whatsapp has launched Guest Calling, a feature that lets people without a WhatsApp account join voice and video calls by clicking a link and entering their name in a computer browser. Hosts must still have a WhatsApp account and admit guests from a waiting room.
What the feature does
According to WhatsApp and reporting from The Verge, TechRepublic, Lifehacker and others, Guest Calling lets an account holder create a shareable call link that non-WhatsApp users can open in a computer browser, type a name and request to join a 1:1 or group call. Once a host admits them from a waiting room, guests can take part in the call. WhatsApp says calls remain end-to-end encrypted and support up to 32 participants.
Important limits and host controls
- Only people with a WhatsApp account can create a call link and host the call. (WhatsApp)
- Guests must be approved by the call host and will wait in a waiting room until admitted. (WhatsApp; The Verge)
- Hosts can remove guests at any time. (WhatsApp; TechRepublic)
- Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, cannot send messages through the call, and cannot add others directly to the call. (WhatsApp; The Verge; TechRepublic)
- Guests have access to in-call features such as screen sharing, emoji reactions and the raised-hand control. (WhatsApp; The Verge; Lifehacker)
- WhatsApp states the calls have no time limits and are free; reporting repeats these claims. (WhatsApp; TechRepublic)
How to join a WhatsApp call as a guest — practical step checklist
- Ask a WhatsApp user to create and share a call link. The host does this in WhatsApp’s Calls tab by tapping the “+” icon and creating a call link. (WhatsApp; TechRepublic)
- Open the link on a computer browser. WhatsApp and multiple outlets describe guests joining via a computer browser; at least one report flags that mobile-browser support is not explicitly confirmed. If the invitee only has a smartphone, test the link first. (WhatsApp; GadgetHacks/TechRepublic)
- Enter your name and request to join. You will be placed in a waiting room until the host admits you. (WhatsApp; The Verge)
- When admitted, use available in-call features: audio/video, screen sharing, raise hand and emoji reactions. You will not be able to message inside the call or see phone numbers. (WhatsApp; Lifehacker)
- If you are removed, you lose access and must wait for a new invitation. Only an account holder can create new links. (WhatsApp; BetaNews)
Open questions to test before scheduling important meetings
WhatsApp’s announcement and follow-up reporting leave several practical details unspecified; treat these as items to confirm before relying on guest links for important events:
- Browser list: WhatsApp hasn’t published an official compatibility list for which desktop browsers are supported. (GadgetHacks)
- Mobile browser support: WhatsApp’s published description and most reports state guests join via a computer browser; whether mobile browsers are supported is not confirmed. (GadgetHacks; TechRepublic)
- Link lifetime and reuse: WhatsApp hasn’t stated whether call links expire or how long a host-generated link remains usable for repeat sessions. (GadgetHacks)
- Technical details of end-to-end encryption for browser guests: WhatsApp asserts calls are end-to-end encrypted but has not published a technical breakdown of how browser-based guest sessions are implemented. (GadgetHacks)
How this compares to existing link-based calling
Guest Calling puts WhatsApp closer to the link-based model used by services such as FaceTime’s links, Google Meet and Zoom, where invite links alone are sufficient for non-registered participants to join. TechRepublic and Lifehacker note the feature is more about accessibility for small groups — WhatsApp’s 32-person cap and guest limits make it better suited for quick huddles, tutoring, client calls or family catch-ups than large, structured conferences.
Scheduling and calendar integrations coming later
Meta says it will roll out Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integrations later this year. Hosts will reportedly be able to install a WhatsApp plugin, connect their account and add a WhatsApp call link to an invite so attendees can join with or without a WhatsApp account. (WhatsApp; The Verge)
Quick advice for hosts
- Test a guest link on the same device types your guests will use (desktop and mobile) before the scheduled call.
- Use the waiting room to vet unknown participants and share entry instructions in the invitation message.
- If you need attendance records, ask guests to enter their full name when joining because guests won’t have account profiles visible to hosts.
- For larger meetings or advanced meeting controls (breakouts, participant registration, webinar modes), prefer a dedicated conferencing service rather than WhatsApp’s 32-person guest calls. (TechRepublic)
Sources and attribution
This article is based on WhatsApp’s official announcement and reporting by The Verge, TechRepublic, Lifehacker, GadgetHacks and BetaNews summarising the Guest Calling rollout and its user-facing behaviour. Where WhatsApp or reporters did not specify technical details or compatibility, those gaps are noted above rather than assumed.