What a WhatsApp link does
A WhatsApp link opens a chat with your number when someone taps it. If you add a message, it is already typed in the chat box, but nothing is sent until the person taps send. They need an active WhatsApp account. The link works on a phone and on WhatsApp Web.
Make one in three steps
- Enter your number with the country code.
- Add a first message if you want one, such as "Hi, I'd like to book a table for two."
- Copy the link, or download the QR code as a PNG or SVG file.
How the link is built
A WhatsApp link has three parts:
https://wa.me/ + your full number in international format + ?text= + your message
For example: https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hi%20there
The number has digits only: no plus sign, spaces, dashes, brackets or leading zeros. In the message, spaces and symbols are replaced by codes (a space becomes %20). The tool does that for you. The example number is made up.
If you leave out the number, the link shows people a list of their contacts to send your message to. That is useful for share buttons.
Common mistakes
- Adding a plus sign, spaces, dashes or brackets to the number. WhatsApp's own help page says to leave them out.
- Forgetting the country code. A local number alone will not open the right chat.
- Keeping the zero at the start of a local number. Leave it out and use the country code.
- Typing a message with spaces and symbols that are not encoded. The tool handles this.
- Putting a personal number on a public link. Anyone who sees the link sees the number. Use a business number if you can.
- Not testing it. Use the Test this link button, and also try it on a phone before you print.
Link or QR code?
Use the link in messages, emails, your website and social media bios. Use the QR code on things people see in person: menus, shop windows, packaging and flyers. Our size guide shows how big to print it.
Changed your number after printing?
A free QR code can't be edited once it is printed. A changeable code lets you update where it points without reprinting. Coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WhatsApp link?
It is a web link that starts a chat with a given WhatsApp number when someone taps it. It starts with wa.me.
How do I create a WhatsApp link with a message already typed?
Enter your number and message above. The tool builds the link, with the message encoded the way WhatsApp expects.
Does the other person need WhatsApp?
They need an active WhatsApp account to chat. The link also works with WhatsApp Web on a computer.
Does the message send automatically?
No. The message appears in the chat box and the person taps send.
Can I use the link on a website, Instagram or a business card?
Yes. It is an ordinary web link, so you can put it anywhere a link works. Use the QR code anywhere you want people to scan.
Is it safe to share my number in a public link?
The number is visible to anyone who has the link or scans the code. Use a business number if you don't want your personal one public.
Can I make a link without a phone number?
Yes. Leave the number empty and the link opens a list of contacts for the person to choose from, with your message ready.
Do I need the WhatsApp Business API?
No. A basic link like this needs no special account.
Also see: Wi-Fi QR code generator