In summary
- WhatsApp to host ‘guest chats’
- Will let you chat with people not on WhatsApp
- WhatsApp also announces new anti-scam measures
WhatsApp has issued a new beta version with the intriguing ability to chat to people who are not using the popular messaging service.
As discovered by Wabetainfo, version 2.25.22.13 of the WhatsApp beta adds the ability to control how the app interacts with alternative messaging services, whilst retaining some measure of security.
It’s speculated that this measure aligns with EU regulations over giving users control over which messaging app they use.
The broader news here is that WhatsApp is working to make it possible to message smartphone users who don’t have a WhatsApp account within a familiar WhatsApp chat environment.
The website supplies a screen shot that refers to so-called “guest chats” – an apparent nod to communication with external messaging services.
Wabetainfo
To be clear, it’s already possible for other developers to set up third party chats that can connect their apps to WhatsApp. What this ‘guest chat’ initiative appears to involve is WhatsApp hosting the entire cross-platform interaction itself on something akin to the existing WhatsApp Web interface.
It seems these non-account holders will be able to jump into temporary chats, via a link, that are governed by WhatsApp’s security standards. Each guest chat will be end-to-end encrypted.
These security constraints will mean that no media files will be able to be shared, nor will voice or video communication be possible. It’s purely text-based.
The other limitation is that these guest chats work only on a one-to-one basis. You won’t be able to rope non-account holders into a group chat.
WhatsApp anti-scam campaign
In other WhatsApp news, the Meta-owned messaging service has announced that it’s rolling out tools to help people spot scam messages.
The company points out that it detected and banned some 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres in the first six months of 2025 alone.
It is also adding a new safety overview that notifies you when someone from outside your contacts list adds you to a new WhatsApp group – a common approach by scammers.
This overview will include information about the group and tips on how to stay safe, as well as the ability to exit the group immediately. Notifications from the chat itself will remain silent until you’ve decided to remain.
WhatsApp is also exploring ways to caution users when they’re messaged by a new contact, supplying addition information on the sender.