WhatsApp is working on guest chats that let users message without an account or app. Here’s how the upcoming feature works and what limitations to expect.
Guest Chats Could Let You Use WhatsApp Without an Account
WhatsApp is preparing to make its messaging platform more accessible than ever as spotted by WABetaInfo. According to findings in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, the company is testing a feature called guest chats. The feature allows people to message WhatsApp users without creating an account or downloading the app.
This development aligns with Meta’s broader push for interoperability, especially as it looks to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that messaging apps become more open and compatible with competing services.
How WhatsApp Guest Chats Will Work
The new guest chat functionality would allow existing WhatsApp users to send an invitation link to contacts who don’t have the app installed. Once the guest opens the link, they’re directed to a web-based, end-to-end encrypted chat, resembling the WhatsApp Web interface.
Unlike full accounts, guest users won’t be able to send media files, voice notes, or videos. The experience will be text-only and strictly one-to-one, no group chats, at least for now.
Related: WhatsApp Usernames Are Coming Soon: Chat Without Sharing Your Number
Why Guest Chats Matter
This upcoming feature has the potential to:
- Lower the barrier to entry for users who don’t want to install WhatsApp.
- Enable frictionless communication between WhatsApp users and contacts on other platforms.
- Advance cross-platform messaging, in line with Meta’s commitment to opening up WhatsApp to third-party chat support.
It’s not yet clear when guest chats will officially roll out, but the feature represents another step toward a more open and interconnected messaging ecosystem.
