WhatsApp now lets you invite anyone to a call, even without an account

WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, a new feature that lets you invite anyone to join a WhatsApp call, even if they don’t have a WhatsApp account. This means you can now hop on a call with colleagues, classmates or a tutor without having to worry about which apps they have installed.

Setting one up is fairly simple. Just head over to the Calls tab in WhatsApp, tap the “+” icon, create a call link and share it with the people you want to talk to. Guests can then open the link in their computer browser, type in their name and join the call. Do note that only people with a WhatsApp account can create a call link.

As for capacity, guest calling works for both 1:1 and group calls, with up to 32 people per call. Once inside, guests get access to the same essential in-call features as everyone else, such as sharing their computer screen to review materials together, reacting with a thumbs up or heart emoji and raising their hand when they want to jump in.

On the privacy front, WhatsApp says guests will always need the host’s approval before they can join. Anyone joining via a link will first be placed in a waiting room until the host lets them in, and the host can remove them from the call at any time. Guests also can’t see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or add anyone else directly to the call.

With free, end-to-end encrypted calls and no time limits, WhatsApp’s guest calling feature offers a convenient way to stay connected without worrying about your conversation being cut short. You can talk for as long as you need without having to restart the call or wait for everyone to rejoin.

Read more of our articles below!