How to take calls on whatsapp web
How to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop
Pocket-lint is supported by its readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
- Home
- Apps
- App news
- WhatsApp app news
Britta O'Boyle, Deputy editor
· ·
Explainer Provides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.
Why you can trust Pocket-lint
(Pocket-lint) - WhatsApp has long offered voice and video calls through its iPhone and Android apps, but the feature is also available on its desktop app.
Making a voice or video call using WhatsApp's desktop app works in both portrait and landscape orientation, and appears in a resizeable standalone window on your computer so you have the freedom to move it around. It is also set to always be on top.
Currently, the feature is only available for one-to-one calls, but WhatsApp has said it has plans to include group voice and video calls in the future. All voice and video calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted.
Here's how to make a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop and what you need.
What you need to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop
To make or receive a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop, you will need the following:
- The latest version of the WhatsApp desktop app (available for Windows PC and Mac)
- An audio and microphone output device
- A camera for video calls
- An active internet connection on your phone and computer. Your phone needs to be online to establish the call, but the call won't go through your phone.
- Grant permission to WhatsApp desktop to access your computer's microphone and camera.
It's worth noting that WhatsApp Desktop calling is only supported on MacOS 10.13 and newer, and Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer.
How to make a voice call using WhatsApp desktop
Follow these super easy steps to make a voice call using WhatsApp desktop.
- Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer
- Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)
- Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a call to
- Click on the voice call icon
- Tap on End Call when you're done
You can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call.
It's also possible to switch from a voice call to a video call during the call - more on that below.
How to make a video call using WhatsApp desktop
To make a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the simple steps below:
- Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer
- Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)
- Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a video call to
- Tap on the Video call icon
- Tap End Call when you're finished
As with voice calling, you can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call. You can also turn your camera off by tapping on the camera icon during the call.
How to switch between a voice call and video call using WhatsApp desktop
During a voice call with a contact, you can ask to switch to a video call, like you can with Apple's FaceTime for example.
To switch between a voice call and a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the steps below:
- Follow the steps above to start a voice call with a contact
- During the call, hover over the Camera icon
- Click on the camera icon
- The contact you are talking to will then get the option to select OK or Switch to change the call to video, or Cancel to decline
- If they select OK or Switch, the voice call will switch over to video
How to answer a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop
Answering a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop is very simple.
Dashlane can keep your employees' passwords safe By Pocket-lint Promotion ·
If you're concerned about your organisation's security, this is a no-brainer.
Three options will appear when someone voice calls you or video calls you and you have WhatsApp Desktop on and connected to your WhatsApp account.
Accept will accept the call. Decline will decline the call and Ignore or "x" will ignore the call.
Writing by Britta O'Boyle.
Sections WhatsApp Apps
How to Make Video Calls on WhatsApp Web
Many people are confused about how to use the WhatsApp web login correctly. They also wonder if they can make calls via the computer. Some users don’t even know about the existence of WhatsApp web and get frustrated with having to keep fishing out their smartphones while working on a PC.
In this article, we’ll show you a step-by-step guide to setting up WhatsApp web on your computer and the little-known secret of how to make voice or video calls from the web version.
What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp has grown from a simple app that lets people text each other for free, to one that’s indispensable in almost every organization. The joke goes around that no meeting is complete without creating a WhatsApp group.
Despite being primarily a mobile app, most people are sending texts and making calls while they’re on a computer. A brilliant feature was introduced in 2015, in the form of WhatsApp Web — a browser extension to the functionality of the mobile app.
You may mistake the WhatsApp web for a standalone application. It is not. It will only function as long as your mobile has WhatsApp installed and is connected to the Internet. When you send a message through WhatsApp web, it is relayed to the mobile app before being transmitted to the recipient.
Only a single WhatsApp account can connect to an instance of WhatsApp Web on the browser. The connection is established by using the QR code as a verification handshake. The connection will expire after a certain duration for the sake of security, and you’ll need to reconnect to continue using WhatsApp Web.
