## Overview

The **WhatsApp Web** channel connects a WhatsApp number **without using Meta's official API**: you
pair the number by scanning a **QR code** with the phone app, exactly like you do with WhatsApp Web in
the browser. It's the fastest way to start handling WhatsApp, ideal for personal numbers or small
operations that don't yet have an official account (Cloud API).

Once paired, every incoming and outgoing message starts appearing in the platform's conversations,
with media, delivery/read receipts and real-time replies.

## Prerequisites

- An **administrator** role to create the inbox.
- A phone with WhatsApp installed and the number you want to connect.
- The WhatsApp Web channel depends on a connection service enabled for your account (provisioned by
  the operator). If you don't see this channel type, talk to whoever runs the operation.
- The phone needs internet to keep the session alive (just like WhatsApp Web in the browser).

## Step by step

1. In **Settings → Inboxes**, create a new inbox and choose **WhatsApp**.
2. Select the **WhatsApp Web** provider (QR pairing).
3. Give the inbox a name (e.g. "WhatsApp Sales").
4. The platform shows a **QR code** on the setup screen.
5. On the phone, open WhatsApp → **Linked devices** → **Link a device** and point the camera at the QR.
6. Wait for the pairing confirmation — the real number is detected automatically and the inbox moves
   to the **connected** state.
7. Assign agents/teams and finish. Send a test message to validate.

## Settings & options

- **Connection states**: the inbox shows the session's current state:
  - **Waiting to pair**: the QR has been generated and is waiting to be scanned.
  - **Connected**: the session is active and the number handles messages normally.
  - **Disconnected**: the session dropped temporarily (e.g. no internet on the phone); it reconnects
    on its own when possible.
  - **Logged out**: the device was removed on the phone; you must **pair again** by scanning a new QR.
- **Re-pair**: if the session expires or is disconnected, generate a new QR on the inbox screen and
  scan again.
- **Media**: images, videos, audio, documents, stickers, location and contacts are supported.

## Use cases

- Start handling WhatsApp in minutes, with no Meta approval process.
- Connect a personal or small-team number that isn't an official account yet.
- Operate while the official account (Cloud API) is still being verified.

## Tips, limits & best practices

- **Anti-ban**: respect WhatsApp's limits. Avoiding mass sends, repeated identical messages and adding
  many new contacts at once lowers the risk of being blocked. The platform applies a send control
  (throttle) per number to smooth out spikes.
- Keep the phone connected to the internet; if it stays offline too long, the session drops.
- Advanced interactive features (buttons, lists) may require a specific license from the connection
  service.
- For high volume and the official green badge, consider migrating to **WhatsApp Cloud**.

## Troubleshooting

- **The QR won't scan**: generate a new QR (it expires) and try again with good lighting.
- **Dropped to "disconnected"**: check the phone's internet; the session should come back on its own.
- **"Logged out" state**: the device was removed on the phone — **pair again**.
- **Messages don't arrive**: confirm the inbox is **connected** and the number wasn't blocked by
  WhatsApp.

## See also

- [WhatsApp Cloud with Embedded Signup](/hc/ajuda/articles/inboxes-channels-whatsapp-cloud-embedded-signup-en)
- [WhatsApp Hub: groups, communities, channels and status](/hc/ajuda/articles/inboxes-channels-whatsapp-hub-grupos-comunidades-canais-status-en)
- [Inbox settings](/hc/ajuda/articles/inboxes-channels-configuracoes-de-inbox-en)
- [Inboxes and channels overview](/hc/ajuda/articles/inboxes-channels-overview-en)