- WhatsApp Web adds voice and video calls to individual chats from the browser
- The feature is first being launched in the beta program and will later be rolled out to all other users.
- WhatsApp supports group calls with up to 32 participants and call scheduling or linking.
- All calls maintain end-to-end encryption and allow screen sharing
The web version of WhatsApp takes another step forward and begins testing voice calls and video calls directly from the browserThis way, those who use the service on their computer will be able to talk without depending so much on their mobile phone or the desktop app, something especially useful for those who work or study in front of a PC for a large part of the day.
For now, this new feature is being introduced in a limited way and focuses on the conversations between two peopleEven so, it includes interesting features such as screen sharing and end-to-end encryption, making these calls a real alternative to other communication platforms more geared towards remote work.
What changes with voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web
According to information released by the specialized portal BetaInfoWhatsApp has begun enabling the following feature in its web client: ability to make voice and video calls in individual chatsThis means that, from a browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge, you can initiate a call with a contact just like you would from your mobile phone.
The deployment is limited to the WhatsApp Web beta versionTherefore, only a portion of users have initial access. The company's strategy involves collecting usage data, fixing bugs, and refining the experience before launching the feature in the stable version for everyone.
In the interface, users who enter the test group will see new call icons Voice and video chat at the top of the chatTapping on them brings up a menu from which you can choose whether to start an audio call or a video call. This process is quite similar to how it works in mobile apps.
Technology media outlets such as iPadizate or Computer Hoy point out that Some users of the stable version are already seeing the camera icon Within individual chats, although in many cases a notification still appears directing users to download the desktop app, the feature is not yet fully operational. It appears that the rollout will be gradual over the coming weeks and months.
Available features: one-on-one calls and screen sharing
In this first phase, the calls that can be made from the browser are limited to chats between two participantsGroups are not currently supported, although this expansion is already in preparation by Meta and is considered one of the next logical steps for the platform.
Along with voice calls and classic video calls, WhatsApp Web integrates the ability to share the computer screen with the other personThis feature, which until recently was more associated with tools like Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, opens the door to more varied uses: from helping a family member with a technical problem to showing presentations or documents in real time.
The screen sharing option is activated during the video call itself and allows the other participant to see the desktop or a specific window. This feature enhances the potential of WhatsApp Web as a collaboration and remote support tool, especially useful in work, university or distance learning environments.
With these changes, calls are no longer an almost exclusive feature of the mobile app or the native desktop applications for Windows and macOS. Users who connect from the browser thus gain a much more complete experienceThis is very interesting for those who use computers on which they do not want or cannot install additional software.
The company has been working internally on these new features for over a year, fine-tuning the functionality and trying to make the browser experience closer to what is already offered on mobile, both in call quality and in stability and resource consumption.
Beta, gradual rollout, and browser compatibility
The new feature is being tested within the WhatsApp Web beta programwhich acts as a testbed before the general launch. This phased deployment model is already common in messaging services and allows for the detection of errors in a real but controlled environment.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, where the use of WhatsApp is widespread both personally and professionally, Initial access is limited to a small group of usersHowever, it is expected that, if the feature behaves stably, it will eventually be extended to the entire user base in the region.
The update is designed to work on all major modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Microsoft EdgeThese are the most common on computers running Windows, macOS, and Linux. The goal is to allow users to avoid switching browsers or installing specific extensions to take advantage of these calls.
During the testing phase, some users may see the new video call icon but not yet be able to access it. They will encounter messages encouraging them to use the desktop app or that the call does not initiate correctly. This behavior is consistent with a phased deployment that has not yet reached a fully stable state.
Meta monitors the performance of these web calls, from audio and video quality to data consumption and potential connection drops, with the intention of adjusting the servers and infrastructure before the feature becomes part of the standard WhatsApp Web experience.
Group calls, links, and scheduling: what comes next
Beyond one-on-one calls, WhatsApp has something in the works. group calls from the web versionAccording to information revealed by WABetaInfo, the company is working to enable groups to meet up to 32 participants, in line with what the mobile app already offers.
This leap would allow work meetings, online classes, or family gatherings to be organized directly from the browser, without requiring the installation of additional software. For many users in Europe, where teleworking and distance learning have become established, The possibility of using WhatsApp Web as a meeting tool can be especially convenient..
Furthermore, they are developing new call management featuresFeatures like creating and sending links for others to join a call, or scheduling calls for a specific date and time, make organizing a video call with multiple people as simple as sharing a link in a group or adding it to your calendar.
For now, these additional capabilities remain in development and are not available to the public. The company is prioritizing individual chats to ensure that the technical basis of the web calls is solid before opening the door to scenarios with more participants and, therefore, more demanding in terms of resources.
If everything goes according to plan and the tests are successful, it's reasonable to expect that group calls and linking and scheduling features will first reach beta users and then the stable version, including in European markets.
End-to-end encryption and security in web calls
One of the aspects that WhatsApp emphasizes is the security and privacy of communicationsCalls made from the browser maintain the end-to-end encryption, the same system that protects messages and calls in the mobile version.
This encryption means that only the participants in the call can access the content of the conversation, so that Neither WhatsApp nor third parties can listen to or see what is being transmitted.even if they intercepted data traffic. For users in Europe, where privacy regulations are particularly strict, this point is crucial.
Maintaining encryption on web calls puts WhatsApp in line with what many users expect from a modern communication tool: full functionality without sacrificing confidentiality or the possibility of protect your IP addressIn this way, the new browser-based calls can be used for both personal conversations and more sensitive work-related matters.
In addition to encryption, the platform continues to apply its usual security policies, such as linking the web session to the primary device and requiring an active account. These mechanisms were already used to protect messages on WhatsApp Web and are now being extended to calls as well.
In a context where video calls have become commonplace, the combination of Browser-based calls, strong encryption, and access controls It aims to make more users feel comfortable using WhatsApp Web in their daily lives, including in professional or academic settings in Spain and the rest of the continent.
Impact on computer users in Spain and Europe
The addition of calls to WhatsApp Web represents a significant improvement for those who usually communicate from their computer. In European offices, educational centers and homes where the PC is the main deviceThis new feature eliminates the need to constantly switch between the phone and the large screen to answer calls.
The measure also particularly benefits users of systems like LinuxThese users, who don't have a native WhatsApp app, have until now relied almost entirely on their mobile phones for voice and video calls, while their browsers were used only for chatting. With these new features, the browser becomes a much more complete client.
In Spain, where WhatsApp has become one of the preferred communication channels for small businesses, shops, and self-employed professionals, to be able to answer or initiate calls from the browser It can make daily life much easier. For example, it's more convenient to reply from your computer while working with documents, spreadsheets, or management tools.
The ability to share your screen during a video call adds value in remote work scenarios, quick presentations, or remote support. For SMEs and teams that may not want to deal with more complex solutions, to have this option integrated into a tool as widespread as WhatsApp It may be more than enough in many situations.
With all this, WhatsApp Web is gradually approaching the experience that for years has been reserved for native applications, reinforcing its role as a valid option for those who prefer to centralize their digital activity in the browser.
With the start of these tests, WhatsApp Web is entering a transition phase towards a much more complete version: Encrypted voice and video calls, screen sharing support, and plans to expand group calls with links and scheduling They are aiming for a web client capable of better competing with other communication platforms without leaving the browser, and with special utility for users in Spain and the rest of Europe who have already made WhatsApp a central tool in their daily lives.