There is a set of procedures that you’ll need to go through in order to connect your phone to WhatsApp web. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Key in web.whatsapp.com on your browser.
- Launch WhatsApp on your mobile. Touch the 3-vertical dots icon on the top right and select WhatsApp Web.
- Aim your phone’s camera at the QR Code that looks like the one below. It will automatically scan.
- The app will load on your PC.
How to Make Video Calls on Your Computer
This is undoubtedly a handy feature that brings the free text messaging app to your computer. However, there is a limitation that proves to be an inconvenience.
You can’t make video calls (or voice calls) on WhatsApp Web.
Often, users will have to revert to their smartphones for that.
Thankfully, the existence of Android emulators, which allow Android apps to be launched on computers, has paved the way to make calls via your computer. Here’s what you need to do.
- Download BlueStacks, a PC emulator for Android apps. Install Bluestacks on your computer.
- Launch BlueStacks after installation. Click on the Play Store icon.
- Sign in with your Google credentials.
- Search for “WhatsApp” on the PlayStore.
- Install the WhatsApp Messenger app on your computer with BlueStacks.
- Launch and click Agree And Continue to proceed.
- Enter your phone number and country to proceed. Verify WhatsApp with the 6-digit pin sent to your mobile.
- Note that all the existing mobile WhatsApp messages and contacts are not transferred to the app in Bluestack. Therefore, you’ll need to restore from the backup.
- Once the app is initialized, click on an existing message.
You’ll notice the familiar phone and video icon. Clicking on these icons will allow you to make calls on Whatsapp via the computer.
Does WhatsApp Web Work In China?
You may have realized that WhatsApp stops working once you’re in China. That’s because the world’s second-largest economy has a highly restrictive Internet that censors elements it deems “sensitive” to the country’s culture.
As the web version depends on the functionality of the mobile version, it will cease to function once you’re in China. You can’t send or receive messages and make video calls when connected to China’s Internet.
Such an inconvenience can be avoided if you’ve subscribed to a VPN. Technically, a VPN allows you to take up the IP address of a different country. This means that the great firewall of China will detect your IP as an incoming connection from a foreign country, and allow the use of Whatsapp.
Can a VPN Unblock Whatsapp Call?
Like China, the following countries have enforced a ban on Whatsapp:
- North Korea
- Iran
- Syria
- Qatar
- UAE
- Zambia
More countries may follow suit as they try to restrict information access amongst citizens.
With the restriction in place, it’s impossible to make calls via Whatsapp.
You’ll need to install a VPN for Whatsapp call before you can start chatting or calling your acquaintances. Besides blocking Whatsapp, some countries also restrict VPN usage amongst residents. Therefore, you’ll need a VPN with an obfuscation server to slip through the firewall.
As long as you can get a VPN to work in the country, you’ll have access to Whatsapp. The question is, which are the VPNs proven to bypass geo-restriction for Whatsapp? Let’s take a closer look.
Best VPN to Use for WhatsApp Web
Before you start installing the first VPN that pops into your mind, not all VPNs are functional in China. China’s internet firewall has managed to block many VPNs, including popular ones.
ClearVPN is our top pick you’ll want to use for WhatsApp Web, particularly in China.
While there are rumors that WhatsApp web may introduce video calls in the future, there’s no mention of any dates.
Until then, we hope this guide will help you make calls with the app on your computer.
WhatsApp video calls from a computer are officially out. How to call
Despite the fact that WhatsApp was recently at the center of a controversy over new privacy rules, according to which the data of the messenger's users will be transferred to Facebook, its audience has hardly decreased. No, some of the users have certainly moved to Telegram, which has been the main beneficiary of this scandal, but the vast majority have remained. Therefore, to express its gratitude to them, WhatsApp launched a new feature that it promised to release a long time ago - audio and video calls in the desktop application.
