Google Messages to Introduce WhatsApp Video Calling Feature
Google Messages is reportedly developing a feature that would allow users to initiate WhatsApp video calls directly from the app. The feature, discovered in the app’s latest code, is not yet functional but is expected to activate when Google Meet is not installed on the caller’s device.
According to a report by Android Authority, the feature was spotted in Google Messages version 20250131. A hidden flag in the code suggests that the functionality is being tested, but users cannot access it yet.
Screenshots shared in the report show that when a user taps the video call icon in Google Messages, a prompt appears suggesting WhatsApp as an alternative for video calls. Currently, Google Messages only supports video calls through Meet, and users without the app are required to install it before proceeding. However, with the upcoming update, WhatsApp could launch the video call interface directly without redirecting users to the chat app.
The feature is said to work only for one-on-one conversations, while group chats will still rely on Google Meet for video calls. Additionally, the WhatsApp video call option does not appear if the recipient does not have WhatsApp installed.
If implemented, this update could offer a seamless video-calling experience for users who rely on Google Messages as their primary messaging app.
