Latest news with #guestchats
Gulf Business
06-08-2025
- Gulf Business
WhatsApp's big leap: Chat without an account, with anyone
Image credit: Getty Images In a major step towards making its platform more inclusive and flexible, Read- The term 'guest chats' is likely being used to describe conversations with individuals who are not registered on WhatsApp but can temporarily join a chat using a special link. These guests will not need to download the app or create an account, making the process seamless for first-time users or those who prefer not to install the application, How it works: inviting non-users into the conversation Once the feature is available, WhatsApp users will be able to initiate a guest chat by inviting someone from their contact list who does not currently have WhatsApp installed. This is done by generating and sharing a unique link that leads the recipient to a private chat window, The link can be sent using any communication method , SMS, email, or even other messaging apps, and allows the invited guest to access a chat session directly from their browser. The process eliminates the need for creating an account or installing the WhatsApp app, streamlining the user experience while still maintaining a secure environment. What makes this different from third-party chat integrations is that guest chats will operate entirely within WhatsApp's native ecosystem. This means users will enjoy a consistent interface and encryption protocols managed solely by WhatsApp, without the involvement of external developers or services. Limitations of guest chat mode While guest chats represent a significant shift in WhatsApp's communication model, they won't offer the full range of features available to regular users. For starters, media sharing will not be supported. This includes photos, videos, audio clips, documents, and GIFs. Users in guest chats will only be able to send and receive text messages. Additionally, voice and video messages will be disabled, and it will not be possible to initiate voice or video calls. Another key limitation is that guest chats will be restricted to one-on-one conversations only. Group chats will not be supported for guests, at least in the early stages of the rollout. Despite these limitations, the feature still holds promise as a convenient and practical way to reach someone who isn't on the platform, especially for one-off or urgent conversations. Privacy and encryption remain a top priority Even though the feature allows communication with non-users, WhatsApp has emphasised that end-to-end encryption will still apply to all guest chats. This means that only the sender and the invited guest can view the messages — not WhatsApp, not third parties, and not even service providers. This level of security is made possible by leveraging WhatsApp's existing encryption architecture, likely through a browser-based interface that functions similarly to WhatsApp Web. The guest, although not a registered user, would interact with the system in a secure, encrypted environment that preserves user privacy. This approach ensures that WhatsApp maintains its commitment to privacy, even while opening the platform to those outside its user base. What to expect next Guest chats are likely to become a powerful tool for introducing non-users to the WhatsApp ecosystem. By offering a simplified, no-commitment entry point, the feature could help attract new users who might be hesitant to install the app or create an account upfront. Technical details regarding how long guest chats remain active, whether there will be expiration windows, and how identity verification will be handled are still under wraps. More comprehensive information is expected when WhatsApp officially announces the feature. The company has confirmed that guest chats are currently under development and will be available in an upcoming update. Until then, users can look forward to a future where chatting with anyone, even without an account, becomes a possibility on WhatsApp.
