WhatsApp is making it easier to connect with people who do not use the messaging app. With its new Guest Calling feature, users can invite others to join voice and video calls even if they do not have a WhatsApp account.
Announced by Meta on October 14, 2026, the feature aims to make online communication more accessible by removing the need for every participant to have an account. Guests can join through a call invitation link, enter their name and wait for the host to let them in.
The update could be useful for work meetings, online classes, tutoring sessions and conversations with friends or family members who use different communication platforms. Meta says guest calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits.
What Is WhatsApp Guest Calling?
WhatsApp Guest Calling is a feature that allows people without a WhatsApp account to participate in WhatsApp voice and video calls through an invitation link.
Previously, people generally needed a WhatsApp account to participate in calls through the platform. With guest calling, an account holder can create a call link and share it with someone who does not use WhatsApp.
The invited guest can open the link in a computer browser, enter their name and request to join. The host must approve the guest before they can participate in the conversation.
According to Meta’s official announcement, guest calling supports both one-to-one and group calls, with up to 32 participants.
This means users can invite colleagues, classmates, tutors or other contacts without asking everyone to create a WhatsApp account first.
Key Features of WhatsApp Guest Calling
WhatsApp Guest Calling introduces several features designed to make calls more flexible and convenient.
1. Join Calls Without a WhatsApp Account
The main benefit is that invited participants do not need to register for WhatsApp to join a guest call. They can use an invitation link to access the call through a computer browser.
This can be helpful when arranging a quick conversation with someone who uses another messaging service or prefers not to create another account.
2. Free Calls Without Time Limits
Meta says guest calls are free and do not have time limits. Participants can continue their conversation without being automatically disconnected because a set call duration has expired.
As with other internet-based calls, users still need a suitable internet connection and may incur charges from their internet or mobile service provider.
3. End-to-End Encrypted Communication
Meta says WhatsApp Guest Calling uses end-to-end encryption. This is intended to protect call content so that only the participants can access the conversation.
Users should still be careful when sharing sensitive information and make sure they trust the people they invite to a call.
4. Host Approval and Guest Controls
Guest access is not automatic. When someone opens an invitation link, they enter a waiting room until the host admits them.
The host can also remove a guest from the call at any time. These controls help the person who created the call manage who participates.
5. Support for Group Calls
Guest Calling supports one-to-one and group conversations with up to 32 participants, according to Meta.
This can make the feature useful for small team discussions, study groups, family conversations and other situations where not everyone uses the same app.
6. Screen Sharing and In-Call Reactions
Guests can use supported in-call features, including sharing their computer screen, reacting with a thumbs-up or heart emoji, and raising their hand to participate.
These options can make guest calls more practical for collaboration, presentations, tutoring and reviewing documents together.
How to Create a WhatsApp Guest Call Link
Creating a guest call starts with a WhatsApp account. Only users with a WhatsApp account can create a call link, even though invited guests can join without one.
Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Go to the Calls tab.
- Select the plus (+) icon and choose the option to create a call link.
- Share the generated link with the people you want to invite.
- Ask guests to open the link in their computer browser and enter their name.
- Admit the guests from the waiting room when they are ready to join.
Once the host approves them, guests can participate in the call and use the supported features available to them.
Important: The host needs a WhatsApp account to create the invitation. Guests do not need an account to join through the link.
Who Can Benefit From WhatsApp Guest Calling?
Guest Calling may be useful for people who need to communicate with others without requiring everyone to use the same messaging application.
Businesses and Remote Teams
Businesses can invite external clients, partners or freelancers to a conversation without asking them to register for WhatsApp. This could make short discussions and collaborative sessions more convenient.
Students and Teachers
Teachers, tutors and students can use guest calls for online discussions, study sessions and screen-sharing activities. Participants who do not have WhatsApp accounts can still join when invited.
Friends and Family
Families and friends may find the feature useful when some people use WhatsApp and others do not. A shared link can provide a straightforward way to join a conversation.
Freelancers and Consultants
Freelancers and consultants often communicate with clients who use different tools. Guest calling may offer another way to hold a conversation without requiring every client to install or register for a particular messaging app.
