WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that could allow people to join calls without having a WhatsApp account.
The Meta-owned messaging platform may soon let users join calls through a secure web link. Guests would not need to create an account or install the WhatsApp application.
The feature is currently under development and is not yet available for public testing, according to WABetaInfo.
Guests Could Join Calls Through Secure Links
Under the proposed feature, the person hosting a call would be able to create a call link from the Calls tab.
The host could select the type of call and copy the generated link. The link could then be shared with people who do not have a WhatsApp account.
Recipients would be able to open the link through a web browser. They could join the conversation as guests without downloading WhatsApp or creating an account.
The call interface would reportedly appear through WhatsApp Web, allowing users to participate directly from their browser.
Host Approval Required Before Joining
WhatsApp is also expected to give hosts greater control over guest access.
According to the report, the host would have to manually approve each guest before they could enter the call.
This could allow users to control who joins a conversation, even when participants are not registered WhatsApp users.
The feature could make WhatsApp calls more accessible for people who rarely use the platform or do not want to create another messaging account.
WhatsApp Already Testing Guest Chats
The reported calling feature follows WhatsApp’s introduction of guest chats, which allow people without WhatsApp accounts to participate in conversations.
With guest chats, users receive a link from a WhatsApp user and can open it through their browser. They can then join the conversation without downloading the application or creating an account.
WhatsApp says the same technology used to protect regular messages also applies to these guest conversations.
The upcoming guest-calling feature would extend this approach from messaging to voice or video calls, potentially making it easier for WhatsApp users to communicate with people outside the platform.
