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In a major step towards making its platform more inclusive and flexible, WhatsApp is currently developing a new feature called “guest chats”, which will allow users to communicate with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. This long-anticipated capability is expected to be part of a future update, opening the door to cross-platform communication directly within WhatsApp’s secure environment.
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The term “guest chats” is likely being used to describe conversations with individuals who are not registered on WhatsApp but can temporarily join a chat using a special link. These guests will not need to download the app or create an account, making the process seamless for first-time users or those who prefer not to install the application, WaBetaInfo, the online platform which tracks the upcoming features of WhatsApp said.
How it works: inviting non-users into the conversation
Once the feature is available, WhatsApp users will be able to initiate a guest chat by inviting someone from their contact list who does not currently have WhatsApp installed. This is done by generating and sharing a unique link that leads the recipient to a private chat window,
The link can be sent using any communication method , SMS, email, or even other messaging apps, and allows the invited guest to access a chat session directly from their browser. The process eliminates the need for creating an account or installing the WhatsApp app, streamlining the user experience while still maintaining a secure environment.
What makes this different from third-party chat integrations is that guest chats will operate entirely within WhatsApp’s native ecosystem. This means users will enjoy a consistent interface and encryption protocols managed solely by WhatsApp, without the involvement of external developers or services.
Limitations of guest chat mode
While guest chats represent a significant shift in WhatsApp’s communication model, they won’t offer the full range of features available to regular users.
For starters, media sharing will not be supported. This includes photos, videos, audio clips, documents, and GIFs. Users in guest chats will only be able to send and receive text messages. Additionally, voice and video messages will be disabled, and it will not be possible to initiate voice or video calls.
Another key limitation is that guest chats will be restricted to one-on-one conversations only. Group chats will not be supported for guests, at least in the early stages of the rollout.
Despite these limitations, the feature still holds promise as a convenient and practical way to reach someone who isn’t on the platform, especially for one-off or urgent conversations.
Privacy and encryption remain a top priority
Even though the feature allows communication with non-users, WhatsApp has emphasised that end-to-end encryption will still apply to all guest chats. This means that only the sender and the invited guest can view the messages — not WhatsApp, not third parties, and not even service providers.
This level of security is made possible by leveraging WhatsApp’s existing encryption architecture, likely through a browser-based interface that functions similarly to WhatsApp Web. The guest, although not a registered user, would interact with the system in a secure, encrypted environment that preserves user privacy.
This approach ensures that WhatsApp maintains its commitment to privacy, even while opening the platform to those outside its user base.
What to expect next
Guest chats are likely to become a powerful tool for introducing non-users to the WhatsApp ecosystem. By offering a simplified, no-commitment entry point, the feature could help attract new users who might be hesitant to install the app or create an account upfront.
Technical details regarding how long guest chats remain active, whether there will be expiration windows, and how identity verification will be handled are still under wraps. More comprehensive information is expected when WhatsApp officially announces the feature.
The company has confirmed that guest chats are currently under development and will be available in an upcoming update. Until then, users can look forward to a future where chatting with anyone, even without an account, becomes a possibility on WhatsApp.
