Make Phone Calls Inside Android WebView
Place the call from your browser in seconds. Nothing to install, and outbound calls need no phone number.
Product facts
- Outbound: No dedicated number required.
- Inbound: Requires US/Canada digital number ($2.14 to $5/month).
- No apps: Works in Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox.
Product facts: Android Browser Calling
- Outbound calling: Place calls worldwide without a dedicated number or app installation.
- Inbound calling: To receive calls in your Android browser, a unique US or Canada digital number is required ($2.14 to $5/month).
- WebRTC Native: Works flawlessly in Chrome for Android or Android WebViews.
How to Enable Calling Inside Android WebView
Follow these core steps to run StartACall inside an Android WebView and let users call real phone numbers from your app's embedded browser.
Secure Origin
Serve your StartACall pages over HTTPS. getUserMedia requires a secure context so the WebView page must be loaded from https. If you must load local content, host it via a secure embedded server.
Grant Microphone
In your Android app set a WebChromeClient and override onPermissionRequest to grant audio capture for the origin. Also request RECORD_AUDIO at runtime from the Android framework.
User Gesture
StartACall begins media capture after a user click. Ensure your WebView user interface triggers a user gesture so browsers allow microphone access and autoplay when needed.
Android WebView Code Snippet
Add a WebChromeClient and handle onPermissionRequest so the WebView grants the page access to the microphone when StartACall asks for it.
webView.setWebChromeClient(new WebChromeClient() {
@Override
public void onPermissionRequest(final PermissionRequest request) {
// Check origin, then grant audio capture
request.grant(request.getResources());
}
});
// Also request Manifest.permission.RECORD_AUDIO at runtime.Android Compatibility Notes
WebRTC support varies by Android version and WebView implementation. Use these notes to plan testing and fallbacks.
| Android Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| Android 5.0+ (Lollipop) | Modern System WebView with basic WebRTC support |
| Android 7.0+ (Nougat) | Improved media handling and permission flows |
| Android 8.0+ (Oreo) | Stable getUserMedia support in most devices |
| Version | Advice |
|---|---|
| Android 10+ | Best compatibility with latest WebView and audio routing |
| Older than 5.0 | Legacy devices may require external browser or native integration |
Troubleshooting WebView Calling
Common issues and quick fixes when embedding StartACall inside Android WebView.
No Microphone Prompt
Ensure your Android app calls requestPermissions for RECORD_AUDIO before loading the page. Also implement onPermissionRequest in WebChromeClient and inspect the origin to avoid over-granting permissions.
Poor Audio Quality
Confirm the device is on a stable network and the WebView has audio focus. Use echo cancellation and Opus codecs enabled by StartACall and Twilio for best results.
Will WebRTC work in Android WebView?
Yes on modern devices and up-to-date System WebView implementations. Test on target devices and use a fallback to open in the system browser if needed.
Do users need to install anything?
No. StartACall runs entirely in the browser context inside WebView. Your app only needs to grant microphone permissions.
How do I route audio to speaker?
Use the device AudioManager to set the speakerphone on when a call starts, or provide UI to toggle loudspeaker.
Embed Real Phone Calling in Your App
StartACall connects WebRTC calls from WebView to the PSTN using Twilio. Add virtual numbers, StartACall, and a copilot to assist live calls while keeping the entire experience inside your Android app.
- Browser-based calling inside WebView
- Handle inbound and outbound calls using StartACall
- Purchase and manage virtual numbers globally
- Real-time call analytics and monitoring
Instant Integration
Add a web page to WebView and enable permissions. Start calling right away.
Global Reach
Buy US/Canada digital numbers and connect users worldwide.
Secure
Encrypted WebRTC sessions and secure token exchange for device access.
Real Phone Numbers
Place calls to any mobile or landline through the PSTN via Twilio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use StartACall inside Android WebView?
Yes. StartACall runs in the WebView as long as the WebView supports getUserMedia and the app grants microphone permission via WebChromeClient and Android runtime permissions.
What Android versions work best?
Devices with Android 8.0 and above typically offer the best WebRTC compatibility. Test across your target devices and consider opening the system browser as a fallback for older systems.
Do I need a native SDK?
No. The core calling flow works directly in the browser context. Some apps add small native helpers to manage permissions and audio routing for a smoother user experience.
Is user consent required to access the mic?
Yes. Both Android runtime permission for RECORD_AUDIO and WebRTC permission via the WebChromeClient request must be granted by the user.
Ready to enable WebView calling?
Get a StartACall account, embed the web page in your Android WebView, and enable mic permissions. No native dialer required.