Connecting WhatsApp
Link your WhatsApp number via QR code, manage multiple numbers, and troubleshoot connection issues.
WhatsApp is the most common starter channel, but it's one of six. If your customers reach you mostly on Telegram, Instagram, Messenger, or Email, see the Integrations doc.
Two WhatsApp paths
| Path | Auth | Setup | When to pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR (Baileys) | Scan QR with your phone | < 2 min | Default — fast, free, no Meta paperwork |
| Cloud API (official) | Meta App + phone number ID + token | Hours / days | Verified business badge, template marketing, broadcasting, high reliability |
Connecting via QR (recommended for most)
- Go to Dashboard → Integrations → WhatsApp
- Click Connect WhatsApp
- On your phone: WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device
- Scan the QR code shown in Waslo
- Wait a few seconds — status flips to Connected
Your phone number appears in the dashboard once linked.
Connecting via Cloud API (advanced)
For verified-business-badge, template marketing, or high message volumes:
- Set up a Meta App at developers.facebook.com
- Add WhatsApp product and obtain WABA ID + phone number ID + access token
- In Waslo: Integrations → WhatsApp Cloud API → Connect
- Paste the three credentials, click Verify + Connect
On PAYG, the Cloud API costs 3,000 credits to unlock (one-time). On Growth it's included.
Multiple WhatsApp Numbers
| Plan | Max Numbers |
|---|---|
| PAYG | 1 free + extras at 1,500 credits each (one-time activation) |
| Growth | 3 included |
To add another number:
- Go to Dashboard → Integrations
- Click Add Number
- Give it a label (e.g., "Sales", "Support")
- Scan the QR code with a different phone
Each number can have its own independent AI configuration (custom prompt, classification rules, follow-up policy, handoff keywords) via the Context Selector in AI Agent.
Connection Status
Your WhatsApp connection can be in one of these states:
- Connected — Active and receiving messages
- Connecting — Establishing connection (may take up to 60 seconds)
- QR Pending — Waiting for you to scan the QR code
- Disconnected — Not connected, needs reconnection
- Logged Out — Session was logged out, needs fresh QR scan
Auto-Reconnect
Waslo automatically monitors your connections and will attempt to reconnect if a session drops unexpectedly. This runs every 2 minutes, so brief disconnections are handled automatically.
Troubleshooting
QR code not appearing?
- Refresh the page and try again
- Check your internet connection
Connection keeps dropping?
- Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection
- Don't log out of WhatsApp on your phone
- Avoid linking too many devices to the same WhatsApp number
"Banned" status?
- WhatsApp may restrict accounts that send too many messages too quickly
- Contact WhatsApp support to resolve account restrictions
- Waslo includes built-in rate limiting to prevent this
Disconnecting
To disconnect a number:
- Go to Dashboard → Integrations
- Click the Disconnect button next to the number
- The session will be saved — you can reconnect later without scanning a new QR code
To fully remove a number (clear all session data), use the Logout option instead.