March 19, 2026, 9:57 am | Read time: 2 minutes
WhatsApp is working on a new way to message people who don’t have their own account. Until now, using the messenger was strictly tied to having an account. Those who weren’t registered couldn’t receive or send messages.
According to the website “WABetaInfo,” a so-called guest chat feature is currently being tested in beta versions for Android and iOS. This will make it possible to participate in conversations without having your own account.
How to Start a Chat with Guests
To start such a chat, you need an invitation. If you want to message someone who doesn’t use WhatsApp, you create an invitation link. This link is available in the “Invite a Friend” section or at the end of the contact list. The link can then be sent via SMS, email, or another method. When the recipient opens the link, it opens in the browser on their smartphone or computer. They can then choose whether to install WhatsApp or join as a guest. If they opt for guest access, the chat runs through WhatsApp Web and works without app installation.
Even with this new feature, WhatsApp relies on familiar security mechanisms. As soon as a guest joins the chat, a unique identifier is created, generating an encryption key. This means the communication is protected by end-to-end encryption as usual, allowing only the participants to read the content. However, there’s an important difference: Guests are not verified. You can’t be sure if the intended person opened the invitation link. Additionally, the guest currently sees the inviter’s phone number.
Also of interest: WhatsApp Status Soon Visible to Unknown Contacts
Significantly Limited Usage Options
The functionality of guest chats is clearly limited. Only text messages can be sent. Photos, videos, or stickers are not supported. Voice and video calls are also not possible. Group chats are not available either. Additionally, WhatsApp limits the duration of such conversations. If a chat is not used for ten days, the system automatically deletes it. If a guest is disruptive, they can be blocked like a regular contact.
Currently, the feature is only available to a small group of users who have installed the latest updates. When WhatsApp will roll out guest chats for everyone is not yet known.