WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, allowing people without a WhatsApp account to join voice and video calls through a shared link. The feature provides free, end-to-end encrypted calls without time limits, making it easier to connect with people who do not use WhatsApp. The company announced the feature on October 14, 2026. Official announcement
How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works
WhatsApp users can create a call link from the Calls tab by selecting the plus icon and sharing the invitation with others. Guests can open the link in their computer browser, enter their name, and request access without installing WhatsApp or creating an account. Guest calling supports one-to-one and group calls with up to 32 participants. Only people with a WhatsApp account can create call links, so guests can join calls but cannot start them independently.
Host Approval and Security Controls
WhatsApp requires hosts to approve guests before they enter a call. Guests remain in a waiting room until they are admitted, and hosts can remove them at any time. Calls remain end-to-end encrypted. Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages, or add people directly to the call. They can still use features such as computer screen sharing, emoji reactions, and hand-raising.
Why WhatsApp Guest Calling Matters
The feature makes WhatsApp calling more accessible to people who do not have an account or do not want to install another app. It could be useful for family conversations, work discussions, and quick meetings where participants use different communication platforms. Guest calling builds on WhatsApp’s earlier guest-chat feature, which lets people without accounts join text conversations through invitation links.
What to Expect Next
WhatsApp is rolling out guest calling through its Android and iOS apps, although availability may vary by user and app version. Guests join through a computer browser, while WhatsApp account holders create and share the links. The company also plans to introduce Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integrations later in 2026. These integrations will let users create WhatsApp call links directly from calendar invitations, allowing invitees to join with or without an account.
