TL; DR
- WhatsApp will let people without accounts join calls through a browser link.
- Calls are free, encrypted, untimed, and support up to 32 participants.
- WhatsApp has not stated rollout dates or regions, including India.
Until now, joining a WhatsApp call required an account. The instant messaging platform is changing that rule. Guests can join by opening a shared link in a computer browser. All they’ve to do is type a name and wait for the host’s approval (without installing the app or creating an account).
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Only Users With A WhatsApp Account Can Create A Call
Calls remain free and end-to-end encrypted (like everything else on WhatsApp), so only people on the call can hear it. You can join a WhatsApp call using a link, but only a user with a WhatsApp account can create one by tapping the ‘+’ icon in the Calls tab. It supports one-to-one and group calls, with up to 32 participants.
| Detail | What you should know |
| Cost | Free |
| Who can create a link | WhatsApp account holders only (Calls tab, + icon) |
| Guest platform | Computer browser; no app or account needed |
| Capacity | One-to-one and group calls, up to 32 participants |
| Time limit | None |
| Encryption | End-to-end |
| Calendar integration | Planned for later this year (Google Calendar, Outlook) |
| Regions and rollout date | Not stated |
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Hosts Stay In Charge, And Calendar Links Are Coming
Guests wait in a lobby until the host admits them. The host can also remove anyone mid-call. Once inside, guests can share their screen, react with a thumbs-up or heart, and raise a hand. However, to protect everyone else’s privacy, participants can’t see phone numbers, send messages, or add people.
If this all sounds familiar, that is because all the popular video conferencing platforms like Teams and Meet already let users do this. Later this year, Google Calendar and Outlook add-ons should let you attach a WhatsApp call link to a meeting invite.
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| Guests can | Guests cannot |
| Share their screen | See other participants’ phone numbers |
| React with a thumbs-up or heart | Send messages |
| Raise a hand | Add people to the call |
| Join without installing WhatsApp | Create a call link (only account holders can) |
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