WhatsApp lets non-users join calls without creating an account

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 15:21 · Archive

WhatsApp now allows people without accounts to join calls by invitation, with host approval required.

WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, enabling people without WhatsApp accounts to join calls via invitation. Guests must be approved by the call host and will appear in a waiting room until permitted to join. Calls support up to 32 participants and are end-to-end encrypted with no time limits.

Guests can use core features including screen sharing, hand-raising and emoji reactions. However, they cannot start calls, view other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or add additional members. Hosts can remove guests from calls at any time. Guests can join through browser links on computer or mobile devices.

Users create guest calls through the Calls tab by tapping the plus button to generate a call link, which they can then share. WhatsApp plans to roll out calendar integrations later this year, allowing calls to be created directly from Google or Outlook calendars. This development mirrors Apple's FaceTime feature, which also allows non-users to join calls via links.

How it is being reported

• WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls, No Account NeededPopular Meta chat app WhatsApp today gained guest calling, a feature that lets users invite anyone to join a voice or video call, even if the invitee doesn't have a WhatsApp account. WhatsApp says everyone has access to free, end-to-end encrypted calls with no time limits and support for up to 32 people at once. A guest joining a call needs permission from the call host, and guests will show up in a waiting room until the host lets them in. Guests cannot see other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or add others to the call, and hosts can remove them from the call at any time.…MacRumors · 14 Oct, 15:00
• WhatsApp adds a guest option for joining calls without an accountIt's also working on calendar integrations for later this year.Engadget · 14 Oct, 15:00

In this story: WhatsApp · Meta · Google · Microsoft Outlook · Apple

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