WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls for free. While WhatsApp started out as a mobile-only app, it has expanded to desktop platforms as well, through WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop apps. This allows users to access WhatsApp on their computers and continue conversations on a bigger screen without having to pick up their phones. One question that arises is whether all WhatsApp features that are available on mobile can also be used on the desktop clients. Specifically, can voice and video calls be made on WhatsApp Web/Desktop just as they can be on the mobile app? Let’s find out.
Overview of WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web is a desktop browser version of the WhatsApp mobile app that was launched in 2015. It mirrors conversations and messages from a user’s mobile device once they QR code scan a pairing code. Some key aspects about WhatsApp Web:
– It is an extension of the mobile app, requiring a smartphone connection to work
– Needs to be paired with the mobile app via scanning a QR code
– Syncs message history and conversations in real-time from mobile
– Features end-to-end encryption just like the mobile app for security
– Usable on desktop or laptop browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge etc.
WhatsApp Web provides the convenience of responding to WhatsApp messages from a computer, with the comfort of a bigger screen and keyboard. It supports major desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux and web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera etc.
Making Voice and Video Calls on WhatsApp Web
One of the most popular features on WhatsApp is free voice and video calling between users. On the mobile app, users can just tap a contact and place a call with one click. So can the same calls be made on WhatsApp Web?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp has limited calling support on the WhatsApp Web client. Here are the calling capabilities and limitations:
Voice calls –
– Can receive incoming WhatsApp voice calls through WhatsApp Web
– Cannot initiate or make outbound voice calls from WhatsApp Web
Video calls –
– Can receive incoming WhatsApp video calls on WhatsApp Web
– Cannot make or initiate video calls from WhatsApp Web
So in summary, while WhatsApp Web allows you to conveniently reply to messages from your computer, it does not have support currently for making voice or video calls. Only incoming calls are supported.
Reasons for Lack of Calling Support on WhatsApp Web
Here are some of the likely reasons why WhatsApp may have excluded support for making calls on the WhatsApp Web client:
– Technical/infrastructure constraints – The WhatsApp call infrastructure relies heavily on the mobile app and phone connectivity. Enabling call initiation from WhatsApp Web may have been technologically challenging.
– User experience – Placing calls relies a lot on microphone and camera access. Limited access and inconsistent quality on desktop devices may have impacted expected user experience.
– Strategic product decision – WhatsApp may have intentionally limited calling to mobile to differentiate and encourage mobile usage, which is crucial to its messaging business model.
– Rollout in progress – WhatsApp may potentially be working on adding calling capabilities to desktop, and slowly rolling it out to users.
Alternative Ways to Make Calls on WhatsApp Web
While you currently can’t directly initiate a call on WhatsApp Web, there are some workarounds:
– Use WhatsApp call redirection – Initiate a call on your phone and redirect it to WhatsApp Web to continue the call on your computer.
– Link smartphone calls – On an iPhone, use the Continuity feature to link calls from your phone to your Mac or iPad.
– Use WhatsApp calling on Portal – Facebook’s Portal devices support WhatsApp calling directly on the device.
– Third-party apps – Some third-party apps like EpocCam allow integrating your phone’s camera feed into video calls on your PC.
The Future of Calling on WhatsApp Web
Given the popularity of WhatsApp voice and video calling, and user demand, it seems likely that native calling capabilities will eventually come to WhatsApp on desktop. This could significantly improve the WhatsApp Web experience and make it an even stronger alternative to the mobile client.
Potential developments in the future for calls on WhatsApp Web:
Native Calling Support
WhatsApp could implement native calling features on Web directly, just like on mobile. This would remove the dependency on mobile devices for calls.
Call Quality Improvements
Better audio and video quality optimization for web browsers and desktop operating systems.
Integration with Desktop Apps
Better integration with desktop apps like calendars, email, contact lists to improve the calling experience.
Multi-device Support
Allow calls to sync and switch across mobile and non-mobile devices conveniently.
Conclusion
To conclude, while WhatsApp Web provides the convenience of messaging from a desktop, it does not yet support initiating calls. Only incoming calls can be taken on the desktop client. The likely reasons are technical constraints, user experience limitations and strategic product decisions.
This may change in the future with WhatsApp building native desktop calling capabilities, as it expands beyond mobile into a true multi-platform messaging app. But currently, users will need to use their mobile devices or third-party workarounds to make outbound WhatsApp calls from PCs.