WhatsApp desktop version has video calls
How to transfer chats from WhatsApp to Telegram
Today, March 4, WhatsApp officially launched the audio and video calling feature for desktop platforms. Obviously, the developers were in a hurry to, so to speak, intercept the negative agenda and offer dissatisfied users the long-promised innovation.
This is clearly seen from the restrictions that the messenger audience faced:
- Update with audio and video calls is available only on Windows and Mac, and will be released later on ChromeOS and Linux;
- The audio and video calls feature does not turn on for everyone even after installing the update;
- Even those lucky enough to activate the feature can only call one person at a time;
- Group calls for desktop platforms will appear later - with the release of the next update.
How to call WhatsApp from a computer
Despite the fact that WhatsApp activates the function of audio and video calls forcibly, applying the necessary changes on its servers, you still should not neglect the update. In the end, it is it that lays the foundation for the work of innovation. Therefore, if you do not upgrade, you should not count on the inclusion of a new feature. And, if you have already updated, then just follow the instructions below, it will provide you with a verbal connection with the outside world.
WhatsApp will delete your account if you do not accept the new agreement
- Download the updated version of WhatsApp from this link;
- Launch WhatsApp on your computer and confirm the login from your smartphone;
Only those who have installed the latest update can make video calls to WhatsApp on a computer. Screenshot from beebom.com
- Make sure the camera and microphone are connected or active if built-in;
- Select a chat with the desired interlocutor and press the video call button and wait for the call to be received.
Whatsapp calls on a computer
WhatsApp cannot be used without a smartphone connected to a PC
Please note that there are two buttons available in the WhatsApp desktop interface: a camera and a handset. Pressing the first one will create a video conference, and the second one will initiate a voice call. At the same time, you can always switch from any mode to another.
To do this, click on the corresponding button in the call window. If you are in a video conference, press the handset, and if you are in an audio conference, then vice versa. If you want, you can stay in the video chat, but turn off the webcam.
Support for WhatsApp, Telegram and GPS: what will Xiaomi Mi Band 6 be like
It is inconvenient that for audio or video communication in WhatsApp, it is necessary to keep a smartphone next to you. Moreover, it must be turned on all the time, because it is through it that all calls pass. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that the traffic that you spend during your video conferences will count towards your mobile tariff. If you have limited cellular data, it's best to connect to an available Wi-Fi network, or if that's not available, have an audio conversation.
- Tags
-
- beginners in Android
- Applications for Android
Longrids for you
What is Dolby Atmos in the phone, and how this technology affects the quality of
of presentation smartphones, manufacturers regularly brag about the fact that their devices support technologies that are not available in competitors' gadgets.
And in recent years, Dolby Atmos has been increasingly featured. This is a technology that directly affects the sound quality of your smartphone speakers and provides a new experience when you listen to music or watch a movie on your mobile device. We tell you how phones with Dolby Atmos differ from regular models and how to enable this technology.
Read more
Virtual reality on your phone: how to play and watch VR videos
For many decades, humanity has been struggling to conquer neighboring planets, as well as to find out what is happening in other measures. Modern technical means do not allow us to visit relatively close Mars, but for several years now there have been technologies that help to immerse yourself in virtual reality, feeling at least on Mars, even on Jupiter. If a couple of hundred years ago the only means of this kind of transportation was fiction, then in the 20th century television appeared, and at the dawn of the 21st century we got the opportunity to play video games.
However, neither one nor the other is able to provide maximum immersion in the virtual space.
Read more
Google in Russia has declared itself bankrupt. What will happen to Android, Google Play and other services? Unlike many others. Therefore, the locals remained optimistic that the search giant would soon change its mind and restart all processes here. But, apparently, this will not happen, because the Russian office of Google decided to declare itself bankrupt and has already submitted all the necessary documents for this.
Read more
New comment
News of partners
-
How to consolidate the Safari tabs
-
Disable auto-update on iPhone to avoid bricking
8 new Apple Watch Functions, about which you did not know
9000. for iPhone with depth effectHow to Make WhatsApp Web Video Call on Laptop (2022)
Do you know how to make a WhatsApp web video call on a laptop? It's actually that simple.
