The feature addresses one of WhatsApp’s long-standing limitations: everyone who wanted to join a call generally needed an account and access to the service. Now, you can invite a colleague who uses another messaging app, a client who does not have WhatsApp or a family member who would rather not create another account. They can join through their computer’s browser without downloading anything or signing up.
Creating a guest call is straightforward. Open WhatsApp, go to the Calls tab, tap the plus icon and create a call link. Send that link to the people you want to invite. Guests open it in their browser, enter a name and wait for the host to admit them. The feature supports individual and group calls with up to 32 participants.
There is, however, a catch. Only people with WhatsApp accounts can create call links, so guest access does not turn WhatsApp into a completely account-free calling service. The host must also approve every guest before they can enter the call. This is mandatory, rather than an optional security setting, and the host can remove guests or end the call at any time. Since anyone with a forwarded link could attempt to join, checking who is waiting before admitting them is important.
Guests can use several of the regular calling features, including screen sharing, emoji reactions and the ability to raise a hand to request permission to speak. They cannot see the phone numbers of other participants, send messages through the call or invite additional people themselves. These restrictions allow WhatsApp to open calls to outsiders without giving them the same access as account holders. The calls remain end-to-end encrypted, according to WhatsApp.
The move also brings WhatsApp closer to services such as FaceTime, which has long allowed people without Apple accounts to join calls through a browser link. WhatsApp has been expanding its calling features this year, including browser-based calling through WhatsApp Web. In July, Meta announced that users could make and receive calls directly through WhatsApp Web, without installing the desktop app.
WhatsApp is also planning calendar integrations later this year. The company says users will be able to connect a WhatsApp plugin to Google Calendar or Outlook and add a call link directly to a calendar invitation. Invitees will be able to join whether or not they have WhatsApp accounts. The integration has been announced, but WhatsApp has not provided a specific release date.
Guest calls are rolling out to users with the latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS. Availability is gradual, so updating the app does not guarantee that the option will immediately appear. If you cannot create a guest call link yet, you may need to wait for the rollout to reach your account.
