WhatsApp is Reportedly Working on Guest Calls Without an Account

In the past few months, WhatsApp has received numerous features, including scam message detection, alphanumeric password for 2FA, smarter polls, faster group chats, and more. Now, it seems WhatsApp is finally opening a door for people who do not use the app. The company is reportedly working on guest calls that could let anyone join through a web link, without having an account.

WhatsApp wants account-free users inside calls

The feature is still under development and is not available for beta testing yet. WABetaInfo spotted the work in WhatsApp Web. The idea builds on WhatsApp’s existing call links. However, guests would no longer need an account or app installation.

A host could create a call link from the Calls tab. The recipient could then open that link through their browser. The guest would continue through WhatsApp Web instead of creating an account. That could make quick calls much easier for non-users.

More importantly, the host of the call must manually approve every guest before they enter. That approval requirement would remain mandatory for people joining without accounts. Hosts could also reject requests when necessary. WhatsApp would give hosts additional control during the call. Guests could be removed, while the host could end the entire call.

Security will remain at the front and center

The feature is designed to use technology already introduced with guest chats. WhatsApp Web would generate a unique identifier for each guest session. That identifier would help create the encryption key protecting the call. WhatsApp says its standard calls use end-to-end encryption.

Guest calls would differ from guest chats in one major way. Calls happen in real time, while guest chats can continue asynchronously. As of now, the feature remains a future update for now. WhatsApp has not announced when guest calls will reach masses.