In a surprising but significant shift, WhatsApp is preparing to allow people without WhatsApp accounts to chat with users on the platform—no sign-up required. The new feature, called Guest Chats, is currently in testing and was first uncovered in the Android beta version 2.25.22.13 by WABetaInfo.
Messaging Without an Account? Yes, That’s What’s Coming
The idea is simple but bold: WhatsApp users will soon be able to generate a unique chat link and share it with anyone—whether through email, SMS, or social media. The recipient, even if they’ve never used WhatsApp, can click the link and instantly begin a conversation through a browser-based interface that resembles WhatsApp Web.
This chat window isn’t just a pop-up box—it supports end-to-end encryption. That means even without an account, the messages exchanged remain private and secure, visible only to the sender and the recipient.
What You Can’t Do as a Guest
Don’t expect the full WhatsApp experience if you’re chatting as a guest. The feature is stripped down to its bare essentials—text messaging only. Here’s what’s off-limits for non-users:
- No media sharing: photos, videos, documents, and GIFs are all disabled.
- No voice or video calling.
- No group chats.
- No voice notes or stickers.
That means Guest Chats are best suited for quick, private exchanges rather than deep conversations or multimedia sharing. Think of it as a secure alternative to email or SMS for people who don’t want to install the app.
Why This Feature Now?
While WhatsApp hasn’t publicly stated its reasoning, the move appears to be a response to increasing regulatory pressure in the European Union. Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, messaging services may soon be required to support interoperability—essentially allowing users to communicate across different platforms. Guest Chats could be WhatsApp’s way of staying ahead of those rules by allowing non-users limited access.
Still in Beta, But Likely Coming Soon
There’s no confirmed launch date yet, and the feature remains in closed beta testing for now. However, with both Android and iOS versions in development, it’s likely just a matter of time before it rolls out to the general public.
For WhatsApp, this marks a major departure from its walled-garden approach. And for users, it could mean easier, faster communication with anyone—whether they use the app or not.
