WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, allowing people to join voice and video calls without creating an account or installing the messaging app. The new feature enables users to invite anyone to a call through a shared link, making it easier to connect with people who do not use WhatsApp.
Meta announced the feature earlier this week, confirming that guest calls are free, support end-to-end encryption and have no time limits. Both one-on-one and group calls are supported, with a maximum of 32 participants.
The update removes a significant barrier for people who want to use WhatsApp for meetings, remote collaboration, tutoring sessions or personal conversations without requiring everyone to sign up for the service.
How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works
To invite someone, an existing WhatsApp user opens the Calls tab, selects the plus (+) icon and creates a call link. The link can then be shared with anyone, regardless of whether the recipient has a WhatsApp account.
Guests can open the invitation in a computer browser, enter their name and request to join. They do not need to download WhatsApp or register an account.
However, only registered WhatsApp users can create call links and host calls. The feature does not allow people without accounts to initiate WhatsApp calls independently.
Meta has also introduced safeguards for guest participation. Every guest enters a waiting room and must receive approval from the host before joining, even when they have a valid invitation link.
Hosts can remove guests at any time. Guest participants cannot view other callers’ phone numbers, send messages or directly invite additional people into the conversation.
Despite these restrictions, guests can access several interactive calling features. These include sharing their computer screen, raising a hand to request attention and using thumbs-up or heart emoji reactions.
The combination of browser access, screen sharing and participant controls makes the feature useful beyond personal calling, particularly for conversations involving people outside an existing WhatsApp network.
Alongside guest calling, Meta announced plans to integrate WhatsApp calling with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. The integrations, scheduled to roll out later in 2026, will allow users to create WhatsApp call links directly from their calendars and include them in meeting invitations.
Users will need to install the WhatsApp plugin and connect their accounts before adding call links to calendar events. Invitees will then be able to participate whether or not they have WhatsApp accounts.
The planned integrations could make WhatsApp a more practical option for scheduled meetings, bringing its calling experience closer to established video conferencing services such as Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
The new and expected changes extend WhatsApp beyond account-based communication by allowing existing users to connect with people outside the platform without requiring them to register, making it a practical option for scheduled video meetings and conferencing services like Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
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