WhatsApp is developing a new feature called Guest Chats that will allow users to communicate with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. The feature was first discovered in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.22.13 and is currently under development.
The upcoming feature could significantly expand how people communicate on WhatsApp by allowing conversations with non-users without requiring them to install the app.
According to early reports from beta testers, WhatsApp has already begun testing Guest Chats with a limited number of Android and iOS beta users. Some testers have successfully used the feature to message contacts who are not registered on the platform.
How WhatsApp Guest Chats Work
The new WhatsApp Guest Chats feature works through a simple invite link system.
Users can generate a guest chat invitation link from the “Invite a friend” option or from the bottom of the contacts list inside the app. The link can then be shared through SMS, email, or other messaging platforms.
When the recipient opens the link, they are given two options:
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Download WhatsApp
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Continue the conversation as a guest
If they choose the guest option, the chat opens directly in WhatsApp Web inside a browser. This allows the non-user to send and receive messages without creating a WhatsApp account.
Before joining the conversation, guests must enter a name. While this can be a nickname, WhatsApp recommends using a recognizable name so the other participant can identify them easily.
Security and End-to-End Encryption
Despite allowing non-users to join conversations, WhatsApp Guest Chats still use end-to-end encryption.
When a guest enters the chat, WhatsApp Web generates a unique identifier that helps create the encryption key for the conversation. This ensures that only the participants involved in the chat can read the messages.
Like regular WhatsApp chats, users can verify encryption through a QR code or security code.
Guests must also agree to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service before joining the conversation. However, it is important to note that guests are not verified by WhatsApp. If someone else accesses the invite link, they may be able to join the chat.
For this reason, users are advised to verify the identity of participants before sharing sensitive information.
Guest Chat Interface and Identification
WhatsApp clearly marks non-registered participants inside the chat interface.
The label “Guest” appears in the top bar and within the conversation window to indicate that the participant is not a registered WhatsApp user.
While the WhatsApp user generates the invite link, the guest is responsible for initiating the conversation after opening the link.
Current Limitations of WhatsApp Guest Chats
The feature is still in development and currently offers limited functionality.
At this stage, guest chats support text messaging only. Several common WhatsApp features are not available in guest conversations, including:
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Group chats
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Media sharing (photos and videos)
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Voice messages
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Documents and GIFs
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Stickers
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Voice and video calls
Additionally, guest chats automatically expire after 10 days of inactivity. To continue the conversation after that period, the WhatsApp user must generate a new invite link.
Another limitation is that guests may not receive notifications for new messages, meaning they may need to manually check the chat for updates.
Blocking Guest Participants
Users can block guest participants just like they would block a regular contact.
To block a guest, open the chat, tap the guest name, and select Block. Once blocked, the guest will no longer be able to send messages in that conversation.
Only individuals who receive the invite link from the user can start a guest chat.
Availability and Release Timeline
The WhatsApp Guest Chats feature is currently available only to a small group of testers using the latest beta versions of the app.
Since the feature is still being tested, WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date for a wider rollout. However, if development continues successfully, Guest Chats could eventually become one of the platform’s most significant messaging updates.
