Connecting WhatsApp
Connecting via QR code
- Open Channels → Add channel → WhatsApp → WhatsApp QR.
- Scan the QR code with the camera on the phone tied to the number (Settings → Linked devices in WhatsApp).
- Once scanned, the channel switches to Connected — usually within a few seconds.
Use a dedicated number, not your personal one. The WhatsApp Web protocol needs the phone with that number to stay powered on and connected — if it's offline for too long, the channel will ask you to reconnect.
Session drops
If the phone was offline or lost connection for a while, the channel may ask you to re-authorize. In that case the channel status shows Needs reauthorization — just scan the QR code again, your conversation history is preserved.
What each plan includes
WhatsApp QR is sold on three plans — they differ not in interface features, but in limits:
| Plan | New conversations per month | Can message first | Group chats |
|---|---|---|---|
| START | 500 | No | No |
| PRO | 500 | Yes | Yes |
| MAX | Unlimited | Yes | Yes |
"Message first" means starting a conversation with a contact who hasn't messaged you yet (for example, after a lead comes in from your site). Change a channel's plan in Channels → the channel → Plan.
Limitations
One WhatsApp number can only be connected to one Chato workspace at a time.
QR connection uses the same mechanism as WhatsApp Web. If someone else connects the same number via WhatsApp Web in a browser alongside Chato, the sessions will conflict. Use the number only in Chato.
Need an official channel with no risk of disconnection and template-based broadcasts? See WhatsApp Business API.