WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to chat with people who do not have an account. The feature is now rolling out to a limited number of beta testers on iOS, Android and the web.
According to WABetaInfo, the new guest chat system works through shareable chat links. Users can generate a link from the Invite a friend section and send it through SMS or other apps.
When opened, the link launches a chat session on WhatsApp Web. The guest must accept terms, enter a name and start the conversation.
WhatsApp says these chats remain end to end encrypted. A unique identifier is created during the session to generate encryption keys, which means only participants can read the messages.
Guests are labeled clearly inside the chat with a note that they are not registered users. Anyone with the invite link can join, but the guest must initiate the chat first.
The feature currently has several limits. It does not support group chats, voice messages, media files, stickers, or calls. Guest chats also expire after 10 days of inactivity.
Meta appears to be testing this feature as a way to reduce friction for new users. WhatsApp remains less widely used in some regions, and guest chats could act as a simple entry point without requiring full account setup.
The move reflects a broader shift in messaging platforms toward easier onboarding and cross platform communication. Similar ideas have appeared in other apps that aim to lower barriers for new users.
There is no official timeline for a wider rollout. More details may emerge as WhatsApp expands testing across platforms.
