WhatsApp is developing a guest calling feature that will allow people without a WhatsApp account to join calls through a secure web link.
Guests will not need to install WhatsApp or create an account. Instead, they will be able to open the shared link in a browser and join through WhatsApp Web.
The feature remains under development and is not yet available for beta testing. WhatsApp has also not announced when it will become publicly available.
Joining Calls Without WhatsApp
Hosts will be able to create a call link from the Calls tab, choose the type of call, and copy the link to share with others.
People without a WhatsApp account will be able to open the link in their browser and continue as a guest instead of installing the app.
The WhatsApp Web interface will then display the call and allow the guest to request access.
Before the guest can enter, the host must manually approve the request. This approval requirement will apply to every participant joining without a WhatsApp account and cannot be disabled.
Guest Calls Will Remain End-to-End Encrypted
WhatsApp plans to use the same security approach already used for guest chats and regular calls.
When a guest opens a call link, WhatsApp Web will generate a unique identifier for that browser session. The service will use this identifier to create the encryption key protecting the call.
As a result, guest calls will be end-to-end encrypted by default, and WhatsApp will not need the guest to have an account to generate the encryption key.
Why Hosts Must Approve Guests
WhatsApp will require approval because it cannot verify the identity of someone opening a guest link through a browser.
Anyone who obtains the link could potentially request access, so the host will decide whether each person can enter the call.
Hosts will also retain control after a guest joins. They can approve or reject requests, remove participants, and end the call for everyone.
If a guest is removed, they will not be allowed to rejoin.
Builds on WhatsApp Guest Chats
WhatsApp previously introduced guest chats, which allow people without an account to join text conversations through a browser link.
Those chats also use a unique browser-generated identifier to create end-to-end encryption keys.
Guest chats can remain active for up to 10 days without activity, while guest calls are different because they take place in real time and end when the call finishes.
The upcoming guest calling system will extend the same approach from text conversations to voice and video calls.
WhatsApp is still working on the feature for a future update, and even beta users cannot test it yet. The company has not provided a release timeline.
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