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🚀 What you’ll build

You’ll connect your WhatsApp number to Vambe using QR code scanning - the fastest way to start automating your WhatsApp conversations.
WhatsApp QR connection works like WhatsApp Web. It’s perfect for personal numbers, small businesses, or quick testing before setting up Business API.

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QR vs Business API

WhatsApp QR (This Guide)

Quick scan-and-go setup
  • ✅ Setup in under 5 minutes
  • ✅ Works with personal WhatsApp
  • ✅ Free to use
  • ✅ No Meta approval needed
  • ⚠️ Limited to ~250 messages/day
  • ⚠️ Basic automation features

WhatsApp Business API

Official Meta integration
  • ✅ Unlimited messaging (with tiers)
  • ✅ Template message support
  • ✅ Advanced automation
  • ✅ Business verification
  • ⚠️ Requires Meta approval
  • ⚠️ Setup can take days
Choose QR if: You want to test Vambe quickly, have a personal/small business WhatsApp, or need immediate setup.Choose Business API if: You need high-volume messaging, template messages, or official business presence.

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Prerequisites

Before connecting WhatsApp QR, ensure you have:
  • ✅ WhatsApp installed on your mobile device
  • ✅ Active WhatsApp account with the number you want to connect
  • ✅ Vambe account with Owner role
  • ✅ Pipeline created (optional, but recommended)
Important: The WhatsApp number cannot be simultaneously connected to WhatsApp Web and Vambe QR. You’ll need to disconnect from WhatsApp Web first if you’re using it.

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Step-by-Step QR Setup

Based on the official Vambe guide from Skool - WhatsApp QR Setup:
1

Access Platform Settings

In your Vambe dashboard:
  • Click “Platform Settings” in the upper right corner
  • Go to Channels section
  • Click “Add Channel” button at the bottom
  • Select “WhatsApp” as the channel type
2

Prepare Your Phone

Get your mobile device ready:
  • Open WhatsApp on your phone
  • Ensure you have the same number you want to connect
  • Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection
  • Close WhatsApp Web if you’re using it elsewhere
3

Scan QR Code

Connect using QR scanning:
  • A QR code will appear on your Vambe screen
  • Open WhatsApp on your phone
  • Tap the three dots (⋮) or Settings
  • Select “Linked Devices” (Dispositivos vinculados)
  • Tap “Link a Device” (Vincular un dispositivo)
  • Point your camera at the QR code on Vambe
  • Wait for confirmation of successful connection
4

Select Pipeline

Link to your automation:
  • A dropdown menu will appear in Vambe
  • Select the specific Pipeline (Embudo) where you want to link this WhatsApp number
  • This determines which AI assistant will handle conversations
5

Finish Configuration

Complete the setup:
  • Click “Finish” or “Finalizar” to complete configuration
  • Verify the connection shows as active in your channels list
  • Your WhatsApp QR is now connected to Vambe
6

Link Channel to Pipeline

Ensure messages reach your AI:
  • Navigate to your Pipeline (Embudo)
  • Click the green phone icon in the upper right corner
  • Select channels to link to the pipeline
  • Save the configuration
Success! Your pipeline will now automatically receive all messages sent to your WhatsApp number.

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Understanding the Connection

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How QR Connection Works

WhatsApp Web Protocol

Vambe uses the same technology as WhatsApp Web:
  • Your phone remains the primary device
  • Vambe acts as a linked device (like WhatsApp Web)
  • Messages sync between your phone and Vambe
  • Your phone must stay connected to internet
  • All WhatsApp features work normally on your phone

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Pipeline Integration

Once connected, here’s how messages flow:
1

Customer Messages You

  • Customer sends WhatsApp message to your number
  • Message appears on your phone (as normal)
  • Message also syncs to Vambe platform
2

AI Takes Control

  • Vambe AI assistant receives the message - AI analyzes content and customer intent - AI generates appropriate response based on your pipeline configuration
3

Automated Response

  • AI sends response through Vambe
  • Response appears as sent from your WhatsApp number
  • Customer sees normal WhatsApp conversation
  • You can see the full conversation in Vambe dashboard
Phone Dependency: Your phone must remain connected to internet for the QR connection to work. If your phone goes offline, the Vambe connection will pause until your phone reconnects.

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Verify Your Connection

Test your WhatsApp QR setup: 
curl -X GET \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.vambeai.com/api/public/channels/web-whatsapp
You can also test by sending a message to your WhatsApp number from another phone and verifying it appears in your Vambe dashboard.

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Troubleshooting

If the QR code scanning fails:
  • Ensure your phone’s camera has good lighting
  • Move closer or farther from the screen
  • Try refreshing the QR code in Vambe
  • Check that WhatsApp is updated to the latest version
  • Verify you’re using the correct WhatsApp account
If the QR connection is unstable:
  • Ensure your phone has stable internet connection
  • Check that your phone doesn’t go to sleep mode
  • Verify WhatsApp background app refresh is enabled
  • Avoid connecting to multiple devices simultaneously
  • Try reconnecting the QR code if issues persist
If messages aren’t showing in Vambe:
  • Verify the channel is linked to your pipeline
  • Check that your pipeline is active and configured
  • Ensure the green phone icon shows linked channels
  • Test with a simple message from another phone
  • Refresh your Vambe dashboard
If your AI assistant isn’t replying:
  • Ensure your pipeline has AI stages configured
  • Check that your AI assistant has training data
  • Verify pipeline triggers are set up correctly
  • Test with simple, clear messages
  • Review your pipeline configuration

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QR vs Business API Comparison

FeatureWhatsApp QRBusiness API
Setup Time5 minutes1-5 days
Approval RequiredNoYes (Meta approval)
Message Limits~250/day1,000+ (tiered)
Template MessagesNoYes
Phone DependencyYes (phone must be online)No
CostFreePaid per message
Business VerificationNoYes (green checkmark)
Advanced FeaturesBasicFull automation
Migration Path: You can start with QR for testing and later upgrade to Business API for production use without losing your pipeline configuration.

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Next Steps

Congratulations! Your WhatsApp QR is now connected and ready to receive automated responses.
Now you can:

Send QR Messages

Learn how to send messages through your QR-connected WhatsApp

Configure AI Assistant

Train your AI with company knowledge and conversation flows

Monitor Conversations

Track customer interactions and AI performance

Upgrade to Business API

Scale up with official Meta integration for higher limits
Remember: Keep your phone connected to internet and avoid logging into WhatsApp Web on other devices while using Vambe QR connection.