WhatsApp Lets You Call People Who Don't Have an Account

WhatsApp has launched a feature that lets users hold voice and video calls with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. The calls run through invite links, so friends, colleagues and classmates can join without downloading the app or signing up.

Creating a link requires an active WhatsApp account, but guests need none. To make one, open WhatsApp, go to the Calls tab, tap the plus (+) icon and choose to create a call link. Once the link is ready, it can be shared with anyone you want to invite.

How guests join

When a guest opens the link in a computer browser, they enter their name and ask to join. They then wait in a lobby until the host approves them. Calls can be one-to-one or group calls, with up to 32 participants.

Guests can do more than listen. They can share their computer screen, react with emojis such as a thumbs-up or a heart, and raise a hand to ask to speak. That makes the feature useful for online classes, presentations and work meetings.

The host keeps control: every person needs approval to enter, and the host can remove anyone at any time. Guests face limits too. They cannot see other participants' phone numbers, send messages through WhatsApp, or directly invite more people to the call.

Calendar integration next

WhatsApp is also building integration with calendar apps so users can create call links directly from Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar. It is expected later in 2026. Users will install a WhatsApp add-on, connect their calendar accounts and attach the call link to a meeting invitation, letting invitees join whether or not they use WhatsApp.

The move widens WhatsApp's role in meetings and group communication by removing the registration barrier for people outside the service.