Calls and video calls from WhatsApp Web: a complete guide

WhatsApp has become an essential tool for everyday life, and not just on mobile phones. More and more people are working, studying, or communicating from their computers. And it wants to do exactly the same things it does on the phone: send messages, share files, make voice calls, and of course, video calls. Until recently, this was quite limited in the web version, but things are changing dramatically.

The browser version and the desktop application have been evolving for some time, and now Calls and video calls from WhatsApp Web are now a reality in the testing phaseWith advanced features like screen sharing, call links, and future group calls with up to 32 participants, this article will show you in detail what you can do today, what's in beta, what's still exclusive to the desktop app, and how to get the most out of WhatsApp video calls on your PC.

What is WhatsApp Web and how does it differ from WhatsApp Desktop?

The first thing is to clarify concepts, because many times everything gets lumped together. WhatsApp Web is the version that is used directly from the browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.), while WhatsApp Desktop is a program that is installed on Windows or macOS and works as a standalone app.

WhatsApp Web was launched in 2015, shortly after Facebook (now Meta) bought the app. Their goal was to allow the use of WhatsApp from a computer by synchronizing the mobile phone with the web using a QR code.so that messages and files would appear on both devices almost instantly.

The desktop application arrived later and, although it looks very similar to the web version, It offers some very important additional features., especially related to calls and video calls, which for years have been limited to mobile and this desktop version.

In practice, nowadays you will find two clear options: Use WhatsApp in your browser (WhatsApp Web) or install the native app for Windows or macOSBoth share almost all messaging options, but so far video calling has been the major differentiating factor.

Requirements to use WhatsApp Web on your computer

Before thinking about calls or video calls, you need to be clear about what's required to access WhatsApp Web. The basic requirements are very simple and virtually any user can meet them..

First of all, you need have an active WhatsApp account on your mobileWithout that phone number and without the application installed, you will not be able to link the browser session, since everything starts from your main profile on the smartphone.

Secondly, it is essential to use a browser compatible with WhatsApp WebThe most common ones are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Almost any modern Chromium-based browser also works without problems.

Furthermore, although for years it was mandatory for the mobile phone to be connected to the Internet for WhatsApp Web to work, Multi-device mode changed the gameNow, once you've linked your account on your computer, you can continue using WhatsApp on your PC even if your mobile phone is offline, as long as your session remains active.

This multi-device system allows, for example, Leave your mobile phone in another room or even another place and continue chatting from your computerHowever, it's advisable to periodically check that the session is still open and close any sessions you're not using for security reasons.

How to log in and use WhatsApp Web step by step

Accessing WhatsApp Web is very quick, but it's worth reviewing to avoid any confusion. In just a few seconds, your chats will be synced and ready to use on the big screen..

1. Open your preferred browser on your computer (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.). It's important to keep it updated to avoid compatibility issues..

2. In the address bar, enter https://web.whatsapp.com/You'll see a large QR code in the center of the page and some basic instructions.

3. Now go to your phone and open WhatsApp. On Android, tap the three icon. three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select the “Linked devices” or “WhatsApp Web” option. On iPhone, go to Settings and then to “Linked devices”.

4. Tap on “Link a device”. The mobile phone's camera will open, ready to scan.Point your camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen until it is recognized.

5. Once the code is read, your chat list will load in the browser within seconds. You'll see all your contacts, conversations, and files, just like in the phone app..

From that moment on, you will be able to send and receive messages, photos, videos, documents and voice notes from your PC. Everything you do on your computer syncs with your mobile phone and vice versa.Therefore, you won't lose anything even if you close your browser session.

Another practical advantage is that you can Save your WhatsApp Web session on your computerThis way, you don't have to scan the QR code every time you log in. Even so, if you're using a shared computer, it's a good idea to log out when you're finished to prevent unauthorized access.

Current status of calls and video calls from WhatsApp Web

For a long time, those who used WhatsApp Web encountered a clear limitation: They couldn't make calls or video calls directly from the browserIf they wanted to talk to someone, they had to pick up their mobile phone or install the desktop application.

