Meta-owned WhatsApp has launched Voice Chat, a new feature that lets group members talk live through audio while continuing to message in the same chat.
Voice Chat in Groups
With this update, Voice Chat is now available for all group sizes, expanding beyond its earlier limit of 33 to 256 members. Any member can start a chat, which begins silently without notifying others. Participants can join or leave at any time.
How It Works
- Once started, the voice chat stays visible at the bottom of the group chat for easy control.
- Members can join or leave the chat anytime and see who is currently connected.
All voice chats are secured with end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy like regular WhatsApp calls and messages.
To Start a Voice Chat
- Open the group chat.
- Tap the voice chat icon at the top right.
- Tap “Start Voice Chat.”
- Others receive a push notification to join (not a call).
- A banner at the bottom shows who is in the chat.
Additional Info
The feature works only on your primary device. Even if you’re not in the chat, you can view participants via the chat header and Calls tab. You can mute group messages and call alerts from the group info page. Voice chats end automatically if everyone leaves or if no one joins within 60 minutes. To leave, tap “leave voice chat.”
Availability
WhatsApp confirmed the feature is rolling out globally to Android and iOS users over the coming days.