Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
WhatsApp lets people join calls without an account
WhatsApp has added guest calling for people who do not have an account.
The feature lets guests join one-to-one or group calls through a browser, but they must receive an invitation and get approval from the host.
Guests cannot start calls or invite others, and they cannot see participants’ phone numbers or send messages.
Once admitted, they can use tools such as screen sharing, raising a hand and sending emoji reactions, with no time limit.
The feature makes WhatsApp calls accessible to non-users while limiting what guests can do.
WhatsApp also plans to let users create calls from Google or Outlook calendars later this year.
WhatsApp has announced guest calling, allowing people without accounts to join its calls.
Guests can join one-to-one or group calls from a browser after the host approves them.
They cannot start calls, message participants, see phone numbers or add people.
Guests can use screen sharing, raise their hand and react with thumbs-up and heart emojis, with no time limit.
WhatsApp also plans to add calendar integrations later this year so calls can be created from Google or Outlook calendars.
- Who
- WhatsApp and people who do not have a WhatsApp account.
- What
- WhatsApp announced guest calling, which lets non-account holders join calls after host approval.
- When
- Announced on 2026-10-14.
- Where
- Calls can be joined from a browser.
- Why
- The feature gives people who are not regular WhatsApp users more flexibility to join calls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
WhatsApp announced guest calling for people without accounts.
WhatsApp plans to roll out a calendar plugin for creating calls from Google or Outlook calendars.
- Guest access
- No WhatsApp account required
- Host approval
- Required before a guest can join
- Call types
- One-to-one and group calls
- Guest limits
- Cannot start calls, send messages, view phone numbers or add participants
- Calendar integration
- Planned for later in 2026; Google and Outlook calendars