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Insta360 Link 2 Pro 4K Webcam Falls to $210 at AmazonPixel Users Report Home and Recent Apps Animation Bugs After Android 17 QPR1Epic releases AI-assisted launcher preview and plans Fortnite for LinuxWhatsApp adds guest calling, allowing calls without an accountNTangible says Clutch Factor test can predict athlete performance under pressureMicrosoft patches over 1,400 Windows security flaws, including two zero-days
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WhatsApp adds guest calling, allowing calls without an account

WhatsApp adds guest calling for people without an account or the app; calendar integrations are planned later this year.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-15 01:23

The feature is meant to give WhatsApp users a way to talk with people who are not regular users of the service. According to Engadget, guest calling mirrors the little-known option to join a FaceTime call without an Apple account or device. Guests can only receive and accept invitations. The Verge reported that they enter a waiting room until the host lets them in and can be removed from the call at any time.

Once admitted, guests can use core call tools including screen sharing, raising a hand, and reacting with thumbs-up and heart emojis, Engadget reported. The Verge reported that guests join by clicking a call link and that WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted. Guests cannot see other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or add anyone else to the call. Engadget reported that guests will not have time limits placed on their participation.

A host still needs a WhatsApp account to start a call. The Verge noted that WhatsApp added support for calls on its web version earlier this year, meaning guests do not need to install the app. Engadget reported that guests can join either one-to-one or group calls from a browser.

Meta also plans to facilitate collaboration with calendar integrations. Both Engadget and The Verge reported that a WhatsApp plugin for Google and Outlook calendars will launch later this year. After installing the plugin and connecting an account, users will be able to create WhatsApp calls from their calendars or send a WhatsApp call link with calendar invites, according to the reports.

WhatsApp has kept a brisk pace of feature updates in 2026, many of them aimed at making the service more accessible, secure and appealing for business users. Engadget reported that the service added usernames, allowing people to keep their phone numbers private, along with encrypted web calls and account signups via iPad. Engadget also reported that WhatsApp may offer a much-requested option to schedule messages in advance.

Editor's Summary

WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, allowing people without an account or the app to join end-to-end encrypted calls from a browser after host approval. Guests can use screen sharing, hand raising and emoji reactions but cannot start calls, see phone numbers, send messages or add participants. Meta also plans Google and Outlook calendar integrations for WhatsApp calls later this year.