WhatsApp’s Guest Call Update Might Allow Non-Users to Join Calls Via Link

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a guest call feature that could allow people who don’t have WhatsApp accounts to join calls. The WhatsApp guest call update will enable users to have conversations through web browsers without creating an account or installing the messaging app. 

How Will WhatsApp Calls for Non-Users Work? 

WhatsApp’s guest call feature will reportedly allow users who don’t have accounts to join calls using a secure link. The social media platform is building this new function on its existing chat mechanism. 

To enable WhatsApp users without accounts to participate in calls, the host will reportedly:

• Select the type of call.

• Create a call link from the “Calls” tab.

• Copy the link, and share with guest participants.

The call link is expected to open on a web interface, allowing guests to join WhatsApp calls through a web browser. Once a guest clicks the link, a request to join a call will be sent to the host. 

WhatsApp reportedly requires the host to manually approve requests before guests can join the call. This requirement is expected to apply to every participant joining calls without a WhatsApp account.  

The social giant will give hosts control over participants during calls. They can add and remove participants from active calls to ensure unauthorized participants don’t access calls through links that are shared widely. Hosts will also be able to end the calls for all participants. 

How Will WhatsApp Handle Privacy on Guest Calls? 

WhatsApp, which added an AI-generated responses tool to private messaging, said its upcoming feature will have end-to-end encryption. However, details about privacy protection remain scarce. The social media giant is still developing the guest call feature, with available reports showing that beta testers haven’t interacted with the prototype version yet. 

Users expect call links for non-users to be part of WhatsApp’s future updates, it’s not clear when the social platform will release it officially. Once launched, guest calls could place WhatsApp on the same level as Google Meet and Zoom, which also use invite links to facilitate participation of users who don’t have accounts. 

Guest Calls Could Broaden WhatsApp’s Reach

Once launched, the guest call feature could broaden the reach of WhatsApp’s calling service by making the platform accessible to non-users. The feature could strengthen its position against established video-calling platforms. However, WhatsApp’s success will likely depend on how effectively it balances that ease of access with privacy and control, particularly where call links are shared beyond the intended participants.