WhatsApp introduces new feature that allow people without accounts join calls through invite

WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that allows individuals without accounts on the messaging platform to join voice and video calls through invitation links. 

The feature lets existing users invite friends, family members and colleagues who do not have WhatsApp accounts into one-on-one and group calls of up to 32 participants.

The company said guest calls carry no time limits and no additional fees, and are protected by end-to-end encryption. 

To invite someone without a WhatsApp account, a user opens the Calls tab in the app and taps the plus (+) icon. From there, the user selects the New call link option, generates an invitation link and shares it with the intended participant. The recipient opens the link through a compatible web browser and joins the call without creating an account.

Guests cannot initiate calls themselves. They must receive an invitation from an existing WhatsApp user and get the host's approval before entering the conversation. When a guest opens the link, they wait in a waiting room until the host admits them. The host can also remove a guest at any time.

WhatsApp has added restrictions to protect participants' privacy and give hosts control. Guests cannot see other participants' phone numbers in group calls. They also cannot send messages or invite additional people into the conversation.

Once admitted, guests can use features such as screen sharing, raising their hands and reacting with emojis during calls.

The move makes WhatsApp's calling service more accessible and brings it closer to platforms such as Apple's FaceTime, which lets people join calls through shared links without an Apple account.

Beyond guest calling, WhatsApp plans to introduce Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integration later in 2026. The planned feature will allow users to create WhatsApp calls and send invitations directly through their preferred calendar service.

Users will need to install the relevant WhatsApp plugin, connect their account and add a call link to a calendar invitation. Recipients, including people without WhatsApp accounts, will be able to join through the shared links.

The integration could ease the organisation of work meetings, virtual gatherings and other conversations without requiring every participant to register on the messaging platform.