WhatsApp has officially introduced a guest calling feature, allowing individuals without a WhatsApp account to join group video and audio calls for the first time. The update removes the requirement for every participant to have a registered profile, positioning the platform more directly as a competitor to professional conferencing services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
To initiate a session with guest access, a host must generate a unique invitation link by navigating to the Calls tab, selecting the ‘+’ icon, and choosing “New call link.” While registered WhatsApp users can join via the mobile app, guests are currently restricted to joining through desktop browsers. Mobile browsers are specifically not supported at this stage of the rollout.
Security and Privacy for Guest Users
Despite the lack of a traditional login, Meta confirmed that guest calls remain end-to-end encrypted. This security is maintained through a unique identifier generated by the web client when the guest connects. To prevent unauthorized access, guest participants are not admitted directly into the call; instead, they are placed in a virtual waiting room and must be manually approved by the host before they can join the session.
The feature also includes specific privacy protections to shield the identities of regular users. Guests cannot view the phone numbers of other participants in the call, nor do they have the ability to send or receive text messages through the platform’s chat interface during the session. These restrictions are designed to facilitate professional or one-off interactions without requiring users to share personal contact information with temporary participants.
Professional Integration and Limits
WhatsApp’s guest calling supports sessions with up to 32 participants. Unlike the free tiers of several competing video platforms, WhatsApp does not currently impose time limits on these calls. This makes the service a viable option for longer business meetings or social gatherings where not all attendees are active on the platform.
The move toward professional utility is expected to expand later in 2026. Meta has confirmed that native calendar plugins for Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook are scheduled for release, which will allow users to schedule WhatsApp calls and include guest links directly within meeting invites.
For those joining as guests, the process is streamlined: clicking the invite link on a desktop opens a web-based interface where they can enter a display name and test their camera and microphone before requesting entry. Guests do not have the authority to start a call; they can only join sessions initiated by a registered WhatsApp user.
