WhatsApp has introduced one-to-one private and secure calling on its desktop app, meaning users of the messaging app can now video calls on their PC using the WhatsApp desktop app.
You can make free voice and video calls to your contacts on WhatsApp Desktop if you have the app installed on your computer.
Desktop calling is supported on:
- Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer
- macOS 10.13 and newer
To make or receive calls on WhatsApp Desktop, you’ll need:
- An audio output device and microphone for voice and video calls.
- A camera for video calls.
- An active internet connection on your computer and phone. The call won’t go through your phone, but it needs to be online to establish the call.
- To grant WhatsApp permission to access your computer’s microphone and camera. WhatsApp needs access to your computer’s microphone for calls and camera for video calls.
Note: Group calls aren’t supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
How to make a voice call using desktop WhatsApp
Voice calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp Desktop for free, even if they’re in another country. Voice calling uses your internet connection. Desktop calling is supported on Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer and macOS 10.13 and newer. Group calls aren’t supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
Use desktop calling
To make or receive voice calls on WhatsApp Desktop:
- You’ll need an active internet connection on your computer and phone.
- WhatsApp needs access to your computer’s microphone.
- You’ll need to have an audio output device and microphone connected to your computer for calls.
Note: Use a headset for the best audio. Using a separate external microphone and speaker devices might cause echo.
Make a voice call
- Open the individual chat with the contact you’d like to call.
- Click the Voice call icon.
During the call, you can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the Microphone icon. To end a call, click End call.
Answer a voice call
If you receive an incoming call, you can click:
- Accept to accept the call.
- Decline to decline the call.
- Ignore or x to ignore the call.
Switch between voice and video calls
While on a voice call with a contact, you can request to switch to a video call. The contact you’re voice calling can choose to click OK or Switch to switch the call or Cancel to decline.
- Hover over the Camera icon during the call.
- Click the Camera icon.
- The voice call will switch to a video call if your contact accepts the switch.
How to make a video call using desktop WhatsApp
Video calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp Desktop for free, even if they’re in another country. Video calling uses your internet connection. Desktop calling is supported on Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer and macOS 10.13 and newer. Group calls aren’t supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
Use desktop calling
To make or receive video calls on WhatsApp Desktop:
- You’ll need an active internet connection on your computer and phone.
- WhatsApp needs access to your computer’s microphone and camera.
- You’ll need to have an audio output device, microphone, and camera connected to your computer for calls. Video calling isn’t supported on device’s without a camera.
Note: Use a headset for the best audio. Using a separate external microphone and speaker devices might cause echo.
Make a video call
- Open the individual chat with the contact you’d like to call.
- Click the Video call icon.
During the call, you can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the Microphone icon or turn your camera off or on by clicking the Camera icon. To end a call, click End call.
Answer a video call
If you receive an incoming call, you can click:
- Accept to accept the call.
- Decline to decline the call.
- Ignore or x to ignore the call.
Switch between voice and video calls
While on a voice call with a contact, you can request to switch to a video call. The contact you’re voice calling can choose to click OK or Switch to switch the call or Cancel to decline.
- Hover over the Camera icon during the call.
- Click the Camera icon.
- The voice call will switch to a video call if your contact accepts the switch.
Can’t use desktop calling
If you’re having trouble making or receiving desktop calls:
- Ensure your computer and phone are connected to the internet and you have a strong internet connection.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version available.
- Ensure that your device supports desktop calling. Desktop calling is available on Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer and macOS 10.13 and newer.
- Make sure you have a microphone, camera, and speakers.
- Troubleshoot your microphone and speakers through your computer’s sound settings.
- Use a headset for the best audio. Using a separate external microphone and speaker devices might cause echo.
- Make sure your camera is available.
- Ensure you’ve granted permission for WhatsApp to access your microphone and camera.
Note:
- Group calls aren’t supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
- Virtual audio and video devices aren’t supported.