WhatsApp has introduced Guest Calling, a feature that allows people without a WhatsApp account to join voice and video calls through an invitation link. The feature supports one-to-one conversations and group calls with up to 32 participants, making it easier to connect with people who do not use the messaging platform.
Announced by Meta on 14 October 2026, Guest Calling allows invited participants to join without creating a WhatsApp account or installing the app. Calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits, according to the company.
How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works
With Guest Calling, an existing WhatsApp user can create a call link and share it with friends, colleagues, students or other participants. Recipients can open the link in a supported computer web browser, enter their name and request to join the call without registering for WhatsApp.
Guests cannot enter a conversation immediately. They are placed in a waiting room until the host approves their request. The host can also remove a guest during the call, retaining control over who participates.
Only people with a WhatsApp account can create call links. The feature removes the account requirement for invited participants, rather than for the person starting the call.
WhatsApp Guest Calls Support Up to 32 Participants
The feature supports both individual conversations and group calls with up to 32 participants. WhatsApp says calls remain free and end-to-end encrypted, with no time limit on conversations.
Guests can use selected in-call features, including computer screen sharing, thumbs-up and heart emoji reactions, and the option to raise their hands to indicate that they want to speak. These tools could be useful for online meetings, group discussions and study sessions.
However, guest access comes with some restrictions. Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send WhatsApp messages or directly invite additional people into the call. The host remains responsible for approving and managing guest access.
How to Join a WhatsApp Call Without an Account
Joining a call as a guest involves a few steps, and no WhatsApp registration is required.
- Receive an invitation link from a WhatsApp user who has created a call.
- Open the link in a supported web browser on a computer.
- Enter your name so the host can identify you.
- Request access to join the call.
- Wait in the virtual waiting room until the host approves your request.
- Join the voice or video conversation once admitted.
WhatsApp’s announcement specifies that guests can open the link in a computer browser. Users should not assume that joining through a mobile browser is supported. If the option to create a guest call link is not visible, the feature may not yet be available on their account.
Google Calendar and Outlook Integration Is Coming
WhatsApp also plans to introduce integrations with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook later in 2026. These integrations will allow users to create WhatsApp call links through their calendars and include them in meeting invitations.
According to Meta, users will need to install the WhatsApp plugin and connect their account to use the integrations. Invited participants will be able to join scheduled calls with or without a WhatsApp account.
The planned integrations could make WhatsApp more convenient for work meetings, tutoring sessions and other scheduled conversations involving people who use different communication platforms. However, Meta has not provided a specific release date for these integrations.
What WhatsApp Guest Calling Means for Users in India
Guest Calling could make online conversations easier to arrange in India, where WhatsApp is widely used for personal communication, education and work coordination. People will be able to join an invited call without installing another app or creating an account solely for that conversation.
The feature also gives hosts control over access while preserving end-to-end encryption, according to WhatsApp. Nevertheless, users should share call links carefully and approve only people they recognise or intend to invite.
The rollout is gradual, so availability may differ between accounts. For users who regularly organise calls with clients, colleagues, students or family members who do not use WhatsApp, Guest Calling offers a more accessible way to connect.
