WhatsApp is testing a new feature called “guest chats,” aimed at allowing conversations with people who do not have an account on the platform. The feature, which has been in development for several months, is now appearing for a limited number of beta testers on iOS, Android, and the web.
Guest chats introduce a different way to start conversations. Instead of requiring both participants to be registered users, WhatsApp allows account holders to generate a shareable chat link through the “Invite a friend” option. This link can be sent عبر SMS or other messaging apps. When opened, it launches a chat session عبر WhatsApp Web, where the recipient can join as a guest without creating an account.
From a technical standpoint, WhatsApp is maintaining its existing approach to privacy. Each guest session is assigned a unique identifier that helps generate encryption keys, ensuring that conversations remain end-to-end encrypted. As with standard chats, only the participants can access the messages, and the platform itself cannot read the content.
There are, however, clear limitations in the current version of the feature. Guest chats do not yet support group conversations, voice messages, media attachments, stickers, GIFs, or voice and video calls. The experience is focused on basic text communication. Additionally, chats are temporary by design, expiring after 10 days of inactivity.
The way guest access is structured also puts control in the hands of the recipient. A conversation only begins once the guest opens the link, accepts the terms, enters a display name, and initiates the chat. Once inside, guest participants are labeled accordingly, with a visible “(Guest)” tag and a note indicating they are not registered users. Anyone with access to the invite link can join, which makes link sharing an important factor in how the feature is used.
While still in testing, guest chats suggest a shift in how WhatsApp is approaching accessibility and onboarding. By lowering the barrier to entry, the platform can facilitate quick, one-off conversations without requiring full registration upfront. At the same time, the feature creates a pathway for new users to transition into full accounts if they choose to continue using the service.
There is no confirmed timeline for a wider release, and the feature may evolve based on feedback from beta users. As it stands, guest chats represent a more flexible, lightweight communication option within WhatsApp’s broader messaging ecosystem.
