WhatsApp Rolling Out Web Calling and Call Transfer Features

WhatsApp is rolling out a new web calling feature, allowing users to make and receive audio and video calls in a browser without installing the PC app. Call transfer between devices is also supported.

As the company revealed, WhatsApp users can now make web calls via a browser. The company states that by going to the official website, users can initiate audio and video calls “without leaving the browser you’re already on.” Users have access to features like screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated Calls tab. The browser version also offers your full call history and favourite contacts.

WhatsApp clarifies that even calls made in a browser are end-to-end encrypted, offering the same private experience as using the WhatsApp app on mobile or PC.

In addition, WhatsApp is introducing a call transfer feature. Now, users can start a call on a mobile device or tablet and seamlessly transfer it to WhatsApp Web or desktop. This allows users who may be travelling and returning home to continue a call on a larger display. Or, if you take a group call at home but have to start your commute to work, you won’t have to end and rejoin the call.

The company has introduced its Waiting Room feature. This lets you have more flexible control over who joins your group calls and when. You can now create a WhatsApp call link with the “Require approval to join” toggle enabled. If active, this mandates that all participants entering must wait in a waiting room before you let them in.

Other new features are arriving as well. Improving the video quality experience, WhatsApp now supports what it calls ‘QuickHD’. When making a video call, high-definition video is loaded within “the very first few seconds.” WhatsApp is also adding noise suppression to reduce background noise during calls. This feature can be toggled on or off in the in-call settings.

These features are rolling out gradually to all users, so it may take a few days for them to become available to you.