WhatsApp Adds Encrypted Calls to Web
WhatsApp has launched encrypted voice and video calling on its Web client. The feature allows users to make calls directly from their browser without needing the mobile app or desktop client to be active. This update provides new channels for real-time customer support and merchant-buyer communication within the WhatsApp ecosystem.
- While the native desktop apps for Windows and Mac have supported encrypted calling since 2021, the browser-based WhatsApp Web client only began rolling out this feature in early 2026. - The initial rollout of the web calling feature was limited to one-on-one voice and video chats for users enrolled in the beta program, with a wider release planned for the following weeks. - All voice and video calls made through the web client are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol, meaning neither WhatsApp nor Meta can access the content of the conversations. - This update is particularly significant for Linux users, who do not have a native WhatsApp desktop application and previously could not make calls from their computers without workarounds. - Alongside calling, the web client update also introduced screen-sharing capabilities during video calls, a feature previously exclusive to the desktop applications. - Future updates are expected to expand web calling to include group chats with support for up to 32 participants, aligning its functionality more closely with the mobile and desktop versions.
