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WhatsApp introduces guest calling feature to join calls without an account

Meta is rolling out a guest calling feature for WhatsApp that lets people join end-to-end encrypted calls without creating an account or installing an app.

Graphic showing the WhatsApp web calling interface with options for a waiting room, web calling, and call transfer.
Image: @iPhoneinCanada

Meta is rolling out a guest calling upgrade for WhatsApp that allows external participants to join calls without needing a WhatsApp account, according to reports from Neowin, MacRumors, and iPhone in Canada.[1][6][5]

The Verge noted that participants can simply click a link to access an end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp call without installing an application or signing up. However, guests cannot start calls independently and must be invited to participate, according to Engadget via Techmeme.[2][3]

Screenshots shared by iPhone in Canada and Engadget highlight web calling at web.whatsapp.com, including a waiting room feature displaying prompts to approve or deny incoming participant requests, as well as call transfer options. Additionally, Engadget reported that WhatsApp is working on calendar integrations planned for later this year.[5][4]

Key facts

  • Meta is rolling out a guest calling feature allowing users without a WhatsApp account to join calls.
  • Participants can join end-to-end encrypted calls via a link without installing an app or signing up.
  • Guests cannot initiate a call on their own and must be invited.
  • Interface images show WhatsApp web calling featuring a waiting room with options to approve or deny requests, alongside a call transfer option.
  • WhatsApp is also developing calendar integrations expected later in the year.

Sources · 6 sources

  1. NE

    NeowinFeed@NeowinFeedPost on X ·

    Meta is rolling out a major WhatsApp upgrade that eliminates the platform's strictest limitation. The new guest calling feature permit external participants without WhatsApp account. #WhatsApp #GuestCalling https://t.co/keoEbNw9Pb

    Open source
  2. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    Anyone can click a link and join an end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp call, without installing an app or creating an account. https://t.co/u45YH7x0kK

    Open source
  3. TE

    Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·

    WhatsApp rolls out a guest calling feature letting people join a call even if they don't have an account; guests cannot start a call and have to be invited (@annagetspithy / Engadget) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)

    Open source
  4. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    It’s also working on calendar integrations for later this year. https://t.co/RdQC1711sa

    Open source
  5. II

    iPhone in Canada@iPhoneinCanadaPost on X ·

    WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls Without Signing Up https://t.co/XTp8plgnPe https://t.co/7UtGjPO6g3

    Open source
  6. MC

    MacRumors.com@MacRumorsPost on X ·

    WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls, No Account Needed https://t.co/Kfr0Se9dWK https://t.co/dpIiMgMFQP

    Open source