Highlights
- WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to invite non-WhatsApp users into one-on-one encrypted chats.
- Guest chats will support only basic text messaging and no media, voice/video messages, GIFs or group chats will be allowed.
- This feature aligns with Meta’s efforts to comply with EU regulations by promoting cross-platform communication.
Caption – (Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash)
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called Guest Chats, which will let users communicate with people even if they don’t have a WhatsApp account. The feature was spotted in the Android beta version 2.25.22.13 by the trusted WhatsApp Beta leaker named WABetaInfo. It is expected to roll out to the stable versions of WhatsApp on both Android and iOS in the near future. Here’s more on that.
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.13: what’s new?
WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users communicate with people who don’t have an account, and it will be available in a future update!https://t.co/M7822jYFZB pic.twitter.com/tGI6jWUqFO
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 4, 2025
WhatsApp Guest Chat Feature
As per WABetaInfo, the beta contains references to this upcoming functionality, which enables users to generate a link to an online chat. The recipient doesn’t need to have WhatsApp installed or even own a WhatsApp account. They can simply use the link to join the conversation.
Caption – WhatsApp to soon allow non-WhatsApp users to join conversations on the platform. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)
To start a guest chat, a WhatsApp user can invite a contact without the app by sending them a chat link. Once the recipient clicks the link, they can join an online chat that is end-to-end encrypted. The interface for this is expected to resemble WhatsApp Web.
However, there will be some restrictions. Guest chats will support only basic text messaging. Media sharing, voice or video messages, GIFs, and group chats will not be available in this mode. The feature will be limited strictly to one-on-one conversations.
While technical specifics are still under wraps, this move aligns with Meta’s broader goal of ensuring platform interoperability, particularly in response to new EU regulations. WhatsApp has also been working on integrating chats from platforms like iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, and Signal.
There’s no official timeline for when Guest Chats will be available for all users. Reports suggest it is likely to arrive in a future update for both Android and iOS unless there are major technical roadblocks.
FAQs
Q1. What is WhatsApp’s new Guest Chats feature?
Answer. Guest Chats is an upcoming WhatsApp feature that allows users to chat with people who don’t have a WhatsApp account. By sharing a chat link, anyone can join a one-on-one encrypted conversation without installing the app.
Q2. What limitations will Guest Chats have?
Answer. Guest Chats will support only basic text messaging. Features like media sharing, voice/video messages, GIFs, and group chats will not be available. The interface is expected to resemble WhatsApp Web.
Q3. Why is WhatsApp introducing Guest Chats?
Answer. The feature supports Meta’s broader goal of platform interoperability, especially in response to EU regulations. It complements WhatsApp’s efforts to integrate chats from other messaging platforms like iMessage, Telegram, and Signal.
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