WhatsApp’s New Guest Calling Feature Lets You Invite Anyone to a Call Without an Account

WhatsApp is making voice and video calls more accessible with the introduction of Guest Calling, a new feature that allows users to invite people to calls even if they do not have a WhatsApp account. The update removes one of the traditional barriers to joining conversations on the popular messaging platform, making it easier to connect with colleagues, friends, classmates and family members.

Announced by Meta on October 14, 2026, the feature allows invited guests to join calls through a shared link without creating an account or installing the WhatsApp application. Calls remain free, end-to-end encrypted and free from time limits, according to the company.

How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works

Getting started with Guest Calling is relatively straightforward. WhatsApp users can open the Calls tab, tap the plus (+) icon, create a call link and share it with anyone they want to invite.

Recipients can open the link in a web browser on their computer, enter their name and request access to the conversation. They do not need to register for WhatsApp before joining.

However, only existing WhatsApp account holders can create call links. People without an account can participate as guests but cannot independently organise calls through the feature.

Guest Calling supports both individual and group conversations, with up to 32 participants in a single call. This makes it suitable for informal conversations, remote meetings, study sessions and collaborative discussions.

Hosts Retain Control Over Who Joins

Although the feature opens WhatsApp calls to people outside its ecosystem, the company has introduced several safeguards to protect participants.

Every guest must receive approval from the call host before entering the conversation. Guests are placed in a waiting room while they await permission, and the host can remove them from the call whenever necessary.

WhatsApp has also restricted what guests can do during conversations. They cannot view other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or invite additional people directly into the call.

These restrictions are designed to protect privacy while allowing people who do not use WhatsApp to participate in conversations with existing users.

Screen Sharing, Reactions and More

Guest Calling includes several interactive features that make conversations more useful than basic voice or video calls.

Participants can share their computer screens to review documents, demonstrate software or collaborate on projects. They can also react using emojis, including a thumbs-up or heart, and raise their hands when they want to speak.

These capabilities could make the feature particularly useful for students attending online study sessions, professionals discussing projects and families connecting across different devices.

The ability to join directly through a computer browser is another important advantage, as guests do not need to download additional software simply to participate in a conversation.

End-to-End Encryption Remains a Priority

Privacy remains a central part of WhatsApp’s approach to calling. Meta says Guest Calling supports end-to-end encrypted conversations, helping protect calls from being accessed by unauthorised parties.

The host approval requirement adds another layer of control by preventing guests from entering a call without permission.

Nevertheless, users should treat invitation links carefully and only share them with intended participants. Hosts should also verify guest requests before allowing people into private or professional conversations.

WhatsApp Is Preparing Calendar Integrations

Guest Calling is not the only improvement planned for WhatsApp’s calling experience. Meta has also announced upcoming integrations with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook.

These integrations are expected to allow users to create WhatsApp call links directly from their calendars and include them in meeting invitations.

Once available, the functionality could simplify scheduling for people who regularly organise remote meetings. Invitees would be able to join through the shared link even if they did not have a WhatsApp account.

Meta says the calendar integrations are planned for later in 2026.

WhatsApp Moves Closer to Zoom and Google Meet

With Guest Calling, WhatsApp is expanding beyond its traditional role as a messaging application and strengthening its position in online communication.

Services such as Zoom, Google Meet and FaceTime already offer ways to invite people into calls through links, with varying account and access requirements. WhatsApp’s new feature brings a similar level of convenience to its existing calling ecosystem.

The main advantage is that users can continue using a familiar platform while inviting people who prefer not to create another account or install another application.

However, dedicated meeting services may still offer more advanced tools for business meetings, administration and large-scale collaboration.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s Guest Calling feature is a practical upgrade that makes voice and video calls easier to organise across different devices and user groups. By allowing people without accounts to join through browser-based links, the company is removing an important barrier to communication.

End-to-end encryption, host approval, waiting rooms and restrictions on guest permissions provide additional safeguards, while screen sharing and interactive reactions make the feature useful for more than casual conversations.

The upcoming Google Calendar and Outlook integrations could make scheduling even more convenient.

For users who regularly communicate with people who do not use WhatsApp, Guest Calling offers a straightforward solution without requiring everyone to join the platform.