Quick Answer
Yes, you can use WhatsApp on your laptop to make voice and video calls. WhatsApp has desktop apps available for both Windows and Mac that allow you to use all the features of WhatsApp, including calling, on your computer.
To get started, you first need to download and install the desktop app on your laptop from the WhatsApp website. Once you’ve logged into the desktop app by scanning the QR code with your phone, your WhatsApp account will be linked between devices. This means you can seamlessly make and receive WhatsApp calls on your laptop using your existing WhatsApp contacts and number.
Calls made through the WhatsApp desktop app have the same high-quality as calls on your phone. The app uses your computer’s microphone and speakers or headphones for audio. For video calling, it will use your laptop’s webcam.
So in summary – yes, downloading the official WhatsApp desktop app allows you to fully use WhatsApp calling features on your Windows PC or Mac laptop.
How to Use WhatsApp Calling on a Laptop
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting started with WhatsApp calling on your laptop:
1. Download the Desktop App
First, you need to download the WhatsApp desktop app for either Windows or Mac from the official WhatsApp website:
– For Windows – https://www.whatsapp.com/download
– For Mac – https://www.whatsapp.com/download/
This will download the desktop app install file onto your computer.
2. Install the Desktop App
Once downloaded, open and run the WhatsApp setup file on your computer. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the desktop app.
You may need to grant the app permissions or go through some verification steps during install. Follow all instructions.
3. Link to Your Phone
With the desktop app installed, it’s now time to link it to your phone:
– On your phone, open the WhatsApp app and go to the main Chats tab.
– On your laptop, open the WhatsApp desktop app.
– You will see a QR code appear on your laptop screen.
– Using your phone, scan the QR code to link your WhatsApp account between devices.
– You may need to keep your phone connected to the internet during this process.
– Once linked, your WhatsApp chats, contacts and full account will be available on desktop.
4. Make Voice and Video Calls
Now you’re all set up to make WhatsApp calls on your laptop!
To make a voice call:
– Open a chat with a WhatsApp contact.
– Click the phone icon in the top right.
– This will initiate a WhatsApp voice call using your laptop’s mic and speakers.
To make a video call:
– Similarly, open a chat then click the camera icon.
– This will start a video call using your webcam.
Calls will sync between your phone and PC. You can seamlessly switch devices or transfer calls as needed.
Requirements and Troubleshooting
To use WhatsApp calling on desktop, you need:
– The WhatsApp app installed on your phone
– The WhatsApp desktop app installed on your PC/Mac
– Your phone and computer connected to the internet
– Your phone number verified on WhatsApp
Here are some tips if you encounter any issues getting WhatsApp calling to work:
– Ensure your phone has an active internet connection during setup. This is required to link devices.
– The desktop app needs to remain open and connected online to receive calls. The app only stores recent messages and info.
– Make sure to permit access to your laptop’s microphone, camera and notifications for the WhatsApp app if prompted.
– On Windows, you may need to allow access through your firewall for WhatsApp.
– On Mac, check that WhatsApp has access rights granted in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
– Try reloading the desktop app and scanning the QR code again if linking is not working.
– Update to the latest version of WhatsApp on both your phone and desktop.
– If issues persist, uninstall then reinstall the desktop app and try again.
Key Features of WhatsApp Calling on Laptop
Using WhatsApp calling on desktop provides a seamless messaging and calling experience across your devices. Here are some of the key features:
Make and Receive Calls
You can seamlessly make and take WhatsApp voice and video calls directly on your laptop using the desktop app.
Sync Between Devices
Calls will instantaneously sync between your phone and computer. You can switch devices mid-call or transfer calls from one to the other.
Notifications on Desktop
When someone calls you on WhatsApp, you can get notifications and answer right from your computer screen. You don’t need your phone nearby or connected.
Use Desktop Microphone & Camera
The desktop app will use your laptop’s built-in mic and webcam for voice and video calling through WhatsApp. No phone required.
Call Quality
WhatsApp calls made on the desktop sound just as good as on mobile. The app utilizes your computer’s speakers, microphone and internet connection.
End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption applies to calls made from desktop as well. All your WhatsApp calls are secured.
Free Calling
There are no extra call charges or fees. WhatsApp calling is completely free to use on both mobile and desktop.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Make and Receive Calls | Seamlessly make and answer WhatsApp calls through the desktop app |
| Sync Between Devices | Transition calls instantly between your phone and PC |
| Notifications | Get WhatsApp call notifications directly on your desktop |
| Desktop Microphone & Camera | Use your computer’s built-in mic and webcam for calls |
| Call Quality | Get high-quality WhatsApp calls using your computer’s audio |
| End-to-End Encryption | WhatsApp’s security applies to desktop calling |
| Free Calling | No extra fees or charges for calls on desktop |
Conclusion
To conclude, yes you can absolutely use WhatsApp calling features on your Windows PC or Mac laptop.
By downloading WhatsApp’s desktop app and linking to your account, you can seamlessly make and take WhatsApp calls on your computer.
It provides a convenient way to call WhatsApp contacts directly from your laptop with the same high quality as on mobile. Plus calls instantly sync between devices.
With the desktop app installed, you can enjoy free, secure WhatsApp voice and video calling on your laptop without needing your phone nearby. It enables a connected messaging and calling experience across all your devices.
So in summary:
– Get the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows or Mac
– Link it to your WhatsApp account on your phone
– You can then make and take calls on your laptop using WhatsApp
WhatsApp calling is a very useful feature on desktop for both productivity and convenience. If you frequently use WhatsApp on your work computer or laptop, enabling calling is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp calling free on my laptop?
Yes, WhatsApp calls are completely free to make and receive on both mobile and desktop. There are no extra call charges or fees to use desktop calling.
Can I make WhatsApp video calls on my PC?
Yes, the WhatsApp desktop app allows you to make video calls with your contacts using your laptop’s webcam.
Do WhatsApp calls on PC use my phone’s minutes?
No, WhatsApp calls on desktop do not use any minutes from your phone plan. They rely entirely on your computer’s internet connection.
Can I receive incoming WhatsApp calls on my computer?
Yes, you can get notifications and answer WhatsApp voice and video calls directly on your PC or Mac with the desktop app.
Does the WhatsApp desktop app work offline?
No, the desktop app requires an active internet connection to send messages, make calls and sync with your mobile account.
Do I need to keep my phone connected while using the desktop app?
Your phone is only needed during initial setup to link accounts. After that, you can use the desktop app independently with an internet connection.
Can I transfer calls from my phone to my computer?
Yes, you can seamlessly move WhatsApp calls back and forth between your phone and PC by selecting the transfer option.
How do I uninstall WhatsApp from my desktop?
On Windows, use the Programs & Features control panel. On Mac, drag the WhatsApp app file to the Trash.
Is WhatsApp calling encrypted on desktop?
Yes, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption applies to all calls made from the desktop app for full security.