WhatsApp is now testing a new guest chats feature, allowing users to chat with those who don’t have a WhatsApp account
Meta-owned WhatsApp is now testing a new feature that will allow WhatsApp users to chat with those who don’t have the app.
Here is more to it.
WhatsApp’s new Guest Chats Feature
As per a report by WABetaInfo, soon, non-WhatsApp users will be able to chat with WhatsApp users as well. However, the chat has to be initiated by the WhatsApp user first. The report further confirms that it will be available on both iOS and Android.
This essentially works like a third-party chat, which does not require downloading the app separately. To initiate the chat, the WhatsApp user has to first send an invite link via the “Invite a friend” section. This can be sent via SMS, email, or any other messaging platform. Once the invite is received, the user can either download the WhatsApp app or simply select the “Continue as a guest” option, which opens in the browser and triggers WhatsApp Web.
The report notes that if the user chooses the WhatsApp Web option, the system creates a unique identifier to generate an encryption key, which ensures end-to-end encryption. And yes, by continuing, you agree to WhatsApp’s terms and conditions. Since the chat will be end-to-end encrypted, no one other than the users will be able to see the chats.
Next, it will ask for the guest user’s name, and it is up to them whether to share their real name or not. Since anyone with the invite link can open it, there is no guarantee that only the intended person will access it. Suppose you send the invite to a person “X”, but it is mistakenly sent to person “Y”; whoever has the link will be able to join the chat. The Guest Chats feature does not work like a group chat feature, meaning it is only meant for one-on-one chats.
Even though the invite is created by a WhatsApp user, the chat is first initiated by the guest. It also confirms that it is a guest chat by adding a “Guest” label in the top app bar. This label appears within the chat interface, confirming that the user is not registered with WhatsApp.
The Guest Chats feature is designed for temporary access and does not offer the complete features of a WhatsApp account. As stated above, it does not support group chats. Media sharing features, including stickers and voice messages, are also not included. Additionally, voice and video calls, as well as attachments such as photos, videos, documents, and GIFs, are also not supported. The reason behind this is to offer only a temporary solution, and even the validity of the chat is limited to 10 days, after which a new invite link will have to be created. The guest user will have to open the link manually to check for any new messages, as there will be no notifications. This means both the guest and the inviter need to be aware that messages can be missed if chats are inactive.
Just like a regular WhatsApp account, the inviter will also be able to block the guest user from contacting them. To do this, simply open the guest chat you want to block, click on the guest’s name at the top, then in the guest chat info, select the “Block” option and confirm. This will block the guest user from contacting you again.
Regarding availability, the report does not mention when it will be rolled out, but since it has entered the beta testing phase, it may happen soon.
