GoKawiilWhatsApp adds guest calling for non-users via shared link
WhatsApp has rolled out a guest calling feature that lets users invite people to a call without requiring them to have a WhatsApp account, by sending a call link that works in a browser. Guests get access to features like screen sharing, hand raising, and emoji reactions under end-to-end encryption, but must wait for host approval and can't see other participants' phone numbers or add others to the call. Meta says Google and Outlook calendar integrations for WhatsApp calls are coming later this year via a plugin.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The feature could lower the barrier for WhatsApp to be used in professional or mixed-platform settings, where not everyone on a call has the app installed, positioning it to compete more directly with tools like Zoom or Google Meet. The calendar integration suggests Meta is pushing WhatsApp further into workplace scheduling workflows, though restrictions on guest permissions indicate an effort to preserve privacy and security for existing users.
- Guest calling lets non-WhatsApp users join calls via a shared link, no app or account needed
- Guests face restrictions: host approval required, no visibility into phone numbers, can't add others
- Google and Outlook calendar integration for WhatsApp calls is planned for later this year
Source: theverge.com — Stevie Bonifield, 2026-10-14
Published there as: “Now you can call anyone with WhatsApp, even if they don’t have WhatsApp”
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