WhatsApp is introducing a new feature! Now, you will be able to chat even with people who don't have an account...
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is currently testing a new feature that will allow users to chat even with individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account. This feature is being referred to as "Guest Chat." Meta is currently testing this new feature within the beta version of the app. This means that the feature is not yet available to all users; rather, it is currently accessible only to a select group of testers.
According to reports, this feature was first spotted in the Android beta version and is now being made available to iOS beta testers as well.
How Does Guest Chat Work?
Through the Guest Chat feature, a WhatsApp user can generate a unique invitation link via the "Invite a friend" section located within the app. This link can then be sent to another individual via SMS or any other messaging platform. When a person opens this link, a chat window launches on their phone or computer via WhatsApp Web—even if that person does not possess a WhatsApp account. To initiate the chat, the individual must accept WhatsApp's Terms of Service and enter their name. Once these steps are completed, they can begin the conversation. When a guest joins the chat, their name appears accompanied by a "Guest" tag; this serves as an indicator that the individual is not a registered WhatsApp user.
End-to-End Encryption Remains Secure
Security has been a key consideration in the design of this new feature. Messages exchanged within a Guest Chat will remain protected by End-to-End Encryption. This ensures that the messages sent during the conversation can be read only by the participants involved in that specific chat. When a guest joins a chat, WhatsApp Web generates a unique ID. An encryption key for that specific chat is then generated based on this unique ID, thereby ensuring the security of the conversation.
Although security measures have been implemented within Guest Chat, there is one important caveat to keep in mind: anyone in possession of the invitation link can join the chat. Therefore, users must exercise caution when sharing this link. If the link is shared too widely—with a large number of people—unauthorized individuals could potentially join the conversation. Currently, features such as group chats, voice messages, file attachments, stickers, GIFs, voice calls, or video calls are not available in this feature. Furthermore, if there is no activity in a chat for an extended period, the chat may automatically expire after approximately 10 days. This feature is currently designed exclusively for text-based conversations.
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