What is the story about?
WhatsApp appears to be exploring new ways to make conversations easier, even for people who are not on the platform.
The messaging service is reportedly testing a new feature called Guest Chat, which allows users to start a conversation with someone who does not have a WhatsApp account. Instead of asking the recipient to install the app first, users can simply send them an invitation link that opens the chat directly in a web browser.
The feature is currently in the experimental stage and is available to a limited number of beta testers on both Android and iOS. If rolled out widely, it could make it significantly easier for WhatsApp users to communicate with people outside the platform.
According to a report from WaBetaInfo, Guest Chat is designed to allow conversations between WhatsApp users and people who have never signed up for the service.
Traditionally, messaging someone on WhatsApp requires both participants to have the app installed and an active account. The new feature aims to remove that barrier.
With Guest Chat, a WhatsApp user can generate a unique invitation link and share it through SMS, email or any other messaging service. When the recipient opens the link, they are taken to a web-based chat window where they can join the conversation instantly.
The system clearly marks participants who join through the link as “Guests”, making it obvious that they are not logged into a verified WhatsApp account. This visual label is designed to help users easily recognise that they are communicating with someone through a temporary browser session rather than a regular WhatsApp profile.
In essence, the feature works somewhat like a lightweight version of WhatsApp Web, allowing non-users to participate in a conversation without creating an account.
Starting a Guest Chat appears to be fairly simple.
According to reports, users can generate the invitation link from sections such as “Invite a Friend” or directly from their contacts list. Once created, the link can be shared with the intended recipient through any channel.
When the recipient opens the link on a smartphone or desktop, they are presented with two options. They can either download WhatsApp and join the platform properly, or continue as a guest through the browser.
If the guest option is selected, the conversation opens through WhatsApp Web, allowing the person to read and send messages immediately.
Despite the temporary nature of these chats, WhatsApp is still maintaining its focus on security. The system reportedly generates a unique identifier that creates an encryption key for the conversation. This ensures that the messages remain protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning only the participants involved can read the contents of the chat.
However, the feature does come with several limitations.
Guest chats are temporary and may become inactive after around ten days of inactivity. In addition, guests cannot participate in group conversations or access features such as voice calls, video calls or media sharing.
Notifications may also be limited, meaning guests might need to check the chat manually to see if new messages have arrived.
Since the feature is still under development, its final version could look different when it eventually rolls out. But if implemented widely, Guest Chat could offer a new way for WhatsApp users to communicate beyond the boundaries of the app itself.
The messaging service is reportedly testing a new feature called Guest Chat, which allows users to start a conversation with someone who does not have a WhatsApp account. Instead of asking the recipient to install the app first, users can simply send them an invitation link that opens the chat directly in a web browser.
The feature is currently in the experimental stage and is available to a limited number of beta testers on both Android and iOS. If rolled out widely, it could make it significantly easier for WhatsApp users to communicate with people outside the platform.
WhatsApp Guest Chat: What is it
According to a report from WaBetaInfo, Guest Chat is designed to allow conversations between WhatsApp users and people who have never signed up for the service.
Traditionally, messaging someone on WhatsApp requires both participants to have the app installed and an active account. The new feature aims to remove that barrier.
With Guest Chat, a WhatsApp user can generate a unique invitation link and share it through SMS, email or any other messaging service. When the recipient opens the link, they are taken to a web-based chat window where they can join the conversation instantly.
The system clearly marks participants who join through the link as “Guests”, making it obvious that they are not logged into a verified WhatsApp account. This visual label is designed to help users easily recognise that they are communicating with someone through a temporary browser session rather than a regular WhatsApp profile.
In essence, the feature works somewhat like a lightweight version of WhatsApp Web, allowing non-users to participate in a conversation without creating an account.
How does it work
Starting a Guest Chat appears to be fairly simple.
According to reports, users can generate the invitation link from sections such as “Invite a Friend” or directly from their contacts list. Once created, the link can be shared with the intended recipient through any channel.
When the recipient opens the link on a smartphone or desktop, they are presented with two options. They can either download WhatsApp and join the platform properly, or continue as a guest through the browser.
If the guest option is selected, the conversation opens through WhatsApp Web, allowing the person to read and send messages immediately.
Despite the temporary nature of these chats, WhatsApp is still maintaining its focus on security. The system reportedly generates a unique identifier that creates an encryption key for the conversation. This ensures that the messages remain protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning only the participants involved can read the contents of the chat.
However, the feature does come with several limitations.
Guest chats are temporary and may become inactive after around ten days of inactivity. In addition, guests cannot participate in group conversations or access features such as voice calls, video calls or media sharing.
Notifications may also be limited, meaning guests might need to check the chat manually to see if new messages have arrived.
Since the feature is still under development, its final version could look different when it eventually rolls out. But if implemented widely, Guest Chat could offer a new way for WhatsApp users to communicate beyond the boundaries of the app itself.
