WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, which allows users to easily call their WhatsApp contacts. A common question that arises is whether both parties need to have WhatsApp installed to make a call. The short answer is no – only one person needs WhatsApp to initiate a call.
How WhatsApp Calling Works
WhatsApp uses your phone’s internet connection rather than your cellular plan to make calls. As long as both parties have an internet connection, the call can connect. Here is a breakdown of how WhatsApp calling works:
Initiating a WhatsApp Call
To initiate a WhatsApp call, you simply open a chat with the contact you want to call and tap the voice or video call icon. As long as you have an internet connection, the WhatsApp servers will try to connect your call.
Receiving a WhatsApp Call
If the person you are calling also has WhatsApp installed, the call will ring through on their device like a normal phone call. They can answer directly through the WhatsApp app.
If the recipient doesn’t have WhatsApp installed, they will receive an SMS text message containing a link to answer your call through their browser. This allows them to join the call without having to install WhatsApp.
So in summary, only the caller needs WhatsApp installed. The recipient can answer from their browser without having the app.
Do Both Parties Need WhatsApp Installed to Call?
Based on the above information, the answer is no – both parties do not need to have WhatsApp installed to complete a call. Here are the requirements:
Caller Requirements
The person initiating the WhatsApp call must have:
- The WhatsApp app installed
- An internet connection
- The contact’s phone number registered in their WhatsApp account
Recipient Requirements
The recipient of the WhatsApp call does not need to have WhatsApp installed. They can join the call by:
- Answering directly through WhatsApp (if installed)
- Clicking the link in the SMS invite and answering in a web browser
So in most cases, only the caller needs WhatsApp. The recipient can participate without having the app.
Joining a WhatsApp Call Without the App
If you receive a WhatsApp call from someone but don’t have the app installed, you can still participate. Here is how:
Receving the SMS Invite
When your contact tries calling you on WhatsApp, you will receive an SMS text message containing a link if you don’t have WhatsApp installed. This message will come from the number +1 213-337-1313. It may say something like:
“John called you on WhatsApp! Tap this link to join: https://wa.me/phoneNumber”
Joining through Your Browser
Simply tap the link on your mobile device or open it on your computer. This will open a browser version of WhatsApp and connect you directly to the call. You may be prompted to download the app, but you can skip this and stay connected through the browser.
The call quality and performance may not be as good as using the app, but it allows you to participate without having to install anything.
Using Desktop Browsers
In addition to mobile browsers, you can also answer WhatsApp calls on your computer by opening https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your desktop browser. You will be prompted to scan a QR code with your phone to link the devices. Once linked, you can seamlessly answer calls through your desktop.
So in summary, by using the SMS invite link or web browser interfaces, you can join a WhatsApp call even if you don’t have the app installed on your phone.
Making WhatsApp Calls Without the App
Unfortunately, you cannot initiate a WhatsApp call without having the mobile app installed. Because the calls rely on the app to set up the connection through WhatsApp’s servers, there is no way to start a call directly from a browser.
However, if you need to make WhatsApp calls but don’t want the app on your phone, you have a couple options:
Use WhatsApp Web
You can access your full WhatsApp account including voice and video calling through WhatsApp Web. To use it:
- Open https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your browser
- On your phone’s WhatsApp app, go to Menu > Linked Devices > Link a Device
- Scan the QR code shown on your computer screen with your phone’s camera
Once linked, you’ll have full calling capabilities without having the app installed directly on your phone.
Use an Old Phone as a WhatsApp Device
Another option is to install WhatsApp on a separate old phone that you don’t normally use. You can then use that phone only for WhatsApp calling through WiFi. This way, you don’t have to have the app on your primary device.
Install a VoIP App That Supports WhatsApp
Some VoIP and communication apps like Skype allow you to link your WhatsApp account. You can then initiate WhatsApp calls directly from within those apps without having the official WhatsApp app installed.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Calls
WhatsApp calls rely on internet connectivity. If you are having issues getting calls to connect, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure both you and the recipient have a stable internet connection – WhatsApp calls will not work properly on slow or unstable connections. Try switching WiFi networks or turning WiFi off temporarily to test your cellular data.
Update the WhatsApp App
Using outdated versions of WhatsApp can cause calling issues. Make sure both parties have updated to the latest version of the app.
Restart Your Phone
Basic restarting of your device can help clear up any software glitches preventing WhatsApp calls from connecting properly.
