WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new guest-calling feature. This could let people join voice and video calls without creating a WhatsApp account.
The reported feature may allow users to invite friends, family members, clients, or colleagues through a secure web link. Moreover, a person receiving the link would be able to open it in a browser and join the call as a guest. They would not need to download the WhatsApp app or sign up for an account.
The feature is still being developed and has not been officially released by WhatsApp. It is also not currently available for public or beta testing.
How WhatsApp guest calls may work
According to reports by WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp user may be able to create a call link directly from the Calls tab in the app. The host could choose whether to start a voice call or a video call. After selecting the call type, they would copy the secure invitation link. Then, they could share it with another person through a message, email, or any other platform.
The invited person would then open the link in a web browser. Instead of being asked to install WhatsApp or create an account, they could enter the call as a guest through WhatsApp Web. Consequently, this could make WhatsApp calls easier for people who do not use the app. It would be especially useful during quick meetings, family calls, work discussions, or emergency situations.
WhatsApp is also expected to add a safety step before a guest can enter a call. The person who creates the call link, known as the host, would need to approve every guest manually. Therefore, opening the link alone may not be enough to join the call.
The guest may first send a request to join, and the host would decide whether to allow or reject it. This could help stop unknown people from entering calls through shared or forwarded links. Additionally, the approval system may be useful for business calls, private family conversations, school meetings, and group discussions where users want more control over who can join.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect personal messages and calls, and reports say it plans to use the same security for guest calls. End-to-end encryption keep calls private, allowing only the people on the call to hear or see what they share. WhatsApp, Meta, or other outside parties should not be able to listen to the call content.
However, WhatsApp has not yet shared full technical details about how guest-call security will work. It may share more details as the guest-calling feature gets closer to its official launch. Furthermore, the reported calling feature comes as WhatsApp explores ways to let people communicate with users who do not have an account.
Reports have also mentioned guest chats, a feature that may allow WhatsApp users to send a chat invitation link to someone without the app. The guest could open the link in a browser and take part in the conversation without downloading WhatsApp.
If released, guest chats and guest calls could make WhatsApp more useful for people who want a quick and simple way to connect without asking everyone to install the app first. At present, WhatsApp has not announced an official launch date for guest calling. In addition, the company has also not confirmed when the feature will be available on Android, iPhone, or WhatsApp Web.
As the feature is still under development, its design and working process could change before release. For now, users should treat the information as an early report. WhatsApp users will need to wait for an official announcement before guest voice and video calls become available.
