How to activate "walkie-talkie" mode in WhatsApp: the new feature you didn't know existed

With over 2 billion registered users worldwide, we can safely say that WhatsApp is the number one instant messaging app, as well as one of the most popular platforms available today. The Meta-owned app offers a simple, fast, and, above all, free way to communicate with people in every way imaginable, which is why it sits comfortably on the throne today.

While it's true that the app never rests, we can say it's constantly working to offer and introduce new features to the platform to improve the user experience . And even though it's a messaging app, the truth is that it offers countless features, and now with the arrival of its own AI, even more.

And while it's true that it's a feature they added a while ago, it seems like they've now modernized it and created a new way to access it to make it easier to use , but it's more than likely that you haven't realized it exists.

As we mentioned, WhatsApp allows for much more than just messaging. In terms of communication, it also allows you to send audio, make calls, and even video calls within the app, all you need is an internet connection. Another feature it offers, but one that remains largely unknown to most people because it was launched just a few weeks ago, is audio chats, although many users have dubbed it the "walkie-talkie" mode.

Audio chats are a feature adapted from WhatsApp group calls, but with the difference that they're less intrusive than regular calls. This is because until now, whenever a group call was received, all users in the group would receive it , causing their phones to ring at inopportune times, so that the call would end up being something they weren't interested in at the time.

Now, with audio chats, the user initiates the call, and instead of everyone being reached, only those interested have to join. This way, the call doesn't bother anyone and is much less intrusive. This change may seem minor, but in large groups, calls can become a nuisance. This way , users only receive one notification, as if it were just another message. Furthermore, users can continue responding to messages even within the same chat.

WhatsApp initially implemented this feature for groups with 33 or more participants, but now it can be used in any group with at least three participants. The steps are:

1. Open the WhatsApp app and open the group you want to call.
2. Swipe up on the conversation, as if you wanted to read the last message they sent.
3. A pop-up window will appear where the application presents the audio chats.
4. Hit start, and you'll have started the call.

People in that group will receive the call notification, and they'll just have to tap join to join the call.