WhatsApp is making it easier for Canadians to join voice and video calls, announcing a new guest calling feature on October 14 that lets anyone participate without needing a WhatsApp account.
The change means you can send someone a call link, and they can join directly from their computer’s web browser. They don’t need to sign up for WhatsApp or install the app. This is also something you can do from Teams and Google Meet.
According to Meta’s announcement, guest calls are free, end-to-end encrypted and have no time limits. The feature supports one-on-one conversations and group calls with up to 32 people.
Setting up a call is straightforward. Open WhatsApp, head to the Calls tab, tap the “+” icon and create a call link. You can then send that link to anyone you want to invite.
When someone opens the link on their computer, they’ll be asked to enter their name. They’ll then enter a waiting room, where the person hosting the call must approve them before they can join. Hosts can also remove guests at any time. For privacy, guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or invite additional people into the conversation.
Despite not having an account, guests can still use several calling features. These include sharing their computer screen, reacting with a thumbs-up or heart emoji, and raising their hand during a call, which is good to see.
Only people with a WhatsApp account can create call links, meaning guests can join conversations but cannot start their own using this feature.
WhatsApp is also planning to add Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook integrations later this year. Users will be able to install a WhatsApp plugin, connect their account and add a call link directly to calendar invitations. Anyone receiving those invitations will be able to join, whether they have a WhatsApp account or not.
The new guest calling feature removes a common hurdle when arranging calls with people who use different messaging apps. For Canadians organizing meetings, group conversations or online tutoring sessions, sharing a link is now enough to get everyone connected, provided the host admits them.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
