WhatsApp adds guest calling for joining calls without an account

Guest calling opens the door

WhatsApp is adding guest calling, a feature that lets a person join a call without a WhatsApp account. The Meta owned company announced the option on Oct. 14, 2026, and described it as a way to add flexibility for talking to people who are not regular users of its service. The support mirrors a little known option to join a FaceTime call without an Apple account or device.

With guest calling, someone can join either one to one or group calls from a browser once the host approves them. WhatsApp said guests will not face any time limits on their participation in a call.

Limits on what guests can do

Guests cannot start a call. They can only receive and accept invitations, and they must be approved by the call host before joining. They also will not be able to view other users phone numbers, send messages, or add more members to the call.

Once approved, guests can use core call tools. Those include screen sharing, raising a hand, and reacting with the thumbs up and heart emojis. The restrictions center on starting calls, invitations, contact visibility, and expanding the call.

Calendar plugin planned later this year

WhatsApp said it plans to add a plugin for calendar integrations. When launched later this year, the plugin will allow WhatsApp calls to be created from Google or Outlook calendars.

The guest option arrives during a busy stretch of updates aimed at making the service more accessible, secure, and appealing for business users. Recent additions include usernames that help people keep their phone numbers private, encrypted web calls, account signups via iPad, and a possible option to schedule messages in advance.

Sources: Engadget