WhatsApp Guest Calling Lets Non-Users Join Calls

WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that lets people who do not have a WhatsApp account join one‑on‑one and group calls. WhatsApp announced the feature on October 14 on its blog and the feature lets users invite contacts who do not have a WhatsApp account by simply sharing a call link.

This new feature is made to help people use WhatsApp calls easily. It is especially useful when people do not already use the messaging service. With this feature guests can join WhatsApp calls, by using a computer browser. Guests do not need to create a WhatsApp account or download the app.

WhatsApp said calls made through the guest calling feature are end-to-end encrypted. This means that no one else can listen in on the call not WhatsApp itself. There is also no time limit on calls. Participants can stay connected for long as they need. They don’t have to worry about the call ending automatically or having to reconnect after a period. This makes the feature very convenient for conversations.

WhatsApp Guest Calling: Price

Guest calling is available free of cost for both WhatsApp users and guests. Creating a call link does not involve any additional charge, and guests do not have to pay anything to join. WhatsApp has also not imposed a maximum duration for these calls.

WhatsApp Guest Calling: Availability

The feature can be accessed by opening the Calls tab, inside WhatsApp. I find this feature handy. It only works for people who have an active WhatsApp account because only those people can create a call link. After the call link is created the call link can be shared with people who do not use WhatsApp.

Guests can open the link through a browser on their computer, enter their name and wait in a virtual waiting room until the host allows them into the call.

WhatsApp also said it plans to introduce calendar integrations later this year. Users will be able to add WhatsApp call links directly to Google Calendar and Outlook invitations after installing a WhatsApp plugin and connecting their account. People receiving those invitations will be able to join the call even if they do not have a WhatsApp account.

How guest calling works

To start a guest call, WhatsApp users need to open the Calls tab, tap the “+” icon, generate a call link and share it with the intended participants. Calls can accommodate up to 32 people.

The host remains in control of the session. Every guest must be approved before joining, and the host can remove a participant at any time. For privacy, guests cannot see the phone numbers of other participants. They also cannot send messages or independently invite additional people to the call.

After being admitted, guests can use several in-call features, including screen sharing, thumbs-up and heart emoji reactions, as well as the raise-hand option.

WhatsApp said guest calling is part of a broader series of calling updates introduced this year, following additions such as web calling.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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