That's right, there's no need to download an app to your Windows or Mac computer. Just launch WhatsApp Web in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or your web browser of choice, and you'll now have an (almost) identical set of features to the iPhone and Android app.
Until now, WhatsApp Web has been hampered by a smaller set of features.
Whether it's a one-on-one voice call or a group video call, you can now do it all from WhatsApp Web. If you're a student using a shared computer, stuck on a work laptop that won't let you install apps, or logging into a machine at the library or a friend's house, you can hop on a call without ever leaving your browser.
Browser-based calling isn't the only new trick from WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook parent company, Meta.
The messaging giant is also rolling out seamless call transfers between devices, a waiting room for group calls, instant high-definition video, and more. Here's everything you need to know.
You're essentially getting all the same features available on your phone or desktop app, including screen sharing, emoji reactions, and a full Calls tab showing your call history and favourites.
And every call you make through the browser is end-to-end encrypted — meaning it's the same private, secure experience you'd find on the app. What's especially handy is you won't have any time limits to your video calls as you might find on Zoom.
Plus, if you start a group call on your phone or tablet, you can transfer it over to WhatsApp Web or your desktop app when you get home — no need to hang up and rejoin.
There's also a new waiting room feature for group calls, which gives hosts much more control.
For instance, when you set up a WhatsApp call link and turn on Require approval to join, anyone trying to hop on will sit in a waiting room until you're ready to let them in. With malicious robots joining Microsoft Teams meetings, this feature could protect you from any fraudulent activity.
Video quality has also had an upgrade thanks to a feature called QuickHD. Rather than waiting for the picture to sharpen, you now get high-definition video from the very first moments of your call.
And for anyone who's ever tried to chat from a noisy café or a bustling street, there's now background noise suppression built right in. It filters out all the racket around you so the person on the other end hears only your voice. You can toggle it on or off at any point during your call through the in-call settings.
All of these features are being rolled out gradually, so they should be available to everyone soon.
