WhatsApp now lets people without a WhatsApp account join a WhatsApp call through a call link. The feature, called guest calling, was announced on the WhatsApp Blog on 14 October 2026. Guests join only from a computer browser, and every guest needs the host’s approval before entering the call.

The calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limit, WhatsApp says. The blog says this means no abrupt cutoffs, no scrambling to restart the call and no waiting for everyone to rejoin. A guest can join a 1:1 call or a group call with up to 32 people.

What you need

The host needs a WhatsApp account. Only people with a WhatsApp account can create a call link.

Guests do not need a WhatsApp account. WhatsApp says the host can send the link without having to worry about what apps the guests have.

How to create a call link

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Calls tab.
  2. Tap the “+” icon.
  3. Create a call link.
  4. Send it to the people you want to talk to.

The blog gives the examples of colleagues, classmates or a tutor. WhatsApp says you can invite anyone to the call, even if they do not have a WhatsApp account.

What your guest does

  1. Open the link in a computer browser.
  2. Type in a name.
  3. Wait in the waiting room until the host admits you.

The blog describes the computer browser as the way guests open the link. It does not describe any other way for a guest to join.

Admitting guests from the waiting room

Guests enter a waiting room and stay there until the host lets them in, according to WhatsApp. Nobody joins as a guest without the host’s say-so.

The host stays in control after that. WhatsApp says guests can be removed from the call at any time.

What guests can and cannot do

Guests get what WhatsApp calls the same essential in-call features. A guest can share their computer screen, react with a thumbs up or heart emoji, and raise their hand to jump in. The blog gives screen sharing as a way to collaborate and review materials.

Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers. They cannot send messages, and they cannot add anyone else directly to the call.

Calendar integrations

Guest calling and calendar integrations are the latest in a series of calling updates WhatsApp says it has made this year. WhatsApp plans to add the calendar integrations later this year.

The plan, as described on the blog, is to let a host create a WhatsApp call from a Google or Outlook calendar by installing a WhatsApp plugin, connecting their account and adding a WhatsApp call link to the invite.

WhatsApp says everyone invited through the calendar link will be able to join with or without a WhatsApp account.

Sources: