WhatsApp is developing a new feature called Guest Chats that will allow users to send secure messages to people who do not have the WhatsApp app or an account. Currently in beta testing on Android, this feature enables one-on-one text messaging through a web browser, using WhatsApp’s own end-to-end encryption technology. The innovation aims to remove the usual barriers to using the platform and make WhatsApp accessible to a broader audience.
With Guest Chats, users can invite non-WhatsApp contacts to join a secure conversation by sending an invitation link. The recipient can then access the chat directly from their browser, without the need to download the app or to register for an account. All messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, in line with WhatsApp’s existing privacy standards, although the first version will only support text.
This new approach could make it easier for WhatsApp users to communicate with people who do not use the app, such as travelers, colleagues, or people in regions where WhatsApp is less popular, without relying on alternative messaging platforms or SMS.
WhatsApp emphasizes that Guest Chats do not require any third-party services, keeping the entire experience within the platform’s established security and privacy model. Only the participants in the conversation will be able to read the messages exchanged.
While the Guest Chats feature is not yet available to all beta users and no official launch date has been announced, it represents a significant step toward more inclusive messaging. If fully released, it could expand WhatsApp’s reach and utility, enabling seamless communication across different platforms.
