WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that allows people without WhatsApp accounts to join voice and video calls through invitation links, making it easier for users to connect with friends, family members and colleagues who do not use the messaging platform.
The company announced the feature on October 14, 2026, explaining that users can invite guests to individual and group calls without requiring them to create an account or install the WhatsApp application.
According to WhatsApp, guest calls are free, protected by end-to-end encryption and have no time limits. Calls can accommodate up to 32 participants, including people joining without an account.
However, guests cannot create call links themselves. An existing WhatsApp user must generate the invitation and share it with the intended participants.
The feature also gives hosts control over who joins a conversation. Guests are placed in a waiting room until the host approves their entry, and the host can remove participants at any time.
WhatsApp said guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers during group calls, send messages through the call or invite additional people directly.
Despite these restrictions, guests can use several calling features, including screen sharing, emoji reactions and the option to raise their hands during conversations.
The update brings WhatsApp closer to services such as Apple’s FaceTime, which allows people to join calls through shared links without necessarily having an account with the service.
To create a guest call, an existing WhatsApp user needs to open the Calls tab, tap the plus (+) icon and select the option to create a call link. The user can then share the link with the intended participants through WhatsApp or another platform.
Recipients can open the invitation in a compatible web browser on a computer, enter their name and request to join the call. They will gain access once the host approves their entry.
The feature could be useful for business meetings, online classes, family gatherings and other conversations involving people who do not use WhatsApp.
In a related development, WhatsApp announced plans to introduce Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integrations later in 2026. The planned update will allow users to create WhatsApp call links through their calendar services and include them in meeting invitations.
Under the proposed integration, invitees will be able to join calls whether or not they have WhatsApp accounts.
The guest calling feature is part of WhatsApp’s wider effort to expand its voice and video calling services across mobile devices and web browsers while maintaining its focus on privacy and security.
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