From paying electricity bills in India to making video calls directly from a web browser, WhatsApp is becoming a much more complete everyday utility. Here are some of the biggest new WhatsApp features users should know about.
1. WhatsApp Bill Payments Arrive in India
One of the biggest recent WhatsApp updates is the launch of Bill Payments in India.
The new feature allows users to find, manage and pay household and utility bills without leaving WhatsApp. It is powered by the Bharat Connect (BBPS) network and provides access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories.
Supported categories include:
- Electricity bills
- Water bills
- Gas bills
- FASTag
- Insurance
- Credit card payments
- Loan repayments
Users can access the feature by tapping the ₹ icon at the top of the WhatsApp home screen. They can then select a bill category, choose the biller, enter their account details and complete the payment.
WhatsApp supports UPI, debit cards and credit cards for bill payments. Users can also manage multiple accounts under the same biller, which could be useful for keeping track of bills for their home, office or family members.
2. WhatsApp Web Gets Voice and Video Calling
WhatsApp has also introduced calling directly from WhatsApp Web.
Users can now make and receive one-to-one and group audio and video calls directly through their browser without downloading the WhatsApp desktop application.
The web calling experience includes several features users may already be familiar with from the mobile app, including:
- One-to-one audio calls
- Video calls
- Group calls
- Screen sharing
- Call reactions
- Call history
- Favourite contacts
- A dedicated Calls tab
WhatsApp says calls made through the web are end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits.
3. You Can Transfer Calls Between Devices
Another useful addition is the ability to transfer an active WhatsApp call between devices.
For example, you can start a group call on your phone and later move the call to WhatsApp Web or Desktop when you reach your computer. The same process works in the opposite direction.
This could be particularly useful for people who regularly switch between their smartphone and computer during work or study.
4. Waiting Room for WhatsApp Group Calls
WhatsApp is also giving users more control over group calls with a new waiting room feature.
When creating a WhatsApp call link, users can enable the option to require approval before someone joins. Participants will then remain in a waiting room until they are approved by the host.
This gives group-call organisers more control over who enters the conversation, especially when a call link has been shared with multiple people.
5. Better Video and Noise Suppression
WhatsApp has also improved the calling experience with features designed to make calls clearer.
QuickHD allows high-definition video to become available immediately during the first few seconds of a call. WhatsApp has also introduced background noise suppression to reduce unwanted sounds around the caller.
The noise suppression feature can be controlled from the in-call settings and should be particularly useful when making calls from busy environments.
6. WhatsApp Security Gets Stronger
Security is another major focus of WhatsApp's latest updates.
The platform is upgrading its traditional six-digit two-step verification PIN to a full password. Users can create longer passwords using letters, numbers and special characters, making the additional security layer harder to guess.
This is an important improvement for users who want additional protection against account takeovers.
7. More Than 1 Billion WhatsApp Users Now Use Passkeys
WhatsApp says that more than 1 billion people now use passkeys to protect their accounts.
Passkeys allow users to verify their identity using methods such as fingerprint, Face ID or the device screen lock, without relying on traditional SMS verification codes.
WhatsApp has also added support for multiple passkeys, which is useful for people who use both Android and iOS devices.
Users can manage passkeys by going to:
8. More Information About Unknown Callers
WhatsApp is also adding more context when someone outside your contacts calls you.
On Android, users can see additional information about an unknown caller, including whether the number is from another country and whether the caller shares any WhatsApp groups with them.
The feature is designed to help users make a more informed decision before answering an unfamiliar call, particularly as spam and scam calls continue to be a problem.
9. Mobile Recharge Is Now Available Inside WhatsApp
WhatsApp has also expanded its payment features in India with prepaid mobile recharges.
Users can recharge their own number or the number of a family member or friend directly from WhatsApp. The feature currently supports Jio, Airtel and Vi prepaid connections.
Users can tap the ₹ icon, select mobile prepaid recharge, choose the number and operator, select a plan and complete the payment.
Payments can be completed using UPI, debit cards or credit cards.
10. WhatsApp Is Becoming More Than a Messaging App
These updates show how WhatsApp is expanding its role beyond simple messaging.
In India, users can now use WhatsApp for messaging, UPI payments, prepaid recharges, metro services and utility bill payments. Meta has also introduced Business AI for eligible small businesses in India, allowing businesses to automate customer support, answer questions, capture leads and assist customers around the clock.
With calling, payments, business tools and AI increasingly being integrated into the same platform, WhatsApp is moving closer to becoming an all-in-one everyday digital service.
Final Verdict
The latest WhatsApp updates are much more significant than simple interface changes. Bill payments, mobile recharges, web calling, improved call controls, stronger account security and passkeys are making the platform considerably more useful.
For users in India especially, the addition of bill payments could be one of the most important changes. Being able to manage electricity, water, gas, FASTag, insurance and other payments without leaving WhatsApp makes the app more convenient for everyday tasks.
As WhatsApp continues adding financial services, AI features and productivity tools, the platform is increasingly becoming more than just a place to send messages.
What's your favourite new WhatsApp feature?
Bill payments, web calling, passkeys or mobile recharge? Let us know in the comments.