Google Messages Could Reportedly Allow Users to Make Video Calls via WhatsApp

The WhatsApp video call prompt on Google Messages will reportedly show when the user does not have Google Meet installed.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 10 February 2025 14:10 IST

Google Messages Could Reportedly Allow Users to Make Video Calls via WhatsApp

Photo Credit: Google

If the receiver does not have WhatsApp installed, the prompt will not show up on Google Messages

Highlights

WhatsApp video call feature was spotted in Google Messages v202
The feature is only said to work with individual chats
It is currently not a visible feature

Google Messages is reportedly working on adding a new feature that will allow users to make video calls via WhatsApp. As per the report, the feature is not currently active and was found within the code of the app. It reportedly activates when the caller does not have Google Meet installed on their device. This feature is said to make the video-calling process on the Mountain View-based tech giant's first-party app easier for users. Separately, a report claimed that the app recently merged the camera viewfinder and the gallery picker when opening the camera option.

Google Messages Could Reportedly Integrate WhatsApp Video Calling

According to an Android Authority report, Google Messages could soon integrate WhatsApp's video calling feature into Google Messages. The publication spotted the feature within the Google Messages version 20250131. A flag for the feature was found within the code, which was activated. As such, it is currently not available for users to try out.

Google Messages WhatsApp integration
Photo Credit: Android Authority

Based on screenshots shared by the publication, a prompt suggesting users make video calls via WhatsApp shows up when they tap the video call icon in Google Messages. However, the feature reportedly only shows up if the caller does not have Google Meet installed. Notably, currently, users can only make video calls via Meet, and if they do not have it installed, the app prompts them to install the app and try again.

With this new feature, when making a video call via WhatsApp, the app does not take the user to the messaging app. Instead, it is said to directly open the video call interface in full-screen. This feature could save users several clicks if their primary messaging app is Google Messages.

However, the report claimed that the feature only works in individual chats. In group chats, the app can initiate video calls via Meet only. Additionally, if the person on the other end does not have WhatsApp installed, Google Messages reportedly does not prompt the WhatsApp video call pop-up.

Notably, the feature has not been officially announced by Google and some of the reported behaviours can be different, in case the feature ever makes it to the public domain.

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Further reading: Google Messages, WhatsApp, Video Calls, App, Google

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More