WhatsApp lets non-users RSVP to events without downloading the app

Meta is expanding WhatsApp by introducing updated tools for planning in-person gatherings. The changes allow people to organize get-togethers and invite friends who do not use the messaging app.

Invite guests without accounts

Under the updated system, users can set up an event, attach a cover photo, and distribute an invitation link. People who receive the link can view event details and confirm their attendance directly on the web. They do not need to download WhatsApp or sign up for an account to RSVP.

Organizers can also enable plus-one options and set custom reminders to keep attendees informed. The company stated that these features are intended to help users coordinate holiday meetups and other gatherings across different social circles.

Centralized hub and privacy rules

A new dedicated section called Events Home is being added to the application. Found under Settings, this hub displays all upcoming and past events in a single list. Users can visit this screen to review invitations they have accepted and manage the gatherings they host.

The company also introduced privacy controls for these invitations:

• Organizers’ phone numbers are hidden from guests they do not know.
• Guests who do not hold a WhatsApp account can only see the event location after submitting an RSVP.
• Standard personal chats and voice calls inside the app remain protected by end-to-end encryption.

The updated tool will reach all users over the coming weeks.