WhatsApp testing Guests Chats for iOS and Android users: What it is and how it works

After a series of announcements, WhatsApp is now working on a feature called Guest Chat. The feature allows users to start conversations with individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account. Instead of asking them to download the app first, the users can share a secure invitation link, which opens the chat in a browser. The receiver can join the conversation as a guest and reply to the texts instantly. Currently, the feature is available to select beta testers on Android and iOS. Check out what it is and how it works.

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WhatsApp Guest message: What it is

The Guest Chats, as per the WaBetaInfo report, are a new experimental feature that allows users to communicate with those who have not registered on the platform. With this, the company aims to make conversations possible without needing the other person to install the app first. Instead, the user with a WhatsApp account can create a special chat invitation link and share it with the other person via SMS, email or messaging app.

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As soon as the recipient opens the link, they will be able to join the chat directly from their browser. The chat interface clearly labels the participants as Guests, hinting that the person is not using a verified WhatsApp account. This helps users easily identify that they are chatting with someone who joined via a temporary guest link.

How it works

As per the reports, to start a Guest Chat, the users can generate invite links from the Invite a Friend section or even the contacts list. The link can be sent to the other user, who can open it on either a mobile device or a desktop. Soon after the link is opened, the recipient gets two options: to download WhatsApp or to continue as a guest.

If the visitor chooses the second option, the conversation opens via WhatsApp Web in the browser. The platform then makes a unique identifier that creates an encryption key for the chat. This ensures the chat remains protected with End-to-End Encryption, meaning only the participants in the conversation can read it.

Limitations-

The feature also has a slew of limitations, including the temporary chat rooms, which get inactive after 10 days of inactivity. It reportedly does not support group chats, voice calls, video calls, or media sharing. Adding on, the guests may not get notifications for new messages and they may have to manually check the conversations.

It must be noted that the feature is currently under testing and may roll out in the coming weeks.

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Ashish Singh

Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile