WhatsApp Breaking: Soon You Can Chat With People Who Don’t Have a WhatsApp Account!
New ‘Guest Chats’ Feature Spotted in Testing; Conversations to Be Secured by End-to-End Encryption
San Francisco/New Delhi: March 16, 2026
In a massive update that could redefine how we use instant messaging, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a game-changing feature called “Guest Chats.” This feature will allow WhatsApp users to message people who do not have a WhatsApp account or the app installed on their phones.
What is the ‘Guest Chats’ Feature?
According to reports from feature tracker WABetaInfo, this new functionality creates a bridge for non-users.
Temporary Sessions: Instead of forcing someone to sign up, you can invite them to a temporary “Guest Session.”
No App Required: The recipient can join the conversation directly through a mobile or desktop web browser using a secure link.
Labeling: Such users will be clearly marked with a “Guest” label in the chat interface to avoid confusion.
How Does it Work?
Generate Link: Users can generate a unique invite link from the “Invite a Friend” section or the contact list.
Share Anywhere: This link can be sent via SMS, Email, or any other messaging platform.
One-Tap Access: The recipient simply clicks the link, enters a display name, and starts chatting—no registration or download needed.
Security and Privacy
WhatsApp is not compromising on its core promise of privacy.
End-to-End Encryption: Even Guest Chats will be protected by encryption. The system will generate a unique identifier for the guest to create a secure encryption key for that specific session.
Expiration Policy: These chats are not permanent. If there is no activity for 10 days, the Guest Chat will automatically expire. To resume, a new link must be generated.
Control: Users retain full control and can block guest accounts just like regular contacts.
Are There Any Limitations?
Since this is designed for quick, temporary communication, certain features will be restricted:
Text Only: You can only send and receive text messages.
No Media: Sharing of photos, videos, documents, GIFs, stickers, or voice notes is currently not supported.
No Calls: Both voice and video calls are disabled in Guest mode.
One-on-One: Guests cannot be added to group chats.
| Feature | Guest Chat Capability |
| Account Required | No |
| Security | End-to-End Encrypted |
| Expiry | After 10 days of inactivity |
| Media Sharing | No |
| Voice/Video Calls | No |
| Platform | Web Browser (Mobile/PC) |
