WhatsApp says people without a WhatsApp account can now join a call through a link opened in a computer browser. Its October 14, 2026 announcement requires the host to approve every guest. For businesses arranging customer or supplier meetings, the practical change is account-free attendance—not account-free hosting or unrestricted access.
Who can join, and who controls the link
| Measure | Official figure or condition |
|---|---|
| Guest entry | Computer browser and a name; no WhatsApp account required |
| Host control | Account holder creates link; host must admit each guest |
| Call size | 1:1 or group calls with up to 32 people |
| Calendar links | Google and Outlook integrations planned later in 2026 |
The host starts from the Calls tab, uses the plus control and creates a call link to share. Only someone with a WhatsApp account can create that link. A guest opens it in a computer browser, enters a name and waits to be admitted. The host can remove a guest from the call at any time. A shared link therefore does not automatically let its recipient into the conversation.
Guests do not get full account privileges
According to the announcement, guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or directly add other people. In-call features include screen sharing from the computer, reactions and raising a hand. The company describes the calls as free, end-to-end encrypted and without time limits. Those are issuer claims; CapKet has not performed an independent security audit or a test of every supported environment.
Calendar integration is a future step
WhatsApp says Google and Outlook calendar integrations will roll out later in 2026. The planned workflow involves a WhatsApp plugin and a connected account. This announcement does not establish that the integrations are already available for every account, browser or organisation. Do not assume that installing an unverified third-party plugin is required to join a guest call today.
An earlier official announcement, dated July 28, described WhatsApp Web calling, device transfer and waiting-room controls, and said that batch of features was rolling out gradually. That is background to the October guest-access announcement, not a new launch today. CapKet has not inferred worldwide completion of the earlier rollout.
Before a scheduled business call, check the actual interface, participant limit and admission controls on the intended device. No universal country-by-country availability date is verified here. Related: what Meta’s APAC small-business AI survey does and does not show.
Official sources and checks
Sources checked: 15/10/2026, 11:20:25 IST. October 14 guest-calling announcement · July 28 web-calling announcement, background.
Recorded source observation: . This is a source-check timestamp, not a market quote or a new article update.