Key Highlights
• WhatsApp is testing a Guest Chats feature that lets users message people without a WhatsApp account
• Non-users can join conversations through a secure invite link in a web browser
• Guest chats support basic messaging but exclude media, calls, and group chats
• Conversations expire automatically after 10 days of inactivity
WhatsApp is rolling out a new Guest Chats feature in beta that allows users to message people who do not have a WhatsApp account. The feature creates a temporary conversation through a secure web link, allowing the recipient to join the chat without signing up for the messaging platform.
According to reports from feature tracker WABetaInfo, the feature is now available to some Android and iOS beta testers. The goal is to enable quick conversations with non-users while maintaining the platform’s security framework.
If widely released, the update could make WhatsApp more flexible for communication with people outside the app’s ecosystem.
What Are WhatsApp Guest Chats?
Guest Chats are designed as a temporary messaging option for communicating with someone who does not use WhatsApp.
Instead of asking the recipient to download the app and create an account, the feature generates an invitation link. When the recipient opens the link in a browser, they can join the conversation as a guest.
Once inside the chat, the guest can send and receive text messages. However, they do not need to register a phone number or create a WhatsApp profile.
This approach creates a temporary messaging session rather than a full account-based interaction.
The feature was first reported to be in development in October 2025. At the time, it was not accessible to testers. Recent beta updates suggest that limited users can now access the feature.
How Does the WhatsApp Guest Chats Feature Work?
Reports suggest that WhatsApp generates a special invite link from within the app.
Users can create the link from the “Invite a friend” section or from the bottom of the contacts list. The link can then be shared through SMS, email, or other messaging platforms.
Once the recipient opens the link, the chat session launches in a mobile or desktop browser.
The participant joins the conversation as a guest and can exchange text messages with the WhatsApp user. The chat interface marks the participant with a “Guest” label, making it clear that the person is not using a registered WhatsApp account.
This system allows temporary conversations without requiring the other person to install the app.
Does WhatsApp Guest Chats Still Use End-to-End Encryption?
Security appears to remain a central part of the feature.
According to the report, guest conversations still use WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption system.
When a guest joins the chat, WhatsApp Web generates a unique identifier. This identifier helps create the encryption key used for that specific conversation.
As a result, messages remain encrypted between the participants.
This means the platform’s core privacy protections continue to apply even when the other person does not have a full WhatsApp account.
What Features Are Missing in Guest Chats?
Guest Chats are intentionally limited in functionality.
The feature only supports basic text messaging. Several common WhatsApp capabilities are not available.
For example, guest chats do not support:
• Media sharing such as photos, videos, or documents
• GIFs, stickers, or voice messages
• Voice or video calls
• Group conversations
These restrictions reinforce the temporary nature of the feature.
The goal appears to be quick, lightweight conversations rather than full communication experiences.
How Long Do WhatsApp Guest Chats Last?
Another key limitation involves the lifespan of the conversation.
Guest chats automatically expire after 10 days of inactivity.
If the chat becomes inactive and expires, the inviter must create a new link to restart the conversation with the same person.
This expiration model prevents long-term chat sessions and helps maintain the temporary structure of the feature.
Users also retain control over safety. Reports indicate that guest participants can be blocked in the same way as regular WhatsApp contacts.
Why Is WhatsApp Testing Guest Chats?
Messaging apps increasingly compete to make conversations easier across different platforms.
Guest Chats could help WhatsApp reduce friction when communicating with someone outside its network.
Currently, people often switch to SMS, email, or other messaging apps when the other person does not use WhatsApp.
A link-based conversation could simplify that process.
It may also help businesses, event organizers, or individuals communicate quickly with someone who does not want to install another app.
However, since the feature remains in beta, its final form may still change before a wider rollout.
When Will the Feature Be Available to Everyone?
For now, Guest Chats appear limited to select Android and iOS beta users.
WhatsApp has not announced a timeline for a public release.
Beta testing typically helps developers refine features, fix bugs, and evaluate user feedback before launching them widely.
If the testing phase progresses smoothly, the feature could arrive in a future update of the messaging app.
For now, the beta rollout suggests that WhatsApp is exploring new ways to expand communication beyond its registered user base.
