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Yes. WhatsApp Guest Calling, announced by Meta on October 14, 2026, lets someone without a WhatsApp account join a voice or video call through an invitation link. The WhatsApp user who creates the call remains the host; the guest opens the link in a computer browser, enters a name and waits for approval.
What WhatsApp Guest Calling does
Guest Calling removes the account requirement for invitees. A WhatsApp account holder creates a call link from the Calls tab and sends it to anyone, including people who do not use WhatsApp. Meta says guest calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limit. Mobile-provider data charges can still apply, depending on the guest’s or host’s internet plan.
The feature supports both voice and video, one-to-one conversations and group calls of up to 32 participants. WhatsApp’s calling documentation describes calling across iOS, Android and the web, while the guest-join flow supplied for this launch uses a computer browser.
Who needs a WhatsApp account?
| Action | Account required? | What the person can do |
|---|---|---|
| Create a call link | Yes | Open Calls, generate the link and invite participants. |
| Join as a guest | No | Open the link in a computer browser, enter a name and request entry. |
| Admit or remove participants | Host account required | Approve people in the waiting room and remove guests during the call. |
| Invite additional people directly | Guest cannot | Guests cannot add other people to the call. |
How to create and join a guest call
For the WhatsApp host
- Open WhatsApp and select the Calls tab.
- Tap or click the + icon.
- Choose the option to create a call link.
- Send the generated link to the people you want to invite.
For a guest without WhatsApp
- Open the invitation link in a computer browser.
- Type the name you want displayed in the call.
- Submit the request and remain in the waiting room.
- Wait for the host to approve entry.
The host controls admission, so opening the link does not automatically place a guest in the conversation. The host can also remove a guest after admission.
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Guest capabilities and restrictions
Once admitted, guests can participate in voice or video, share their screen from a computer, use reactions such as a thumbs-up or heart, and raise their hand. They cannot see the other participants’ phone numbers, send WhatsApp messages or add more people directly. Those restrictions keep the guest inside the call rather than turning the session into a full WhatsApp account.
Participant limit
A call can contain up to 32 people, including the host and guests. That limit applies to both one-to-one invitations and group calls; a one-to-one call simply uses two of the available places.
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Privacy, encryption and cost
Meta describes Guest Calling as end-to-end encrypted, meaning the company presents the call audio and video as protected from access by intermediaries. The feature is advertised as free and without a time limit. “Free” does not mean that internet access is free: cellular data or roaming charges may be billed by a mobile provider, and weak connections can affect audio or video quality.
Guests should use the invitation link only from a trusted source. The host sees the name the guest enters and decides whether to admit that person. Because guests do not have accounts, they should not expect WhatsApp chat history, account settings or persistent contact features to carry over from the call.
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What is planned for calendars?
Meta says Google Calendar and Outlook integrations are planned for later in 2026, but it has not provided a precise release date. The planned workflow would let a connected WhatsApp account add a WhatsApp call link to a calendar invitation. Invitees would then be able to join with or without WhatsApp accounts.
Troubleshooting a guest call
The link does not open
Ask the guest to copy the complete invitation link into a current computer browser. If it still fails, the host should create a new call link and resend it rather than relying on a truncated message.
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The guest is stuck waiting
Waiting is expected: every guest must be approved. The host should open the participant or waiting-room view and admit the person, or remove an unexpected request.
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Check the browser’s microphone and camera permissions, move to a stronger Wi-Fi or mobile-data connection and close other apps using the camera or microphone. Data charges may apply on cellular connections.
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The guest cannot add someone else
This is a deliberate restriction. Only the WhatsApp host can manage admission and remove participants, so another invitee must receive a link from the host.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this launch means
WhatsApp Guest Calling is useful when a group already uses WhatsApp but one or more invitees do not want to create an account. The host still needs WhatsApp to start and control the session, while guests get browser access to the essential call features without a signup, a stated time cap or a separate meeting account.
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