● Covered by 3 sources · 3 reportsMedium impact3 neutral
WhatsApp Introduces Guest Calling Feature for Non-Account Holders
Key points
- Non-WhatsApp users can join calls via invitation links.
- Guests can participate in 1:1 or group calls with up to 32 people.
- Host approval is required for guests to join a call.
- Calls remain end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits.
- Future integrations with Google Calendar and Outlook are planned.
- Guests enter a waiting room before being admitted.
- Hosts can remove guests at any time.
- Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers.
- Guests cannot send messages.
- Guests cannot invite additional people.
- Guest calling supports screen sharing.
- Guest calling supports hand-raising.
- Guest calling supports emoji-based reactions.
- Guests can join directly from a computer browser.
- Users create a call link from the Calls tab in WhatsApp.
Guest Calling Feature Launched
WhatsApp has introduced a new guest calling feature, enabling individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account to join calls. This functionality allows non-users to participate in both one-on-one and group calls by clicking on a shared invitation link.
The feature is designed to increase the flexibility of communication, allowing WhatsApp users to connect with colleagues, classmates, or others without requiring them to download the app or create an account. Guests can join calls from a web browser.
How Guest Calling Works
To initiate a guest call, a WhatsApp account holder must navigate to the Calls tab, select the '+' icon, create a call link, and then share it with the intended participants. Only WhatsApp account holders can create these call links.
Guests who receive the link can open it in their computer browser, enter their name, and await approval from the call host. Once admitted, guests can join the call. This process mirrors the functionality of joining a FaceTime call without an Apple account or device.
Guest Capabilities and Limitations
Guests can join calls with up to 32 people and have access to core features such as screen sharing, raising their hand, and reacting with emojis like thumbs up and heart. There are no time limits on their participation.
However, guests cannot initiate calls, send messages, view other users' phone numbers, or add more members to a call. Their participation is contingent on receiving an invitation and being approved by the host.
Security and Future Integrations
All calls, including those with guest participants, remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security for all users. The service continues to be free of charge.
WhatsApp has also announced plans for future integrations, with call links expected to be incorporated into Google Calendar and Outlook later this year, further streamlining the process of scheduling and joining calls.
Updates
- Guests enter a waiting room before being admitted.
- Hosts can remove guests at any time.
- Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers.
- Guests cannot send messages.
- Guests cannot invite additional people.
- Guest calling supports screen sharing.
- Guest calling supports hand-raising.
- Guest calling supports emoji-based reactions.
- Guests can join directly from a computer browser.
- Users create a call link from the Calls tab in WhatsApp.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
How outlets covered it
WhatsApp has rolled out guest calling, allowing users to invite individuals without a WhatsApp account to join one-on-one or group calls with up to 32 participants. This feature provides end-to-end encrypted calls with host approval for guests, positioning WhatsApp as a competitor to established video conferencing services.
WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing individuals without an account to join calls by clicking a shared link. This change expands call accessibility, enabling participation for up to 32 people in end-to-end encrypted calls without requiring a WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp has added a guest calling feature, enabling individuals without a WhatsApp account to join calls via invitation and host approval. This update expands the platform's accessibility, allowing non-users to participate in 1:1 or group calls from a browser.