GSM Arena
05-08-2025
- GSM Arena
WhatsApp is testing a new guest chats feature
Michail, 05 August 2025 WhatsApp is testing a new guest chats feature that allows users to start a chat with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. As uncovered by WABetaInfo, the feature is present in the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.22.13), and it is expected to be implemented in the regular WhatsApp Android and iOS apps in the near future. WhatsApp guest chats feature The guest chat feature allows WhatsApp users to send a chat link via text message, email or social media to people in their contacts who do not have the app or an active WhatsApp account. Once the link is opened, the non-WhatsApp user will be transferred to a platform similar to WhatsApp Web, where they can chat with WhatsApp users with end-to-end encryption. Guest chats come with several limitations as users won't be able to send media files, GIFs, voice messages or start video calls. They work on WhatsApp's own ecosystem. The new feature is likely implemented as part of the European Union's platform interoperability measures, which require different online services to communicate with each other. Source
GSM Arena
05-08-2025
- GSM Arena
WhatsApp is testing a new guest chats feature
WhatsApp is testing a new guest chats feature that allows users to start a chat with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. As uncovered by WABetaInfo, the feature is present in the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.22.13), and it is expected to be implemented in the regular WhatsApp Android and iOS apps in the near future. WhatsApp guest chats feature The guest chat feature allows WhatsApp users to send a chat link via text message, email or social media to people in their contacts who do not have the app or an active WhatsApp account. Once the link is opened, the non-WhatsApp user will be transferred to a platform similar to WhatsApp Web, where they can chat with WhatsApp users with end-to-end encryption. Guest chats come with several limitations as users won't be able to send media files, GIFs, voice messages or start video calls. They work on WhatsApp's own ecosystem. The new feature is likely implemented as part of the European Union's platform interoperability measures, which require different online services to communicate with each other. Source
CNET
05-08-2025
- CNET
You May Soon Be Able to Chat on WhatsApp Even Without an Account
Not part of the WhatsApp club yet? Not to worry, it looks like you'll soon still be able to dip your toes in without signing up. A new feature called "guest chats," found by WABetaInfo in a beta build ,will reportedly allow anyone without a WhatsApp account to chat with someone who does after the feature is rolled out in a future update. To start a guest chat, an app user would need to invite a non-app user via a link to an online chat. The invited party does not need to have WhatsApp installed on their phone nor have a WhatsApp account, and the sender can share the online chat link on any platform they choose -- text, email, social media, etc. Upon opening a chat link, the guest will be able to engage in encrypted chat with the sender. The guest chats will be only one-to-one -- no group chats -- and photos, videos or GIFs can be allowed to be shared. Voice and video messages won't be supported. Meta did not immediately to inquiries from CNET about this story. This forthcoming WhatsApp feature brings app owner Meta further in line with the European Union's 2020 Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. One of the provisions of that legislation was allowing WhatsApp and Messenger users in Europe to communicate with people using other messaging services, what Meta refers to as "third-party chats." WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, with more than 2 billion monthly users. The US leads the way with the most WhatsApp iOS downloads.
Phone Arena
05-08-2025
- Phone Arena
WhatsApp might be about to get rid of... WhatsApp
WhatsApp has been cooking up something pretty interesting lately – and no, it's not another emoji update. While Meta's messaging app has been working to play nice with third-party chat apps (thanks, EU), it is now also looking to make chatting without any app at all a reality. Yeah, you read that right. According to the latest beta build, WhatsApp is testing something called "guest chats" – basically, link-based conversations that don't require the other person to have the app or even an account. Just click the link and you are in. No install, no sign-up. It is private too, with end-to-end encryption baked in. But it is also barebones – text only. No GIFs, no calls, no media sharing and no group chats. Guest chats might be coming soon. Still, it is a smart move. Say you are traveling abroad and need to contact a local host, but they don't use WhatsApp – and you'd rather not rack up roaming charges. Guest chats could save you the headache of figuring out how to reach them or which app to download. Just send them a link and you are chatting instantly in a secure one-on-one thread. Now, it's important to understand how this is different from third-party chat support. That feature relies on external developers creating integrations so their services can talk to WhatsApp users. In contrast, guest chats are all handled within WhatsApp itself, meaning Meta is building this functionality natively. That should ensure a smoother and more consistent experience. So, how should it work? WhatsApp users will send an invite link to someone in their contacts who doesn't have the app. That person just taps the link and – boom – they are in a chat with you, no sign-ups or downloads required. You can send the link however you like: text, email, social media, whatever works. As mentioned, it's limited – there is no way to share photos, videos or stickers. Forget about voice notes or video calls and don't expect to create group chats either. This is a stripped-down version of WhatsApp meant strictly for one-on-one text-based conversations. But again, it is still encrypted, so your messages stay private. Only you and the guest can read what's sent. The feature is still in development, so it is not live yet, but it sounds like it could be a pretty useful tool once it rolls out. Simple, secure messaging for anyone, anywhere – no app required. That's a solid win for convenience and yet another way WhatsApp could stay ahead of the curve.
