WhatsApp is introducing a “guest calling” feature that lets people join a voice or video call without having a WhatsApp account. Hosts can create a call link and send it to anyone, and the guest does not need to install the WhatsApp app to participate.
According to reports, guests wait in a holding area until the call host allows them in. Guests can’t see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages, or add additional people to the call, and hosts can remove guests at any time. WhatsApp also positions the calls as free and end-to-end encrypted, with support for calls involving up to 32 participants.
Several outlets note that guests can join from a web browser using the call link, aligning with WhatsApp’s earlier web support for calls. MacRumors adds that WhatsApp plans to roll out calendar integrations later this year so users can create calls from Google or Outlook calendars. Overall coverage focuses on the account-free entry point and the move toward easier calling across platforms.
