WhatsApp Introduces Guest Chats Feature to Message Non-WhatsApp Users

In a move that could significantly expand how people communicate online, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature called Guest Chats. The tool allows users to start temporary conversations with people who do not have a WhatsApp account.

Currently being rolled out to select beta testers on Android and iOS, the feature allows non-WhatsApp users to join a conversation through a secure web link. Instead of signing up for a full account, guests can enter a temporary messaging session that enables basic text communication.

The feature could make WhatsApp more accessible in situations where users need to communicate quickly with someone who does not use the platform, such as during business interactions, customer support queries, or short-term collaborations.

Although still under development, Guest Chats aim to maintain WhatsApp’s strong privacy protections, including end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp Guest Chats: A New Way to Communicate

Messaging Without Creating an Account

The upcoming Guest Chats feature represents a new approach to messaging on WhatsApp.

Traditionally, both participants in a WhatsApp conversation must have registered accounts linked to their phone numbers. However, the new feature removes that requirement for one side of the conversation.

With Guest Chats, WhatsApp users can send a special invitation link to someone who does not have the app. When the recipient opens the link, they are able to join a temporary chat session directly through a browser.

This approach allows guests to participate in conversations without downloading the app or registering an account.

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to a limited group of beta testers using the latest WhatsApp beta version.

How WhatsApp Guest Chats Work

Joining a Chat Through a Secure Link

The Guest Chats system works through a link-based invitation mechanism.

Users who want to message someone without a WhatsApp account can generate an invite link inside the app.

This link can then be shared in several ways, including:

• SMS messages

• Email

• Other messaging apps

• Direct copy and paste links

Once the recipient opens the link, they are redirected to a web interface that allows them to join the chat session as a guest.

Unlike standard WhatsApp users, guests do not need to create profiles or register phone numbers.

Instead, they enter a temporary messaging environment designed for short-term conversations.

Where Users Can Generate the Invite Link

The invitation link for Guest Chats can reportedly be created from within the app.

Users can generate it by:

• Opening the Invite a Friend section

• Accessing the option from the contacts list area within the app

After the link is created, it can be shared with the intended participant.

Once the guest enters the conversation, the chat interface will display a Guest label to clearly indicate that the person does not have a registered WhatsApp account.

This label helps users distinguish between regular contacts and temporary participants.

Privacy and Encryption in Guest Chats

Maintaining WhatsApp’s Security Standards

One of the biggest concerns with any new messaging feature is security.

According to reports, WhatsApp’s Guest Chats will continue to support the platform’s end-to-end encryption system, which ensures that only the participants in a conversation can read the messages.

When a guest joins a conversation, WhatsApp Web generates a unique identifier that is used to create an encryption key specifically for that chat.

This encryption process ensures that messages exchanged in Guest Chats remain private and protected from third-party access.

Maintaining encryption is especially important because WhatsApp has long positioned privacy as one of its core features.

Even though guests do not have accounts, the encryption layer ensures that conversations remain secure.

Limitations of Guest Chats

Basic Messaging Only

While Guest Chats make it easier to communicate with non-WhatsApp users, the feature currently offers limited functionality.

The beta version supports only simple text messaging.

Several common WhatsApp features are not available in guest conversations.

These include:

• Group chats

• Photo sharing

• Video sharing

• Document attachments

• GIFs and stickers

• Voice messages

• Voice calls

• Video calls

The absence of these features suggests that Guest Chats are designed primarily for quick, short-term communication, rather than full messaging experiences.

Temporary Nature of Guest Conversations

Another important aspect of the feature is its temporary design.

Guest chat sessions automatically expire after 10 days of inactivity.

If the conversation becomes inactive and expires, the original user will need to create a new invitation link to continue messaging the same person.

This system helps ensure that guest access remains temporary and controlled.

Blocking and Safety Controls

Managing Guest Participants

WhatsApp is also introducing safety controls for Guest Chats.

Users will be able to block guest participants just as they would block regular WhatsApp contacts.

This feature helps maintain control over conversations and prevents misuse of the guest messaging system.

The ability to block guests ensures that users retain the same moderation and privacy controls available in standard chats.

Development Timeline of Guest Chats

Feature First Discovered in 2025

The Guest Chats feature has been under development for several months.

Reports indicate that the feature was first discovered in October 2025 during early app development testing.

At that time, it was not available even to beta users.

Since then, WhatsApp developers have continued refining the feature.

According to WABetaInfo, the tool has now started appearing in recent beta versions for Android and iOS, although access remains limited.

Because the feature is still in development, WhatsApp has not announced an official release date.

However, it may become available to the wider public in a future update.

Why Guest Chats Could Be Important

Expanding WhatsApp’s Communication Reach

If rolled out globally, Guest Chats could significantly expand WhatsApp’s usability.

The feature could be particularly helpful in situations where users need to contact someone quickly without requiring them to install a messaging app.

Possible use cases include:

• customer service interactions

• temporary business communication

• event coordination

• quick information sharing

For businesses, the feature could simplify conversations with customers who may not already use WhatsApp.

For individuals, it provides a convenient way to message people outside their existing messaging networks.

The Future of Messaging Platforms

Toward More Flexible Communication

Messaging apps are increasingly exploring ways to make communication more flexible.

Allowing temporary participation without account creation could reduce friction in digital communication.

While Guest Chats are still in testing, the feature reflects a broader industry trend toward simplifying access to messaging platforms while maintaining strong privacy protections.

If successfully implemented, Guest Chats could become one of the most notable additions to WhatsApp’s messaging ecosystem in recent years.