WhatsApp users can now make and receive calls directly from their web browsers with the Meta-owned service officially bringing voice and video calling to WhatsApp Web. Previously, users of WhatsApp Web were forced to switch over to their phones to make voice and video calls.

The updated feature is part of a broader update to the platform and is being rolled out globally. Calls will now have the capacity to be handled entirely from a laptop or desktop browser, streamlining communications for those who spend most of their day in a browser, from workers, to students to business owners. 

According to Meta, the update is designed to make calls easier for users, with one-on-one calls, and group calls both able to be made directly from WhatsApp Web, without the need to download an app or switch over to a phone. 

As well as browser-based calling, WhatsApp has introduced several additional communication features, including Waiting Room, QuickHD video quality, Call Transfer between devices, a noise suppression feature to block out background noise and Touch Up video enhancements.

Privacy protections remain in place with calls made via WhatsApp Web end-to-end encrypted, in line with mobile communication. There will continue to be no time limits on calls, and no cost. 

The move pits WhatsApp more strongly against other web-based communications platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and Slack. Meta plans to continue transforming WhatsApp into a broader communications platform suited to both consumers and business users.

The rollout also highlights Meta’s strategy of making WhatsApp a cross-platform communications hub, reducing dependence on smartphones while improving the experience across PCs, tablets and browsers.

Meta says the new features are being rolled out gradually and will be available to all users soon.Â