How to Make Voice and Video Calls in WhatsApp on the Desktop
WhatsApp finally lets you make voice and video calls to and from the desktop app . This feature works on Windows 10, version 1903 and later, and macOS 10.13 and later, and lets you call any of your contacts while they’re online and using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer.
As with mobile devices, all voice and video data in WhatsApp on desktops is encrypted and the general interface will be familiar to anyone using a smartphone app, but there are some key differences between mobile and desktop calls.
For example, the call window will always be at the top of the desktop, so you will not lose it among other open applications, folders or browser tabs. The window can also be resized and moved, and it will automatically reformat to landscape or portrait mode based on the current window size.
Another difference is less useful: unlike the mobile app , the WhatsApp desktop client only supports one-to-one calls. In the future, WhatsApp plans to add group voice and video calls to the desktop app, but at the moment you cannot make or join group calls from your computer. Luckily, there are several PC and Mac apps that support group calling if you need an alternative.
To make or join WhatsApp calls on your computer, you will need:
- PC running Windows 10 version 1903 (or newer) or macOS 10.13 (or newer).
- Latest version of WhatsApp for Windows 10 or Mac .
- Microphone – Either your laptop’s internal microphone, or one that’s connected to your computer.
- Camera (if you plan to use video calls).
- You also need to log into your WhatsApp account on your smartphone. Desktop calls do not go through your phone, but you must have a phone to use this feature.
If you have all the hardware you need, here’s how to call your WhatsApp contacts on your desktop:
- In the WhatsApp window, select the contact you want to call to open a chat.
- Select Call or Video call.
- If the other party picks up the handset, a call will start.
The controls during the call are the same as on the mobile phone: click the microphone to mute / unmute the sound yourself; the camera icon turns your video on / off; the red button ends the call. You can also switch to video chat during a call by clicking the camera icon during a voice call. The other person will be prompted to accept or cancel the request. If they accept the invitation, the call will switch to video.
This feature should be easy to use, but you can refer to WhatsApp’s Desktop Call Troubleshooting Guide if you run into problems.