WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. One of the key features of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, which allows users to easily connect with friends and family.
While WhatsApp is primarily designed for mobile devices like smartphones, many users also want to use WhatsApp on their desktop and laptop computers. This is where WhatsApp for Linux comes in.
What is WhatsApp for Linux?
WhatsApp for Linux allows you to run the WhatsApp messaging application on Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and more. There are a couple different options for using WhatsApp on Linux:
- WhatsApp Web – This web-based version connects to your mobile WhatsApp account by scanning a QR code. It provides basic messaging functions.
- WhatsApp Desktop – This dedicated desktop app more closely mirrors the mobile app experience, with features like native notifications and better keyboard shortcuts.
Both WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop for Linux rely on connecting to your mobile device’s WhatsApp account. Your mobile phone must have an active WhatsApp connection for these to work.
Can You Call on WhatsApp for Linux?
When it comes to calling features, there are some limitations with WhatsApp for Linux:
- WhatsApp Web – You cannot make or receive calls using WhatsApp Web, only exchange messages.
- WhatsApp Desktop – You can make and receive WhatsApp calls through the desktop application. However, the call still uses your mobile phone’s connection.
So in summary:
- WhatsApp Web does not support any calling features on Linux or other platforms.
- WhatsApp Desktop for Linux allows you to initiate and answer calls, but the calls are still routed through your mobile phone.
This means you do not actually make calls directly from your Linux desktop. Your smartphone must be connected with an active internet connection to use WhatsApp calling on Linux.
Requirements for WhatsApp Calling on Linux
To use WhatsApp calling features on Linux via WhatsApp Desktop, you need:
- A Linux distribution like Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE etc. running WhatsApp Desktop.
- An Android or iOS smartphone with an active WhatsApp account and internet connection.
- Your smartphone must be on and connected to WhatsApp when using calling on your Linux desktop.
- A stable internet connection on both your smartphone and Linux computer.
- Your Linux computer must have a microphone and speaker connected to make and receive calls.
As long as your mobile phone is connected to WhatsApp, you can seamlessly transfer calls between your smartphone and Linux desktop mid-call. The mobile phone facilitates the call even when on your Linux PC.
Setting up WhatsApp Calls on Linux
Here are the steps to get WhatsApp calling set up on your Linux desktop:
- Install WhatsApp Desktop on Linux – Download the Linux .deb file from WhatsApp and install it on your distro.
- Link to your WhatsApp account – Open WhatsApp Desktop, scan the QR code and link to your account.
- Ensure your smartphone is connected – Make sure your phone is connected to the internet with WhatsApp running.
- Test your microphone and speakers – Go into your Linux audio settings to test your audio input/output.
- Start a call – Initiate a WhatsApp call from your Linux desktop as you normally would from mobile.
As long as your phone stays active and connected, the call will route through it but let you use your Linux mic and speakers.
Tips for Better Call Quality
To optimize WhatsApp call performance on Linux, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a stable high-speed internet connection on both devices.
- Keep your smartphone in close proximity to your computer.
- Reduce background noise and echo on calls by using a headset.
- If call quality is poor, try switching from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa.
- Make sure no other apps are disrupting your internet connection.
- Use Ethernet instead of WiFi if possible for more consistent connectivity.
Troubleshooting your network and audio setup will help maximize call reliability on Linux.
Alternative VOIP Options for Linux
If you want to make direct calls from your Linux desktop without relying on a smartphone, some VoIP options to consider include:
Signal
Like WhatsApp, Signal also offers secure messaging and encrypted calls. The Linux desktop app allows directly making Signal calls without a smartphone required.
Skype
Skype has native Linux support and allows making calls directly through your Linux computer’s mic and speakers.
Google Voice
Google Voice can be used through the web browser on Linux to place calls using your Google Voice number.
Discord
Popular with gamers, Discord also provides free voice calling capabilities on Linux desktops and laptops.
These VoIP services can facilitate calls directly on Linux without going through a smartphone.
Can You Use WhatsApp Calling on Linux Tablets?
Unlike desktop Linux, WhatsApp is available as a native mobile app for tablet devices running Linux-based operating systems like Ubuntu Touch and postmarketOS.
On these Linux tablets, you can install WhatsApp from the app store and use it normally like on an Android tablet. This includes full access to WhatsApp’s calling features directly on the Linux tablet device.
So in summary:
- On Linux desktops, WhatsApp calls go through your smartphone.
- On Linux tablets, the WhatsApp app allows direct calls without a smartphone.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp’s Linux desktop app lets you make and receive calls, the calls are still facilitated through your mobile phone’s internet connection. For true native WhatsApp calling on Linux desktops, you’ll need to use a VoIP alternative like Signal, Skype, or Discord.
In contrast, on Linux tablets you can install WhatsApp directly like on Android and make calls without a smartphone required. This allows full use of WhatsApp’s messaging and calling app on a Linux touchscreen device.
Overall, WhatsApp calling on desktop Linux still relies on smartphone connectivity. But Linux tablet users can enjoy the full mobile WhatsApp experience with independent messaging and voice/video calls.