Meta introduced a new feature called “guest calling” on October 19, 2026, enabling anyone to join a WhatsApp call without needing a WhatsApp account. This change allows...
Meta’s guest calling feature allows non-WhatsApp users to join calls via a link, addressing a long-standing barrier to group video chats.
What changed
Meta introduced a new feature called “guest calling” on October 19, 2026, enabling anyone to join a WhatsApp call without needing a WhatsApp account. This change allows non-users to access calls through a shared link, bypassing the previous requirement of account creation.
What is confirmed
The confirmed change is that WhatsApp users can now invite non-WhatsApp users to video calls by sharing a link. This functionality removes the prior restriction that required participants to have a WhatsApp account. Meta’s announcement highlights the feature as a response to the challenge of coordinating calls across platforms, particularly in the U.S., where WhatsApp adoption is not universal. No official statement or acknowledgment from Meta has been identified at this time.
What to watch or do next
Users should test the feature by inviting non-WhatsApp contacts to calls and verifying the link-based access process. Developers and privacy advocates may monitor for potential security implications, though no specific concerns have been reported. The change could influence broader adoption of WhatsApp for cross-platform communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can non-WhatsApp users join a call without creating an account?
Yes, the feature allows non-WhatsApp users to join calls via a shared link without needing an account.
Q2: Is there a cost associated with using guest calling?
No cost is mentioned in the sources, and no pricing details are available.
Q3: Are there any limitations to this feature?
The sources do not specify limitations, though the feature’s availability may depend on the host’s settings or regional restrictions.