For a long time, WhatsApp Web has been perfect for replying to messages from a laptop, but frustratingly incomplete when it came to calls. If you wanted to jump on a voice or video chat, you had to switch to your phone or install the desktop app.
That gap is finally closing.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out native voice and video calling directly within the browser version of the app, bringing it much closer to feature parity with mobile and desktop clients.
Calling Comes to the Browser
The new update introduces dedicated phone and camera icons inside individual chats. From there, you can place voice or video calls without leaving your browser tab.
The feature was first spotted in beta testing and is currently rolling out gradually. While it’s not yet available to everyone, early testers confirm that calling works smoothly within the web interface.
If you prefer working entirely in Chrome, Edge, or another browser (especially on devices without a strong native app) this is a major upgrade.
More Than Just Basic Calls
This isn’t just a basic implementation. WhatsApp Web calling includes several key features:
Screen Sharing
You can share your desktop screen during video calls, making it useful for collaboration, presentations, or quick troubleshooting sessions.
End-to-End Encryption
Calls as well as chats remain protected by WhatsApp’s existing encryption framework based on the Signal protocol. Conversations made through the browser are secured the same way as those on mobile.
Separate Call Windows
Incoming calls appear in a floating or separate window, allowing users to answer or decline without disrupting their current tab or workflow.
This feels like a fully integrated communication tool.
Big News for Chromebook and Linux Users
This update is especially meaningful for:
- Chromebook users, who often relied on the Android version of WhatsApp or the web app without calling support.
- Linux users, who have never had an official WhatsApp desktop client.
With browser-based calling now available, WhatsApp Web becomes a complete communication platform on these systems – no extra installations required.
For many of you, this removes the last reason to keep your phone nearby during work hours.
When Will It Be Available?
At the moment, calling features are appearing for users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program.
There’s no official time for a full public rollout, but given the feature’s maturity (including working screen sharing and encryption), a broader release likely isn’t far away.
Once live, you will simply see the new call icons at the top of chat windows.
A Long-Awaited Upgrade
For years, WhatsApp Web has been incredibly convenient (but incomplete). The addition of voice and video calls finally turns it into a true desktop communication hub.
If you live in browser tabs all day, this might be the update you’ve been waiting for.
