WhatsApp lets non-users join calls as guests
WhatsApp now allows people without an account to join calls as guests. Guests can only accept invitations, need host approval, and cannot start calls, view phone numbers, send messages, or add participants, though they can use screen sharing, hand raising, and reactions in browser calls. WhatsApp also plans a calendar integration plugin later this year for creating calls from Google or Outlook calendars.
WhatsApp's new guest calling feature lets people without an account participate in one-on-one or group calls. Invitations must be accepted, and the host must approve each guest before entry. Guests cannot initiate calls, see phone numbers, send messages, or invite others. In browser-based calls, they can share screens, raise hands, and react with thumbs-up or heart emojis. No time limit applies.
The Meta-owned service says a calendar plugin is planned for later this year, enabling calls to be created from Google or Outlook calendars. This follows other 2026 updates, including usernames, encrypted web calls, iPad signups, and possible scheduled messages. The guest option resembles Apple's approach for FaceTime.
This change could make WhatsApp calls easier for people who avoid creating accounts, such as clients, relatives, or occasional contacts. It may reduce friction for businesses and community groups that coordinate through calls, while host approval and limited guest permissions could help protect privacy. However, guests may still face trust concerns because they cannot verify identities through phone numbers or messages. Calendar integration could further normalize scheduled calls, potentially shifting more casual coordination from email or messaging into WhatsApp.