WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. One of its key features is video calling, allowing users to make video calls to individual contacts or groups. However, many users have found that WhatsApp’s video calling feature does not work when trying to make or receive video calls through the desktop app on their laptops.
Why WhatsApp Video Calling Doesn’t Work on Laptops
There are a few technical reasons why WhatsApp video calling is not supported on laptops and desktops:
- Lack of camera and microphone access – Laptops and desktops lack built-in cameras and microphones which are required for video calling. WhatsApp would need direct access to these input devices to enable video calling through laptops.
- Different infrastructure and protocols – WhatsApp has been optimized for mobile devices and mobile networks. Enabling video calling on laptops would require changes in the underlying infrastructure and communication protocols used by WhatsApp.
- Limitations of WhatsApp desktop apps – The desktop apps for WhatsApp like WhatsApp Web and Desktop are simply mirrors of the phone app and do not have the full functionality. There are technical limitations in adding video calling support in these apps.
- Focus on mobile experience – WhatsApp’s product development has been focused heavily on improving the mobile experience. Video calling for desktops has not been a priority for WhatsApp.
In summary, lack of access to required hardware like camera and microphone, differences in infrastructure, limitations of the desktop apps and product development priorities for mobile are some reasons why video calling is not enabled on WhatsApp desktop or web apps.
Workarounds to Make WhatsApp Video Calls on Laptops
While natively video calling is not supported on laptops for WhatsApp, there are some workarounds users have come up with to enable a form of video calling over WhatsApp desktop:
- Use third-party apps – Apps like WhatsApp by Anthropic, RivetShare, EpocCam allow using your smartphone’s camera for video calls through WhatsApp desktop. The smartphone and laptop need to be on the same WiFi network for this.
- Use a webcam – Connecting an external webcam to your laptop allows making video calls. But this only works for outgoing video calls. Incoming calls may not work properly.
- Mirror Android screen – Apps like scrcpy allow mirroring your Android screen and accessing your smartphone’s camera for video calling through laptop.
- Use emulator apps – Android emulators for PC like Bluestacks can be used to access WhatsApp and make video calls through the emulated camera.
While useful in some cases, these workarounds often have limitations like needing the smartphone to be connected, inability to receive calls etc. But these provide partial solutions in the absence of native support.
Will WhatsApp Ever Add Video Call Support for Laptops?
Currently there is no official information from WhatsApp on whether they plan to add support for video calling on laptops and desktops. A few factors suggest they may introduce this feature down the road:
- Increased video calling usage – Video calling has become extremely popular during the pandemic, which may motivate WhatsApp to expand it to laptops.
- Desktop app improvements – Recent updates to add new features to WhatsApp Web indicate they are investing in the desktop experience.
- Screen sharing support – WhatsApp has been testing screen sharing on desktop, suggesting video-based features may be coming.
- Interoperability with FB Messenger – Facebook plans to integrate WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram messaging. Since Messenger allows video calls on desktop, there is a possibility for WhatsApp to add this feature for seamless cross-app functionality.
However, enabling video calling on desktops requires overcoming some significant technical hurdles for WhatsApp. It may take a lot of development time and resources for them to rebuild the infrastructure and apps to support it.
Top 5 Tips for Using WhatsApp Web for Calls and Messages
While we wait for WhatsApp to officially add video calling on desktops, WhatsApp Web provides a convenient way to make audio calls and send messages from your computer. Here are 5 tips to use WhatsApp Web for a great messaging experience on laptops:
- Use the latest browser – WhatsApp Web works best on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera etc. Old browsers may face compatibility issues.
- QR code scan is easiest – The easiest way to link your phone to WhatsApp web is by scanning the QR code instead of manually entering the code.
- Make sure phone & laptop are on same WiFi – To sync messages seamlessly across devices, keep your phone and laptop connected to the same WiFi network.
- Enable desktop notifications – Go to WhatsApp Web settings and enable notifications so you never miss a message or call when working on your computer.
- Use keyboard shortcuts – Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+N for new chat, Ctrl+E to search make using WhatsApp Web faster.
Following these tips will allow you to chat, make calls and stay connected with WhatsApp contacts conveniently from your laptop, even though video calling is not yet enabled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WhatsApp video calling is currently not supported on desktops and web browsers due to technical constraints like lack of camera access, infrastructure differences and product focus on mobile. While native support is not available yet, users have come up with workaround solutions like third party apps and mirrors to enable a form of video calling through laptops.
There are positive signs that WhatsApp may introduce video calling for PCs in the future, especially with increased desktop improvements and video call usage growth. But overcoming the technical challenges may take significant development efforts.
Until official support is provided, users can still utilize WhatsApp Web on their laptops conveniently for messaging, voice calls and make use of the workaround options if video calling on PC is absolutely necessary.