No WhatsApp? No Problem! New Guest Chat Feature Coming Soon

WhatsApp has been working on a new feature called Guest Chat that will let you chat with people who do not have a WhatsApp account.

Feature Being Tested in Beta

This feature is currently being tested in beta on the Android beta version 2.25.22.13 and should be rolled out to all users in the next few months. Guest Chat will simply work with an invitation link. You can send that link to a non-WhatsApp user, and when they open it in a browser, they can start chatting with you.

No Installation or Sign-up Required by Non-Users

The best part is that non-users will not need to install WhatsApp. They also will not need to sign-up for anything or create an account. Instead, they will be accessing a chat through a secure web interface. There will still be end-to-end encryption, like regular WhatsApp chats.

This means only the senders and receivers can read the messages. No third party, including WhatsApp, can access the discussion.

Guest Chats Will Have Some Limitations

Guest Chat will not have certain features available. Users cannot send photos, videos, or GIFs in Guest Chat. Voice, video messages, and calling will not be available. Group chats also will not work in Guest Chat mode.

Ultimately, the feature is limited to basic one-on-one text conversations. However, it is a practical way for people to communicate without having to download an app.

Guest Chat Will Exist Inside WhatsApp’s Secure Ecosystem

Chat with the Guest Chat feature will exist entirely in the secure WhatsApp ecosystem. The feature will ideally provide a seamless experience through a browser session. Each guest session will be temporary and enciphered for safety.

It isn’t clear what the technical side looks like, but it appears the chats may use session-based access from WhatsApp. Looks like WhatsApp wants to try one-on-one chat with more people to experience the service with just a guest account rather than a complete signup. The feature is still being developed and tested, and it could be months before we see a full launch. In the meantime, only beta testers will be able to see the Guest Chat feature in action.