Verify Your WhatsApp Number
Make sure your phone number is verified in WhatsApp’s settings. An unverified number can prevent calls from being placed.
Check if WhatsApp is Blocked
Some networks and firewalls actively block WhatsApp’s voice calling feature. Try switching networks or using a VPN to bypass these restrictions.
Following these tips should help resolve most common calling issues. Make sure to have patience and retry the call if initial attempts fail.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about WhatsApp calling when only one party has the app installed:
- Only the caller needs WhatsApp installed to initiate a call
- Recipients without WhatsApp can join through their browser using a link
- Call quality may suffer when the recipient doesn’t use the app
- You cannot call someone from a browser – the caller always needs the mobile app
- Use WhatsApp Web or a secondary device to call without having the app on your phone
The Advantages of WhatsApp Calling
Here are some of the main benefits of using WhatsApp calling:
It’s Free!
WhatsApp calls use your existing internet connection rather than cellular minutes, so you don’t have to worry about call costs. All WhatsApp calls are completely free.
Works Globally
You can use WhatsApp to call any country at no cost. It works great for keeping in touch with friends and family abroad.
Call Quality
When both parties are using the app, WhatsApp leverages your internet connection to provide good call quality and reliability in most cases.
End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, making them private and protected from interception or eavesdropping.
Integrated into WhatsApp
Calling is seamlessly built into the WhatsApp interface alongside chatting. You don’t need a separate app or number.
Overall, WhatsApp calling is an incredibly useful communication tool, especially when only one person needs to have the app installed to initiate a call. It allows you to stay connected with people worldwide for free.
Comparison of WhatsApp Calling to Other VoIP Services
How does WhatsApp calling compare to other voice over IP (VoIP) apps and services? Here is an overview:
| Service | End-to-End Encryption | Video Calling | Group Calling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 8 participants) | |
| Skype | No | Yes | Yes (up to 50 participants) |
| FaceTime | Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 32 participants) |
| Facebook Messenger | No | Yes | Yes (up to 50 participants) |
| Google Duo | No | Yes | No |
As you can see, WhatsApp is very competitive and offers a full set of calling capabilities. Its commitment to end-to-end encryption helps set it apart from other options.
Ultimately, most services offer similar core features. WhatsApp’s advantage is that it doesn’t require phone numbers or accounts – just a smartphone with the app installed. This makes it incredibly easy to use for quick calls with your existing contacts.
WhatsApp’s Global Impact
WhatsApp calling has had an especially profound impact increasing communication possibilities in countries where telephone infrastructure is limited. Here are some key ways it has influenced global connectivity:
Enables Affordable International Calling
For users abroad from friends and family, WhatsApp allows them to call home for free over the internet. It eliminates expensive international call rates.
Provides Reliable Voice Calling
In regions where telephone service is unreliable, WhatsApp can provide a higher quality alternative thanks to leveraging data networks.
Improves Rural Access
WhatsApp works well even on low-bandwidth networks, helping extend calling to rural areas without advanced telecom infrastructure.
Facilitates Business Communications
Small businesses can use WhatsApp to easily communicate with suppliers and partners both locally and internationally.
Drives Internet Adoption
The popularity of WhatsApp calling has motivated more people globally to purchase internet-enabled phones.
Overall, by providing free and reliable calling, WhatsApp has helped connect billions of people worldwide, especially in countries will limited telecommunications infrastructure.
WhatsApp Call Usage and Statistics
WhatsApp calling has seen massive growth since its launch. Here are some key statistics about its usage and adoption:
- Over 100 billion WhatsApp calls are made per day (as of 2020)
- The average WhatsApp call lasts over 6 minutes
- WhatsApp calling increased 50% during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Over 1.6 billion users make voice and video calls monthly on WhatsApp
- WhatsApp calling is most popular in Malaysia, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and Italy
- 93% of Android users who try WhatsApp calling end up using it regularly
WhatsApp calling has clearly become core to how people communicate and stay connected worldwide. With continued growth in emerging markets, WhatsApp calling usage is expected to surpass traditional telecom services in the coming years.
Conclusion
In summary, only the caller needs to have WhatsApp installed to initiate a voice or video call. The recipient can join the call through their browser without the app. While the overall experience is better when both parties use WhatsApp, the flexibility for the recipient to join without installation provides connectivity across users and devices.
With the app’s substantial user base and focus on encrypted communications, WhatsApp is poised to be a leading platform for free calling globally both now and into the future.