WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls Without an Account

WhatsApp is making its calling service more accessible with a new Guest Calling feature that allows people to join voice and video calls even if they don't have a WhatsApp account or the WhatsApp app installed.

Meta announced the feature on October 14, saying users can now create a WhatsApp call link and share it with people who may not use WhatsApp. Guests can open the link in a web browser, enter their name and wait for the host to approve their entry. 

The update could make WhatsApp more useful for work meetings, online classes, family calls and quick conversations with people who don't want to install another messaging application.

How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works

The new system is relatively simple.

A WhatsApp user needs to create the call link from the Calls tab. After selecting the option to create a call link, the link can be shared with anyone through text messages, email or another platform.

The person receiving the link doesn't need a WhatsApp account. They can open the link through a supported web browser, enter their name and request to join the call.

The host then decides whether to allow the guest into the call. 

Guests Don't Need WhatsApp

One of the biggest changes is that guests don't need to download WhatsApp.

Previously, people who wanted to participate in WhatsApp calls generally needed access to the service. With Guest Calling, someone can simply receive a link and join through a browser.

This could be particularly useful when speaking with a customer, colleague, teacher, student or another person who doesn't regularly use WhatsApp.

Guests can join both one-on-one calls and group calls with up to 32 participants, including the host. 

WhatsApp Adds a Waiting Room

WhatsApp is also giving hosts more control over who enters a call.

Guests are placed in a waiting room before joining, and the host must approve them. The host can also remove a guest from the call at any time.

Guests don't get access to other participants' phone numbers. They also cannot send WhatsApp messages or add additional people directly to the call. 

This provides an additional layer of control for meetings and group conversations where the host wants to decide who can participate.

Screen Sharing and Reactions Are Supported

Guest participants aren't limited to simply watching or listening.

WhatsApp says guests can use several calling features, including:

• Screen sharing
• Hand raising
• Emoji reactions
• Voice calls
• Video calls

The calls remain end-to-end encrypted, and Meta says WhatsApp calling has no time limits. 

WhatsApp Is Moving Closer to Zoom and Google Meet

The Guest Calling update puts WhatsApp in more direct competition with services such as Zoom and Google Meet.

The biggest advantage is convenience. Someone who doesn't have WhatsApp can still participate without creating an account or downloading an application.

WhatsApp has also introduced calling directly through WhatsApp Web, allowing users to make and receive voice and video calls from a computer browser. The web calls also support features such as screen sharing and reactions. 

Calendar Integration Is Coming

Meta says WhatsApp is also working on Google Calendar and Outlook calendar integrations.

Later this year, users will be able to create a WhatsApp call directly from their calendars and add the call link to an invitation. People receiving the invitation will be able to join with or without a WhatsApp account. 

This could make WhatsApp more practical for business meetings, appointments, tutoring and other scheduled calls.

How to Create a WhatsApp Guest Call

To create a guest call:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to the Calls tab.
3. Tap the + button.
4. Select Create call link.
5. Share the generated link with your guests.
6. Guests open the link in their browser.
7. They enter their name and request to join.
8. Approve them from the waiting room.

Only users with a WhatsApp account can create a call link, but the people receiving the link don't need an account. 

WhatsApp Calls Are Becoming More Flexible

Guest Calling is the latest in a series of changes designed to make WhatsApp calling easier to use.

With browser-based calling, call transfers between devices, waiting rooms, noise suppression and now guest access, WhatsApp is expanding beyond traditional app-to-app communication. 

The new Guest Calling feature could be especially useful for people who need to quickly connect with someone who doesn't use WhatsApp.

For users, the biggest benefit is simple: you can now invite someone to a WhatsApp call without requiring them to install WhatsApp or create an account.