WhatsApp Web Gains Native Encrypted Voice and Video Calling
Browser-based users can now place and receive end-to-end encrypted calls without installing the desktop app or switching to mobile.
WhatsApp has closed a long-standing functionality gap by rolling out native voice and video calling directly within its browser-based interface. The update transforms WhatsApp Web from a messaging-only mirror into a full communication hub, letting users place and receive calls without installing the standalone desktop application or switching to their phones.
Encryption Matches Mobile and Desktop
Calls made through WhatsApp Web are protected by end-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol, the same security architecture that safeguards calls on mobile and desktop apps. Browser-based conversations maintain WhatsApp's core privacy promise: only the participants can access the content of the call.
The feature also includes screen-sharing during video calls for collaboration and troubleshooting. Users can share their screen directly from the browser window without switching applications.
Rolling Out Through Beta First
The calling capability is currently available to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program before a wider public release. When an incoming call arrives, it appears in a separate or floating window to avoid disrupting the user's browser workflow.
Ending Years of Workarounds
For years, WhatsApp Web served primarily as a mirrored messaging interface. Users who wanted to make voice or video calls had to switch to their mobile device or install the dedicated desktop application. This limitation made the web version a secondary tool rather than a standalone communication platform.
The update brings near-feature parity between the browser version and native apps. By integrating encrypted calling and screen sharing into the browser, WhatsApp removes the friction of software installation and device switching. According to gHacks, this is particularly relevant for users on operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS, where browser-based access has often been the primary option for WhatsApp usage.
Sources
Reporting on this rollout has been confirmed by multiple outlets including Engadget, Forbes, and gHacks. The core functionality—encrypted calling, screen sharing, beta rollout, and floating call windows—has been independently verified across six or more sources.