All guides

Connecting WhatsApp: QR link or the official Cloud API

The two ways to connect WhatsApp to the platform, and how they differ in approvals, templates, risk and cost.

You connect WhatsApp from Channels & integrations. The WhatsApp (QR link) card links a number by QR code; the WhatsApp Cloud API (official) card connects the official number. You can use both at once on different numbers.

Quick comparison

  • Source: the QR link is an unofficial WhatsApp Web channel; the Cloud API is Meta's official interface.
  • Setup: QR works on your ordinary number in a minute with no approvals; the official route needs a WhatsApp Business account, a Meta app and credentials.
  • Templates: QR needs no approved templates; the official number needs an approved template to message a customer more than 24 hours after their last message.
  • Risk: QR is at your own risk and heavy bulk sending can get the number banned; the official number is more stable, but its quality rating drops when people report your messages.
  • Cost: QR carries no Meta fees; on the official number each template message is charged by category (marketing, utility, authentication), while replies inside the 24-hour window are free.

Linking by QR

  1. Open the WhatsApp (QR link) card, click New device and give it a name for your own reference.
  2. On your phone open WhatsApp, go to Linked devices, then Link a device, and scan the code.
  3. If you are on the same phone, choose Link with a phone code and enter the number with its country code.
  4. Once connected you can import contacts and previous conversations.

Keep the main phone active and online. If the device is unlinked from the phone or the session ends, the card shows the reason; use Reconnect. Before any bulk sending, turn on Number warming so the number builds a natural history.

The official number (Cloud API)

  1. Open the WhatsApp Cloud API (official) card and click Add a number.
  2. Enter the WABA ID, Phone Number ID, App ID and Access Token from your Meta account, then save. The keys are checked with Meta before saving.
  3. Copy the Callback URL and Verify token into your Meta app's Webhooks settings and subscribe to the messages field.
  4. Create and submit your templates under Campaigns, Templates, so you can message customers outside the 24-hour window.
  • Each number has its own credentials; a reply goes out on the number the conversation came in on.
  • Keep an eye on the Number health card and the Daily send limit.

Open Channels & integrations