In this article, you will learn how to make a video call on a laptop.
Free download
Free download
Maria Matveeva
Oct 14, 2022• Proven solutions
Are you wondering how to make WhatsApp web video calls on Laptops instead of phones? We promise it's possible! We tried to explain this a little more after we found that not everyone knows how it all works.
WhatsApp is one of our favorite communication apps, and it's especially useful when we're all stuck at home in a virus shelter. At a time when social distancing is on the rise, such apps are becoming more and more important. However, not all of us know how to call WhatsApp from a PC, and that is why we are here!
- Part 1: Can You Make WhatsApp Video Calls on Computer
- Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on Notebook
- Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web
Part 1: Can You Make Video Calls with WhatsApp on Computer
Unfortunately, you cannot use WhatsApp on Computer to make video calls directly.
However, you can use other third party software to simulate WhatsApp video call on computer. In addition to video calls, you can use other features such as those on your phone.
Anyone who asks “How can I make a video call on WhatsApp Web?” is in the right place.
Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on a Laptop
Anyone who has done a little research will see that you can use WhatsApp Web to make calls and send messages. At first glance, the controls appear to be the same, but you're more limited in what you can do because you can't seem to be able to make video calls.
What you need is an Emulator. This smart little technology was first invented for things like playing retro video games on a modern computer. The emulator bridges the missing encryption between the two technologies. In the case of a product called Bluestacks, it will allow you to run WhatsApp as if it were on your phone, but through your computer.
All you need to do is follow these instructions and you will be able to make WhatsApp video calls on your laptop in no time!
In a few simple steps:
- Download the emulator - Bluestacks is considered the industry favorite at the moment.
- Select Save, then run the application. Give it time to install.
- Set up your account on the app and sign in to Google to sync.
- Find WhatsApp in the Play or Apple store and download it.
- Open it via Bluestacks and install WhatsApp with the same account on your phone.
- You can now see all your WhatsApp contacts and add more people here.
- Select a friend to start a conversation, and then click the video call button in the top right corner. The whole process is quite easy to complete, just like over the phone.
Your WhatsApp download will start from here, giving you the answer to how to make video calls on WhatsApp web on laptops.
Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web
There are 3 alternatives to WhatsApp Web that we can think of without racking our brains.
1.
Skype Online Skype is one of the most popular video calling and web calling applications. It gives you a local international ID to make long distance calls for free and much easier. It also has some great features if you need to work from home or via video conference. Skype has a great support team and some great extras that make the experience more accessible. When it comes to personalized professional styling, Skype has the most experience. You can also record a Skype video call easily.
2. Google Duo
If you don't know how to make WhatsApp Web video calls on laptops, then Google Duo is a great alternative. It provides HD video and audio chat when running on low bandwidth or poor Wi-Fi. It's fully compatible with everything Google does and works when you're signed into your Google account, so your friends don't have to work hard if you invite them to a call.
3. Facebook Messenger
If you don't intend to do much group chatting, then Messenger video calls are a sure way to catch up with friends during quarantine.
Most people have Facebook, it will work with all of their products, and joining is as easy as clicking a link. The downside is that it only works if Facebook knows who you are. If you closed your account with them, then you will need to start from scratch. That said, audio and video are crisp, you can add file sharing, and you have the ability to send instant messages at any time. Plus, it will sync with your contacts just like Google Duo.
Rounding it up
So, if you can't figure out how to call WhatsApp from your computer, try one of our other tips to stay in touch. WhatsApp is an amazingly secure encrypted messaging service, but it's not the only one on the market. It may not even be the right product for you.
Best Video Editor & Screen Recorder
- Powerful and easy to use video editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover and webcam at the same time
- 2,000+ Free Video Editing Resources
- Support for export formats of various social programs
Free Download
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Free Download
For macOS X 10.