WhatsApp Desktop, the app for Windows and macOS, did incorporate video calls in March 2021, starting with individual calls. Over time, this version has grown to offer group video calls with up to 32 participantsprovided that the computer meets minimum operating system requirements.

The big news is that Meta has finally begun to enable voice calls and video calls directly on WhatsApp WebAccording to information shared by WaBetaInfo, these features are already being rolled out in beta to some users, starting with individual chats.

This means that it will no longer be mandatory to switch to the desktop or mobile app to make a call: You can initiate and receive voice and video calls directly from your browser., with shortcuts integrated into the web interface and visible controls, for example, in the sidebar.

For now, these web calls are limited to a group of users who are part of the WhatsApp Web beta program, but The company's intention is to reach the general public in a phased rollout.The idea is to unify the experience across mobile, desktop, and browser so that virtually everything can be done from any platform.

Individual calls and video calls on WhatsApp Web

In this first phase, WhatsApp has focused on the One-to-one calls on WhatsApp WebIn other words, you can make voice or video calls to a single contact from your browser, always within individual chats.

It works very similarly to the native application: From the chat itself, you'll see a button to make a call and another to make a video call.When you click it, the browser will request permission to access the computer's microphone and camera, which is essential for communication.

The audio and video quality in these web calls, according to initial tests, It shouldn't differ significantly from what you get from your mobile device or the desktop app.provided your internet connection is stable and the equipment meets minimum hardware requirements.

Of course, all these calls maintain the end-to-end encryptionThis ensures that the content of the communication can only be seen and heard by those participating in it. Neither WhatsApp nor third parties have access to the content of the calls.

Regarding its availability, for now Only some beta users see the icons and call options directly in the web interfaceHowever, everything suggests that, once the feature is polished and free of major bugs, it will be gradually rolled out to the rest of the accounts.

Group video calls and future improvements in the web version

One of the aspects that generates the most interest is that of the group video calls from the browserCurrently, group video calls with up to 32 people are available on the desktop app, but there is still no official release date for WhatsApp Web.

Meta has already hinted that its goal is to offer a Full support for group calls in the web versionwith the same participant capacity as other platforms. This would include not only video calls, but also voice calls for large groups.

Among the features expected to arrive are the call linkswhich allow you to share a URL so others can join a scheduled call, and the ones themselves scheduled calls, very useful in work or study environments where meetings are organized in advance.

Meanwhile, group video calls remain the domain of the desktop and mobile applications. On PC, the native WhatsApp app has supported up to 32 participants in video calls since June 2024.This makes it a real alternative to other videoconferencing platforms for medium-sized groups.

The company's overall strategy is clear: unify the experience so that, whatever device you use, you have virtually the same possibilitiesThe web is being the last to receive these advanced features, but the path has already been laid.

How do video calls work on WhatsApp Desktop (PC application)

While browser-based calls are still becoming more established, the most mature option for making calls from a computer remains the... WhatsApp desktop application for Windows and macOSHere, video calls take longer and are much more polished.

To use this app with video calls, your device must meet certain requirements: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1903 or higher) or macOS 10.13 or laterin addition to having a microphone and camera (integrated or external).

The process to get started is simple: first you download the Official WhatsApp Desktop application from the WhatsApp websiteYou install it and open it. As soon as you launch it, you'll see a QR code very similar to the one on WhatsApp Web.

As with the browser, you'll need to go to your mobile phone, enter Settings or the three-dot menu, tap on Linked devices and Use the QR scanner in your profile to link the desktop appOnce the scan is complete, your chats, contacts, and files will also appear in the computer program.

From there, you can start a video call by opening the chat with the person you want to talk to and tapping on the camera icon located at the top of the windowA separate window will open with the preview, and the call will be established when the other person answers.

Controls and functions during a video call on WhatsApp Desktop

Once you're in the middle of a conversation, the desktop app offers several controls very similar to those on the mobile app. You can mute the microphone using the corresponding icon., activate or deactivate the camera, and hang up by pressing the red button with the phone symbol.

