflects changing work and communication habits, as more people rely on laptops for both personal and professional conversations. By removing the need to move between devices, the feature is expected to simplify communication for users working remotely, studying online or managing multiple conversations throughout the day.

New features focus on flexibility and call quality

Alongside browser calling, WhatsApp has introduced several new tools designed to improve the overall calling experience. One of the most significant additions is Call Transfer, which enables users to move an active conversation between their phone and the web or desktop application without ending the call or needing to reconnect.

The feature is intended to make transitions between devices more seamless. For example, someone who begins a call while travelling can continue the same conversation on a larger screen after arriving at home or at the office. The transfer takes place without interrupting the discussion, reducing the need to restart conversations.

WhatsApp has also introduced Waiting Room, giving hosts greater control over participants joining a call through a shared call link. Instead of allowing immediate entry, participants remain in a waiting area until the host approves their request to join. The feature is designed to improve privacy and help organisers manage larger meetings more effectively.

Another addition is QuickHD, which speeds up the time required for video quality to reach full high definition after a call begins. Rather than waiting for image quality to improve gradually, participants should see clearer video more quickly, creating a smoother experience from the start of each conversation.

WhatsApp continues to strengthen its calling platform

The latest features also include a Noise Suppression option, allowing users to reduce unwanted background sounds so that voices remain clearer during calls. The setting is particularly useful in busy environments where surrounding noise could otherwise affect audio quality.

Noise Suppression builds on earlier call improvements introduced by WhatsApp, including Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum audio controls on iPhone. Together, these features demonstrate the company’s continued investment in improving voice and video communication rather than focusing solely on messaging.

The rollout places WhatsApp Web in a stronger position alongside browser-based communication platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet, both of which have long offered voice and video calling without requiring dedicated desktop software. While browser calling has become a standard feature on competing services, its arrival on WhatsApp removes a notable gap in the platform’s capabilities.

Although the update may not represent a major technological breakthrough, it marks an important improvement for users who spend much of their day working from a computer. By bringing browser-based calling together with enhanced audio quality, seamless device switching and improved meeting controls, WhatsApp is continuing to evolve into a more comprehensive communication platform while maintaining the security and simplicity that have made the service one of the world’s most widely used messaging applications.