WhatsApp Introduces Guest Calling, Letting Anyone Join Calls Without an Account

WhatsApp is introducing guest calling, a new feature that allows people to join voice and video calls without having a WhatsApp account. The feature offers free, end to end encrypted calls with no time limits, making it easier for users to connect with colleagues, classmates, tutors and other contacts who may not use the messaging platform.

With guest calling, WhatsApp users can create a call link and share it with anyone they want to invite. Guests can open the link in a computer browser, enter their name and join one to one or group calls with up to 32 participants, subject to the host’s approval.

The feature is designed to simplify online meetings by removing the need for every participant to download WhatsApp or register for an account. Calls can continue without time limits, eliminating the need to restart a session because it has reached a fixed duration.

Privacy and security controls remain in place for guest participants. Anyone joining a call as a guest will enter a waiting room until the host admits them. The host can also remove guests from a call at any time. Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or directly add other people to the call.

To start a guest call, WhatsApp users can open the Calls tab, tap the plus icon and select the option to create a call link. They can then share the link with their intended participants. Only people with a WhatsApp account can create call links, but those receiving the invitation do not need an account to join.

Guests will have access to several in call features, including computer screen sharing for collaboration and reviewing documents or presentations. They can also react with a thumbs up or heart emoji and raise their hands to indicate that they want to speak.

WhatsApp is also planning to introduce calendar integrations later in 2026, allowing users to create calls directly from Google Calendar or Outlook. Users will be able to install the WhatsApp plugin, connect their accounts and add a WhatsApp call link to calendar invitations. Invitees will be able to join the calls whether or not they have a WhatsApp account.

Guest calling and the planned calendar integrations are part of WhatsApp’s broader efforts to improve its calling features and make it easier for people to connect across different devices and platforms.

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