If they call you, you'll see a pop-up window with two main buttons: one green button shaped like a camera to accept the video call and one red button to reject it.If you close the window without answering, the call will continue to ring until the other person hangs up.

Another useful option is to Transform a voice call into a video call without having to hang up.During an audio call, you can tap the camera icon to request a change. If your contact accepts, the call will automatically switch to video.

Furthermore, from June 2024 onwards, Group video calls in the desktop app support up to 32 participantsDuring the call, you can add more people by selecting the contacts you want from the video call window's menu.

It is also important to consider aspects of sound quality. WhatsApp recommends using headphones In many cases, this is because using external microphones and speakers connected to the computer itself can generate unwanted echoes or noise.

Share your screen during video calls on WhatsApp Web

One of the most powerful features coming to browser-based video calls is the ability to share screen in real timeThis allows you to show the other person exactly what you are seeing on your computer.

To use it, you must already be in an active video call. The screen sharing option is not available on voice-only calls.Once the video call has started, a "More options" button (usually represented by three vertical dots) will appear in the controls, from which you can select "Share screen".

At that moment, the system will show you a notification indicating that you are about to start recording or sharing what is displayed on your screen via WhatsApp. It is very important to review what content will be displayed.because you might be displaying documents, notifications, or other windows that you don't want to be seen.

Depending on your browser settings, you can choose whether to share the entire screen, a single window of a specific application, or even a browser tab. This flexibility makes it especially useful for work meetings, presentations, online training, or for helping someone step by step with their computer..

When you stop sharing, simply press the corresponding button again to stop the transmission. This way, the video call returns to a normal conversation without showing what's on your screen.

WhatsApp Beta and early access to web calls

All these new features in WhatsApp Web go through a testing phase before reaching the general public. WhatsApp Beta is the preview version of the app and the web in which a small group of users can test new features such as calls from the browser or screen sharing.

The objective of this beta phase is detect errors, gather feedback, and refine the experience Before releasing features to all users, it's common for some things to not work perfectly or to be temporarily removed for bug fixes.

To join the beta program on Android, go to Google Play, search for WhatsApp and use the “Become a tester” optionIf available. On iOS, the process is managed through the TestFlight app, but places are usually limited and only open at certain times.

In the specific case of WhatsApp Web, participation in the beta It is enabled from the interface itself when the platform allows it.Sometimes a notice or a specific section appears indicating that you can try experimental features.

Accessing the beta has the advantage of enjoying the new features before anyone else, but also the disadvantage of having to live with possible errors or instability. It's not ideal if you need everything to work perfectly all the time.But it is for you if you like to be one step ahead and try the latest in browser-based calling.

Other recent WhatsApp updates related to security and user experience

In addition to web-based calls and video calls, WhatsApp is introducing a range of features that enhance its security and personalization. One of them is the strict account adjustmentswhich allow you to activate advanced restrictions on what certain users can send you.

By enabling these options, for example, It prevents you from receiving attachments or multimedia content from people who are not in your contact list.This reduces the risk of receiving spam, malware, or unwanted files. To activate it, go to Settings, then Privacy, and then Advanced Options, where these controls will be added gradually.

Another interesting addition is the member tags in groupsNow you can specify your role or description within each group, adjusting it to the context. For example, in a family group you could appear as "Santiago's dad" and in a sports group as "goalkeeper," all within the same account.

The way missed calls are handled has also been improved. If someone doesn't answer, you can now leave a voice or video message with just one tap.Depending on the type of call, the recipient will receive a message similar to a traditional voicemail, but fully integrated into WhatsApp.

Finally, there are advances in integration with other devices, such as the WhatsApp app for Apple WatchFrom the watch, you can read and reply to messages, see call notifications, know who is calling you, send voice notes, and respond with quick reactions using emojis, without needing to use your iPhone.

With all these changes, WhatsApp is taking a significant leap to become a more complete solution on computers as well. Calls and video calls from WhatsApp Web, consolidated support in the desktop app, the screen sharing function, and improvements in security and usability They point to a scenario where you can communicate seamlessly from any device, without missing anything compared to your mobile phone.