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Connecting WhatsApp 2 min read • Also available in: PT ES

Connect WhatsApp by scanning the QR Code

Step-by-step guide to connect your WhatsApp number to Zapini by scanning the QR Code from the panel or through a public connection link.

Updated on

What QR Code connection is

QR Code connection uses the Zapini Gateway to link your WhatsApp number to the platform the same way WhatsApp Web does. It is the fastest way to get started: you scan a code on your phone and the instance moves from qr_ready to connected.

This method is ideal if you use regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business and do not have official Meta credentials.

Connect from the panel

  1. In the side menu, open Instances (or Connections) and click New instance.
  2. Give the number a name to identify it and save. The instance starts with the status qr_ready.
  3. Click Connect to display the QR Code on screen.
  4. On your phone, open WhatsApp and tap Settings > Linked devices > Link a device.
  5. Point the camera at the QR Code shown in the panel.
📷 Image: panel screen showing the QR Code and the Connect button

As soon as the phone reads the code, the status changes to connected within a few seconds and the instance appears in the global instance selector.

💡 Tip: the QR Code expires for security reasons. If it disappears before you scan it, click Generate new QR Code to refresh it.

Connect via public link

If the person scanning does not have panel access (for example, an end customer or a colleague), use the public connection link:

  1. On the instance, copy the public connection URL (generated automatically when the instance is created).
  2. Send the link to the person responsible for the number.
  3. They open the link in a browser — no login required — and scan the QR Code with their phone.
📷 Image: public connection page open in a browser showing the QR Code

Confirming the connection

To check that everything worked:

  • The instance status should read connected (green).
  • In Messages, open a conversation and send a test message.
  • The connected number now appears in the global instance selector at the top of the panel.

Each instance keeps its contacts, conversations and messages fully isolated. Connecting a new number does not mix data with your existing numbers.

💡 Tip: keep your phone connected to the internet. Like the WhatsApp Web connection, the device must stay online for messages to sync.

Frequently asked questions

The QR Code expires after a few minutes for security. If it disappears, just click "Generate new QR Code" to display a refreshed code.
Yes. Like WhatsApp Web, the phone needs an internet connection so messages keep syncing with Zapini.
Yes. QR Code connection works with both regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, with no Meta credentials required.

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Related articles

Connect via the official WhatsApp Cloud API (Meta) Managing multiple WhatsApp numbers with the instance selector
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