WhatsApp guest calling feature lets you make calls without an account

In the current digital era, it is hard to think of an individual who doesn’t use Meta’s popular messaging app, WhatsApp. Even so, Meta is looking at ways to reach the few people who still haven’t signed up. The company has announced a new guest calling feature that lets users invite anyone to join a WhatsApp call, even if they do not have an account or the app installed on their phone. Like earlier, the feature is free, end-to-end encrypted and you can call without time limits. It could also be a useful feature for work meetings, online classes, or situations where participants want to remain anonymous.In a blog post, WhatsApp said the feature is rolling out to users, although it may take some time to reach everyone. According to WABetaInfo, the option is appearing in the latest versions of the app, but availability may vary during the gradual rollout.WhatsApp guest calls: How to make calls without an accountTo start a guest call, open WhatsApp and head to the Calls tab. Tap the “+” icon, create a call link and share it with the people you want to invite. The person receiving the link can open it in a computer browser, enter their name and request to join the call without signing up for WhatsApp.However, joining is not automatic. Guests will first enter a waiting room, where the host must approve their request before they can join the conversation. The host can also remove guests at any point during the call. Guest calling supports both one-to-one and group conversations, with up to 32 participants. Guests can also use features such as screen sharing, emoji reactions and the option to raise their hand during a discussion. This means someone joining without a WhatsApp account can still take part in a meeting instead of being limited to simply listening.There are some restrictions, though. Guests cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or directly add more people to the call. Also, only people with a WhatsApp account can create a guest call link.WhatsApp to add Google Calendar and Outlook integration WhatsApp is also preparing another change for people who regularly schedule online meetings. Later this year, the company plans to introduce calendar integrations for Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook.Users will be able to connect their WhatsApp account through a plugin and add a WhatsApp call link to a calendar invitation. Invitees will then be able to join the call with or without a WhatsApp account.The new features could make WhatsApp more useful for meetings involving people outside a user's usual contacts. For now, users will need to wait for guest calling to appear in their app if it has not reached their account yet.- Ends