WhatsApp is testing “guest chats” with no app installation required

A new feature called "Guest Chats" has appeared in the beta version of WhatsApp, allowing users to chat with people who don’t have the app installed.

To start a conversation, there’s no need to know the person’s phone number or ask them to download the app. Simply select the "no number" option, and the system will generate a unique link. This feature gives users greater control over how they interact with external messaging services, making it easier to manage privacy and decide which apps are allowed to exchange messages with WhatsApp. It also offers a simple way to connect with people who don’t yet have a WhatsApp account.

The link can be shared via any messaging app, email, or social media platform. Once clicked, the recipient will be taken to the WhatsApp web version with the chat already open, no installation or registration required.

There are a few limitations: users can’t send photos, videos, GIFs, voice notes, or make calls, and the chat only works one-on-one — group chats are not supported. However, all messages are protected by end-to-end encryption.

If the guest decides to register on WhatsApp, they’ll be able to save the entire chat history and continue the conversation as a full user. The official rollout date for the feature is still unknown.