The feature’s usefulness will depend on participants’ devices, browser compatibility and internet access.
WhatsApp Guest Calling vs Traditional WhatsApp Calls
The main difference is whether a participant needs a WhatsApp account to join.
| Feature | Traditional WhatsApp calls | WhatsApp Guest Calling |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp account required | Yes, for participants | Not required for invited guests |
| Invitation method | WhatsApp contacts or supported call links | Shareable call link |
| Host account required | Yes | Yes |
| Guest approval | Depends on the calling method | Required for guests |
| End-to-end encryption | Supported | Meta says guest calls are encrypted end to end |
| Screen sharing and reactions | Depends on supported call features | Supported guest features include screen sharing and reactions |
| Group participation | Supported | Up to 32 participants, according to Meta |
Guest Calling does not replace the regular WhatsApp calling experience. Instead, it extends access to people who do not have a WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp Guest Calling and Privacy
Allowing people without accounts to join calls raises important questions about privacy and access control.
Meta says guest calls are end-to-end encrypted, and guests must wait for the host’s approval before joining. Hosts can also remove guests during a call.
Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send WhatsApp messages or directly add additional people to the call. These restrictions help keep guest access focused on the call itself.
Even with these protections, users should share invitation links carefully. Anyone who receives a link may be able to request access, so hosts should only send it to intended participants and approve people they recognise.
For confidential meetings, users should follow their organisation’s security policies and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified participants.
WhatsApp Plans Calendar Integrations for Guest Calls
Meta has also announced plans to introduce calendar integrations later in 2026. These integrations are intended to let users create WhatsApp calls directly from Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar.
According to Meta, users will be able to install the WhatsApp plugin, connect their account and add a WhatsApp call link to a calendar invitation.
This could make it easier to schedule meetings and share joining instructions in one place. Invitees would be able to join with or without a WhatsApp account.
However, Meta described these calendar integrations as a future rollout in its announcement. Their availability should not be assumed until the feature is released to users.
Is WhatsApp Guest Calling Available to Everyone?
Meta announced Guest Calling on October 14, 2026. The feature is intended to let account holders invite people who do not have WhatsApp accounts to join calls through a link.
However, availability can vary while a feature is being rolled out. Users who cannot see the call-link option should check for WhatsApp updates and consult the official WhatsApp website or Help Centre for current availability and instructions.
The calendar integrations mentioned by Meta are planned for later in 2026 and are separate from the guest-calling announcement.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp Guest Calling is a useful step towards making online communication more accessible. By allowing invited guests to join calls without creating a WhatsApp account, the feature reduces a common barrier when people use different communication platforms.
Free calls without time limits, end-to-end encryption, host approval, screen sharing and support for group conversations could make the feature useful for personal and professional communication.
Meta is also planning calendar integrations that could make scheduling WhatsApp calls more convenient.
As the feature rolls out, its practical value will depend on availability, browser support and how easily hosts and guests can join calls. For now, Guest Calling offers another way to connect with people without requiring everyone to have a WhatsApp account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I join a WhatsApp call without an account?
Yes. WhatsApp Guest Calling allows invited people without WhatsApp accounts to join through a call link in a computer browser. The host must approve them before they can enter.
2. Are WhatsApp guest calls free?
Meta says guest calls are free and have no time limits. Internet access is still required, and your internet provider may apply its usual charges.
3. Are WhatsApp guest calls end-to-end encrypted?
Yes. Meta says guest calls are end-to-end encrypted, helping protect the call’s content from being accessed by anyone outside the conversation.
4. How many people can join a WhatsApp guest call?
Meta says guest calling supports one-to-one and group calls with up to 32 participants.
5. Can guests create their own WhatsApp call links?
No. According to Meta’s announcement, only people with WhatsApp accounts can create call links. Guests can join a call using a link shared with them.
6. Can WhatsApp guests share their screens?
Yes. Guests can use supported features such as computer screen sharing, thumbs-up and heart reactions, and raising their hand during a call.
7. Does WhatsApp Guest Calling require an app download?
Guests can open the call link in a computer browser and enter their name without having a WhatsApp account. The host, however, needs a WhatsApp account to create the link.
