WhatsApp web is finally adding the one feature I missed most: Voice and video calls

For years, the WhatsApp web app has been a convenient way to manage messages on a desktop without installing a separate application. It’s been my go-to way to use WhatsApp on a Chromebook.

However, it always lacked one major component: the ability to actually place or receive a call. That is finally changing as WhatsApp has begun rolling out native voice and video calling support directly within the browser.

The update, recently spotted in testing (via 9to5 Google), introduces dedicated voice and video buttons within individual chats. While the feature is currently rolling out to beta users to ensure a stable experience, it marks a significant shift for those who prefer staying in a browser tab rather than using a standalone desktop app.

More than just a simple call

This isn’t a bare-bones implementation, either. Early looks at the feature show that browser-based calling includes several essential tools that bring it closer to the experience found on mobile and native desktop apps:

• Screen Sharing: Users can share their desktop screens during video calls, making it a viable tool for quick collaborative work or troubleshooting without needing to switch to a different platform.
• End-to-End Encryption: Security remains a priority. Calls made through the browser are protected by the same Signal protocol used for mobile and desktop apps, ensuring conversations stay private.
• Persistent Windows: Incoming calls appear in a separate window, allowing you to answer or decline without losing your place in your current browser tab.

A major win for Chromebook and Linux users

This update is particularly important for those on platforms where a native WhatsApp client either isn’t an option or doesn’t work that well. For Chromebook users, this provides a lightweight, seamless way to stay connected without relying on the Android app, which can sometimes be less optimized for a desktop layout.

For the Linux community, which has lacked an official desktop app for years, this effectively removes the last hurdle to using WhatsApp as a primary communication tool on their machines. Being able to jump into a video call directly from a browser tab simplifies the workflow and keeps everything in one place.

When will it be available?

Currently, these calling features are appearing for users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program. While there is no official date for a wide public release, the presence of fully functional calling and screen sharing suggests a broader rollout is likely just a few weeks away. Once live, users will see the new camera and phone icons at the top of their individual chat windows. I know I’ll be on the lookout for it every time I open up my Chromebook from here on out!