WhatsApp Just Made Calls More Powerful With These 3 New Features

WhatsApp is expanding its calling experience with a set of new features designed to make voice and video communication easier across devices. The updates allow users to make calls directly from WhatsApp Web, transfer ongoing calls between devices, manage group call participants, and improve call quality in noisy environments.

"You can now make and receive audio and video calls, both one-on-one and group, directly from WhatsApp Web. No app download required," Meta said.

The biggest addition is browser-based calling, which allows users to make and receive one-on-one and group audio and video calls directly through WhatsApp Web without downloading a separate application.

The feature is useful for users who rely on shared computers, workplace laptops with restrictions on app installations, or those who simply prefer using a browser.

WhatsApp Web users will have access to features already available on mobile, including screen sharing, reactions, a dedicated Calls tab, call history, and saved favourites. The company said calls made through the web remain end-to-end encrypted, with no time restrictions and no additional charges.

The company is also introducing call transfer, allowing users to move an active group call between devices without disconnecting. For example, users can start a call on a smartphone while travelling and shift it to WhatsApp Web or Desktop when they reach a larger screen, or move it back to mobile when needed.

For group calls, WhatsApp has added a Waiting Room feature that gives hosts more control over participants. When creating a WhatsApp call link, users can enable “Require approval to join”, placing participants in a waiting room until the host allows them into the call.

The platform is also improving video quality with QuickHD, which enables high-definition video within the first few seconds of a call instead of gradually improving quality after the connection is established.

Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out background noise suppression to improve voice clarity during calls. The feature reduces surrounding sounds and can be enabled or adjusted through in-call settings.

The new features will be rolled out gradually to WhatsApp users worldwide as the company continues to position its messaging platform as a broader communication and collaboration tool.