WhatsApp may soon make it easier to communicate with people who don’t even have the app installed. A new feature called Guest Chats is reportedly being tested that could allow WhatsApp users to send messages to non-users through a secure web link.
The feature, spotted by WABetaInfo, is currently being tested with a limited number of beta users on Android and iOS. If rolled out widely, it could significantly expand how people communicate on the platform by removing the need for the recipient to sign up or download the app.
What Are WhatsApp Guest Chats?
Guest Chats are a new type of conversation that allows WhatsApp users to message people who do not have a WhatsApp account. Instead of asking them to install the app, users can simply share an invite link.
When the recipient opens the link, they can either install WhatsApp or continue the conversation as a Guest directly in their browser using WhatsApp Web.
This feature could make WhatsApp more flexible for quick conversations with people who do not regularly use the platform.
How WhatsApp Guest Chats Work
According to reports, creating a Guest Chat is simple:
- Users generate a secure invite link from the “Invite a friend” section or the bottom of the contacts list.
- The link can be shared via SMS, email, or other messaging platforms.
- When the recipient clicks the link, they can choose to download WhatsApp or continue as a Guest.
- If they continue as a Guest, the conversation opens in a browser through WhatsApp Web on both mobile and desktop.
To keep the conversation secure, the web session generates a unique identifier, which is then used to create an encryption key.
End-to-End Encryption Still Applies
Despite not requiring a WhatsApp account, Guest Chats are reportedly protected with end-to-end encryption—the same security used in regular WhatsApp chats.
This means only the participants can read the messages, and WhatsApp itself cannot access them.
Users can verify the encryption by:
- Scanning a QR code, or
- Matching the security code manually.
However, by joining the conversation as a Guest, the participant also agrees to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.
Limitations of Guest Chats
While the feature could make communication easier, it currently comes with several limitations.
Guests can only send basic text messages. The following features are not supported:
- Group chats
- Media sharing
- Stickers
- Voice messages
- Voice or video calls
In addition, Guests may not receive real-time notifications, meaning they might need to manually check the chat.
Another restriction is that each Guest chat automatically expires after 10 days of inactivity. If the conversation ends, the user must generate a new invite link to restart it.
Security Concerns to Be Aware Of
One key concern with Guest Chats is that Guest users are not verified.
This means there is no guarantee that the person opening the invite link is the intended recipient. For instance, if the link is shared through email and that account is compromised, someone else could potentially join the chat.
Because of this, users are advised to share invite links carefully and confirm they are speaking with the correct person.
WhatsApp also labels these conversations clearly with a “Guest” tag so users can easily identify them. Additionally, guests can be blocked just like regular contacts, giving users control over their conversations.
When Will WhatsApp Guest Chats Launch?
The feature is still in beta testing, and WhatsApp has not officially announced a global rollout timeline. If the testing phase goes well, Guest Chats could become a new way for WhatsApp to connect its massive user base with people outside the platform.
If launched widely, the feature could make WhatsApp more competitive with communication tools that already allow web-based conversations without accounts.