> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vambe.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect WhatsApp QR

> Quick setup guide to connect your personal or business WhatsApp using QR code scanning.

## 🚀 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.

<Tip>
  WhatsApp QR connection works like WhatsApp Web. It's perfect for personal
  numbers, small businesses, or quick testing before setting up Business API.
</Tip>

***

## QR vs Business API

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp QR (This Guide)" icon="qrcode" color="#128C7E">
    **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
  </Card>

  <Card title="WhatsApp Business API" icon="whatsapp" color="#25D366">
    **Official Meta integration**

    * ✅ Unlimited messaging (with tiers)
    * ✅ Template message support
    * ✅ Advanced automation
    * ✅ Business verification
    * ⚠️ Requires Meta approval
    * ⚠️ Setup can take days
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **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.
</Info>

***

## 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)

<Warning>
  **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.
</Warning>

***

## Step-by-Step QR Setup

Based on the official Vambe guide from [`Skool - WhatsApp QR Setup`](https://www.skool.com/vambe/classroom/b9d85b56?md=49ca73a0cb8143a3a681e0dd59f4f8af):

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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**

    <Check>
      Success! Your pipeline will now automatically receive all messages sent to your WhatsApp number.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Understanding the Connection

### How QR Connection Works

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp Web Protocol" icon="wifi">
    **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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Pipeline Integration

Once connected, here's how messages flow:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Customer Messages You">
    * Customer sends WhatsApp message to your number
    * Message appears on your phone (as normal)
    * Message also syncs to Vambe platform
  </Step>

  <Step title="AI Takes Control">
    * Vambe AI assistant receives the message - AI analyzes content and customer
      intent - AI generates appropriate response based on your pipeline
      configuration
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

***

## Verify Your Connection

Test your WhatsApp QR setup:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash Check QR Connection theme={null}
  curl -X GET \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
    https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/web-whatsapp
  ```

  ```javascript Verify Status theme={null}
  const response = await fetch(
    'https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/web-whatsapp',
    {
      headers: { 'x-api-key': process.env.VAMBE_API_KEY },
    },
  );

  const channel = await response.json();
  console.log('WhatsApp QR Status:', channel.status);
  ```

  ```python Check Connection theme={null}
  import requests

  response = requests.get(
    'https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/web-whatsapp',
    headers={'x-api-key': os.environ['VAMBE_API_KEY']}
  )

  if response.status_code == 200:
    channel = response.json()
    print(f"WhatsApp QR connected: {channel['status']}")
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Tip>
  You can also test by sending a message to your WhatsApp number from another
  phone and verifying it appears in your Vambe dashboard.
</Tip>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="QR Code Won't Scan" icon="qrcode">
    **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**
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Connection Keeps Dropping" icon="wifi">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Messages Not Appearing" icon="message-x">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="AI Not Responding" icon="robot">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## QR vs Business API Comparison

| Feature                   | WhatsApp QR                | Business API          |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------- |
| **Setup Time**            | 5 minutes                  | 1-5 days              |
| **Approval Required**     | No                         | Yes (Meta approval)   |
| **Message Limits**        | \~250/day                  | 1,000+ (tiered)       |
| **Template Messages**     | No                         | Yes                   |
| **Phone Dependency**      | Yes (phone must be online) | No                    |
| **Cost**                  | Free                       | Paid per message      |
| **Business Verification** | No                         | Yes (green checkmark) |
| **Advanced Features**     | Basic                      | Full automation       |

<Info>
  **Migration Path:** You can start with QR for testing and later upgrade to
  Business API for production use without losing your pipeline configuration.
</Info>

***

## Next Steps

<Check>
  Congratulations! Your WhatsApp QR is now connected and ready to receive
  automated responses.
</Check>

Now you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send QR Messages" icon="paper-plane" href="/docs/send-qr-message">
    Learn how to send messages through your QR-connected WhatsApp
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure AI Assistant" icon="robot" href="/docs/create-pipeline">
    Train your AI with company knowledge and conversation flows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor Conversations" icon="messages" href="/docs/analytics">
    Track customer interactions and AI performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upgrade to Business API" icon="upgrade" href="/docs/connect-whatsapp-api">
    Scale up with official Meta integration for higher limits
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  **Remember:** Keep your phone connected to internet and avoid logging into
  WhatsApp Web on other devices while using Vambe QR connection.
</Warning>