The Meta‑owned chat giant is rolling out a fresh call interface on iOS and Android, promising faster connections, easier number entry and fewer taps to jump back to your messages.
Millions who rely on WhatsApp for daily voice and video conversations will notice the difference right away: a keypad pops up inside the app, a thumbnail chat bubble hovers during calls, and a new prompt lets you stash unfamiliar numbers in Contacts with a single tap.
WhatsApp’s in‑app dialer trims the usual five‑step calling routine drastically
Until now you had to save a number, refresh your contacts and then start a call—hardly lightning‑fast when mom is waiting. The brand‑new dialer lets you type, tap and talk in one breath. WhatsApp also checks on the fly whether the line is already linked to an account, cutting guesswork and wrong numbers. Here’s how the big changes stack up:
| New feature | Why it matters for everyday users |
|---|---|
| In‑app keypad | Place a call without first creating a contact |
| Real‑time account check | See instantly if the number uses WhatsApp |
| One‑tap add to contacts | Store new callers before you forget |
| Streamlined UI | Fewer menus, clearer icons, faster call launch |
Floating window and contact‑saving prompts keep chats moving during live phone calls
Ever tried to reply to a text while the ringtone still echoes? With the new floating window you can swipe through chats, drop a quick reply or read an address without hanging up. The call stays pinned in a corner so you never lose the thread—or the person on the other end.
Quick steps to try it today:
- Update WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play.
- Tap Calls ➜ keypad icon and dial any number.
- Watch for the “Is this on WhatsApp?” banner; green means go.
- While talking, press the back arrow to shrink the call into a movable bubble.
- After you hang up, accept the prompt to save the number if you’ll need it again.
What to do before the redesigned calling experience lands on your device this week
Most users in the United States should see the update automatically by Friday, according to Meta’s release schedule. If you don’t, open your app marketplace and check manually. Still waiting? Sit tight—staged rollouts can take a couple of days.
Bottom line: WhatsApp’s latest polish finally brings calling up to par with FaceTime and Zoom without pushing you out of the chats you already love. Give the dialer a spin and see if it replaces your phone’s green icon for good.