News in short
- WhatsApp Guest calls support one-on-one conversations and group calls with up to 32 participants.
- Calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits, according to WhatsApp.
- Hosts can approve guest entry, remove participants and control access to calls.
- Google Calendar and Outlook integrations are planned for a future rollout.
WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, allowing people without WhatsApp accounts to join audio and video calls through shared links. The feature supports one-on-one conversations and group calls with up to 32 participants, including guests.
The Meta-owned messaging platform says guest calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits. The feature could make it easier to organise meetings, classes and family conversations without asking everyone to create an account.
Only users with WhatsApp accounts can create call links. Invited guests can join through a computer browser after entering their names and requesting access.
How WhatsApp guest calling works
To start a guest call, open WhatsApp and navigate to the Calls tab. Tap the plus icon, create a call link and share it with the intended participants.
Guests can open the link in a computer browser, enter their names and request to join. They do not need to register for WhatsApp or install the messaging app to participate.
The feature supports both individual and group calls. However, the total number of participants, including guests, cannot exceed 32.
WhatsApp has also added controls to manage guest access. Invited participants remain in a waiting room until the host approves their entry. Hosts can also remove participants during a call.
These controls give hosts greater oversight when inviting people outside their usual WhatsApp contacts.
Guest calls include privacy controls and collaboration tools
WhatsApp says guest calls retain the end-to-end encryption used for regular calls. The company has also introduced restrictions for guest participants.
Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or directly invite additional people to the call. These restrictions help limit the information and permissions available to people joining through shared links.
Once admitted, guests can access several calling tools. These include computer screen sharing, emoji reactions and a hand-raising option.
Screen sharing could help users present documents or explain information during remote meetings. Hand raising and reactions could also prove useful during online classes and group discussions.
The feature therefore offers more than basic audio and video access. However, hosts should still share call links carefully and approve only intended participants.
WhatsApp plans Google Calendar and Outlook integrations
WhatsApp also plans to introduce integrations with Google Calendar and Outlook later this year.
Once available, users will be able to create WhatsApp call links directly from their calendar services. The feature will require the relevant WhatsApp plugin and a connected account.
People invited through calendar events will reportedly be able to join calls even if they do not have WhatsApp accounts.
The integrations could simplify scheduling for workplaces and groups that use calendar invitations to organise meetings.
WhatsApp continues to expand its calling features
Guest calling follows several calling improvements WhatsApp introduced in July. These included individual and group calls through WhatsApp Web, allowing users to call from a browser without installing the desktop application.
The platform also introduced call transfer between devices, QuickHD for high-definition video at the start of calls and noise suppression to reduce background sounds.
With guest calling, WhatsApp is making its calling service accessible to a wider audience. The ability to join without an account removes one barrier, while waiting rooms and host controls help manage participation.
The planned calendar integrations could further simplify the process for users who regularly organise online meetings.
