WhatsApp is testing a new feature called Guest Chats, which allows people to send and receive secure, end-to-end encrypted messages using a web browser without needing to install the WhatsApp app or register for an account. The update is being trialed in the Android beta version and signals a major step towards making WhatsApp accessible to a broader range of users.
The Guest Chats functionality enables registered WhatsApp users to invite others who do not have the app to join a secure, one-on-one conversation via a link. Recipients simply click the link and are directed to a browser-based chat, where they can communicate using plain text messages. All chats remain protected with WhatsApp’s signature encryption, ensuring privacy for both parties.
This innovation is designed to eliminate common barriers to communication, such as requiring both users to have the same app installed or to register for a new account. It could be particularly useful in scenarios like reaching acquaintances or colleagues who do not regularly use WhatsApp, or contacting someone in a location where the app is not installed on their device.
The process of setting up a Guest Chat is straightforward and kept within WhatsApp’s own app environment, with no dependency on third-party services. This approach delivers a seamless and secure messaging experience while upholding the platform’s established privacy standards.
Currently, Guest Chats only supports plain text messages and is still under development. WhatsApp has not disclosed when the feature will become widely available. However, once launched, it could significantly expand the reach of WhatsApp’s encrypted messaging platform, bridging the gap between app users and non-users.
