WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that lets people without a WhatsApp account join one‑on‑one and group voice or video calls through a shared link. The company announced the change on October 14, 2026; reporting indicates calls support up to 32 people, are free, and remain end‑to‑end encrypted, while hosts retain admission and removal control.
How the feature works (step‑by‑step for hosts and guests)
According to WhatsApp’s announcement and multiple reports, the workflow is simple:
- Host: Open the Calls tab in WhatsApp, tap the “+” icon, create a call link and share it with invitees. Only an account holder can generate the link and invite up to 32 people.
- Guest: Open the link in a computer browser, type in a name and wait in a virtual waiting room until the host admits them.
- Admission and control: Everyone joining as a guest must be approved by the host; the host can remove guests at any time.
What guests can and cannot do
Sources consistently report the same set of limitations and capabilities for guests:
- Cannot see other participants’ phone numbers.
- Cannot send chat messages or add other people to the call.
- Can share their screen, use reactions (for example thumbs‑up and heart), and use “raise hand” during the call.
- Guests join through a browser; reporting emphasizes desktop/browser access and flags uncertainty about whether mobile browsers are fully supported.
Encryption, cost, duration and availability
Multiple outlets repeat WhatsApp’s statement that guest calls are end‑to‑end encrypted. The feature is free to use and reported to have no time limit. WhatsApp said the feature is rolling out and may not be immediately visible to all users; several reports note the rollout is gradual.
Planned calendar integrations and related changes
WhatsApp plans to add Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integrations later in 2026, allowing hosts to place a WhatsApp call link directly into calendar invites after installing a WhatsApp plugin and connecting their account. Reporting describes this as an effort to align WhatsApp with link‑based meeting models used by services such as Zoom and Google Meet.
Unanswered technical details and reported caveats
Reporting highlights several practical questions that WhatsApp’s announcement and current coverage do not settle. These points are important for hosts who will rely on guest links for meetings:
- Browser support: Sources state guests join via a computer browser but do not list which browsers are officially supported. GadgetHacks explicitly warns that the company did not confirm mobile browser support for phones.
- Link lifetime and reuse: Reports do not confirm whether call links expire or whether a host‑generated link remains reusable across multiple sessions.
- Encryption implementation details: While WhatsApp states calls remain end‑to‑end encrypted, none of the reporting includes an independent technical breakdown of how that encryption is applied for browser‑based guests versus app users.
Practical checklist for hosts before sending a guest link
- Confirm you have the latest WhatsApp version and can see the Calls tab “+” option to create links (reports say rollout is gradual).
- Decide whether guests will use desktop browsers—test the link yourself on desktop and on a mobile browser if invitees are likely to join from phones.
- If the call is sensitive, verify how you will confirm attendee identity before admitting people from the waiting room (guests type a name but cannot share numbers).
- Plan moderator controls: assign a co‑host on the app if you expect to manage admit/remove tasks for many guests during the session.
- For scheduled meetings, wait for WhatsApp’s calendar plugin (Google Calendar/Outlook) if you want a calendar invite to contain the call link; otherwise share the link manually.
- Test screen sharing and reaction tools ahead of the live session so guests understand available interactions.
Why this matters — context and potential use cases
Reports frame guest calling as WhatsApp’s move to lower friction for group calls and to compete with link‑based conferencing services. Practical scenarios include quick work huddles with external contractors, tutoring sessions, family calls with relatives who don’t use WhatsApp, or one‑off customer calls. Early coverage notes that the experience and adoption will depend on call quality, browser stability and simple controls for hosts and guests.
Evidence comparison and reporting differences
The sources (Cybernews, Firstpost, Social Media Today, Analytics Insight, GadgetHacks and Hans India) align closely on the core facts: host‑generated links, up to 32 participants, waiting room approval, guest limits (no phone numbers or messaging), screen sharing and reactions, free calls, and planned calendar integrations. GadgetHacks and Analytics Insight specifically flag unanswered technical details such as which browsers are supported and whether mobile browsers are supported; other outlets repeat browser‑based joining without explicitly noting that limitation. None of the reporting includes an independent technical test of encryption implementation or a global rollout timetable.
Bottom line for US users
If you need to invite people who don’t use WhatsApp, the new guest calling feature provides a low‑friction, host‑controlled way to include them in encrypted voice and video calls of up to 32 participants. Before relying on it for important meetings, hosts should test the link in the browsers invitees will use, confirm they can see and create the call link in their app, and plan moderator assistance when expecting many guests.