WhatsApp rolls out guest calling for non-users on group and 1:1 calls
WhatsApp has officially launched guest calling, letting users invite people without a WhatsApp account to join one-on-one or group calls of up to 32 participants via a shared link. Guests wait in a lobby for host approval, can't see other participants' phone numbers or send messages, and can join from a browser without installing the app. The feature supports screen sharing, hand-raising and reactions, and WhatsApp says it plans Google Calendar and Outlook integrations later this year.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move pushes WhatsApp's end-to-end encrypted calling further into territory occupied by Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, which already let non-account holders join via links. By pairing this with calendar integrations, WhatsApp appears to be positioning itself as a viable option for workplace and scheduled meetings, not just casual personal calls. Removing the account requirement could lower friction for adoption in professional settings where not everyone uses WhatsApp.
- Guests can join WhatsApp calls without an account, subject to host approval and limited visibility of other participants.
- Group calls support up to 32 participants, with screen sharing, hand-raising and reactions available to guests.
- Google Calendar and Outlook integrations are planned later this year via a WhatsApp plugin.
Anker PowerConf C200 Webcam — With WhatsApp now supporting guest calling for meetings with colleagues and classmates, having a sharp, reliable webcam makes those calls look professional. The Anker PowerConf C200 offers crisp video and easy plug-and-play setup, perfect for jumping into spontaneous WhatsApp video calls from your computer browser.
See Anker PowerConf C200 Webcam on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-10-14
Published there as: “WhatsApp takes on Zoom and Google Meet with guest calling”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.