{
  "id": 14498349,
  "title": "You can now join a WhatsApp call without an account",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/you-can-now-join-a-whatsapp-call-without-an-account",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-14T17:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/10/14/you-can-now-join-a-whatsapp-call-without-an-account/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp is expanding accessibility by allowing non-WhatsApp users to join calls without the need for an account, according to a recent blog post. This enhancement means that users can join calls through a shared link, accessible via the web, regardless of the call size - be it a one-on-one or a group of up to 32 people. The link sharing feature maintains end-to-end encryption and the standard call functionalities, such as raising a hand and screen sharing. Importantly, these calls continue to be free with no time restrictions. To utilize this feature, users must navigate to the Calls tab in WhatsApp, create a call link by clicking the \"+\" icon, and subsequently send it to the desired participants. Once the host admits the guest, the non-WhatsApp user can open the link in their browser, input their name, and join the call. Only those with a WhatsApp account can generate these call links. The company plans to integrate this functionality into Google Calendar and Outlook through a WhatsApp plugin in the near future.",
  "summary": "WhatsApp is making it easier to makes calls with everyone by introducing the ability for non-WhatsApp users to join a call without needing an account. more…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MacRumors",
        "title": "WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls, No Account Needed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/whatsapp-now-lets-anyone-join-calls-no-account-needed",
        "published": "2026-10-14T14:00:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ProPakistani",
        "title": "WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls Without an Account",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/whatsapp-now-lets-anyone-join-calls-without-an-account",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:18:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}