The unofficial WhatsApp integration lets you connect a personal or business WhatsApp number to Chatmo by scanning a QR code -- similar to how WhatsApp Web works. It is the fastest way to start receiving WhatsApp messages in your Chatmo inbox, with no API credentials or business verification required.
What Is the Unofficial Integration?
This integration uses a web-based connection to WhatsApp, mirroring how WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop work. Your phone acts as the primary device, and Chatmo connects as a linked device. Messages flow through this link into your Chatmo inbox.
The term "unofficial" means this method does not use Meta's official WhatsApp Business API. It is simpler to set up, but comes with certain limitations compared to the official route.
If you need template messages, higher message volumes, or a connection that does not depend on your phone staying online, consider the WhatsApp Business API instead.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A smartphone with WhatsApp installed and an active account
- Stable internet on both your phone and the device you use to access the Chatmo dashboard
- An active Chatmo account with access to the dashboard
- WhatsApp updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues
One WhatsApp number can only be connected to one third-party platform at a time. If your number is currently linked to WhatsApp Web or another platform, you may need to disconnect it first.
How to Connect WhatsApp (2-Part Process)
Setting up WhatsApp in Chatmo involves two parts: first you create a WA Device (the phone connection), then you create a WhatsApp Channel (the integration that routes messages to your inbox).
Part A: Create a WhatsApp Device
- In the Chatmo sidebar, click WA Devices.
- Click the Add Device button. A modal appears with a Device Name field.
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Enter a name for your device (e.g., "Support Phone" or "Sales WhatsApp") and click Create.
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You are redirected to the QR code scanning page. A QR code is displayed with a "Waiting for scan" status.
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Open WhatsApp on your phone:
- Android: Tap the three-dot menu > Linked Devices > Link a Device
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device
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Point your phone camera at the QR code displayed in Chatmo.
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Wait a few seconds. The page shows real-time status updates as the connection progresses. Once successful, the status changes to a green Connected indicator, and your device profile photo, name, and phone number appear on screen.
- Click Go to Devices to return to the device list.
If the QR code expires before you scan it, click the refresh button to generate a new one. This is normal -- QR codes have a limited validity window for security reasons.
Part B: Connect a WhatsApp Channel
Now that your device is connected, you need to create a channel that routes messages into your Chatmo inbox.
- In the Chatmo sidebar, click Channel.
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Select the WhatsApp category from the left panel.
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Click Add WhatsApp Account (or the New Channel button).
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A modal appears with three fields:
- Channel Name -- Give your channel a descriptive name (e.g., "Customer Support WA")
- WhatsApp Device -- A searchable dropdown with pagination. Select the device you created in Part A.
- AI Agent -- A searchable dropdown where you can assign an AI Agent to handle auto-replies, or select "AI Agent Off" to disable it.
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Click Create Channel.
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You are redirected to the channel configuration page where you can manage your channel settings.
Auto-reply functionality is configured through the AI Agent assignment. To set up automated responses, create and configure an AI Agent, then assign it to your WhatsApp channel.
Channel Configuration
Once your channel is created, you can manage it from the channel detail page. The available settings are:
- Channel Name -- Editable. Update the display name for your channel at any time.
- Channel Status -- Toggle between Active and Inactive. When inactive, the channel stops receiving messages.
- AI Agent -- A searchable dropdown to assign or change the AI Agent. Select "OFF" to disable AI-powered auto-replies.
Reconnecting a Disconnected Device
Connections can drop due to phone going offline, WhatsApp updates, or network issues. Here is how to reconnect.
How to Reconnect
- Go to WA Devices in the sidebar. Disconnected devices show an amber Disconnected status indicator.
- Click the disconnected device to open the reconnect page.
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The reconnect page has a two-column layout: device information on the left and a QR code on the right.
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The QR code streams in real time via WebSocket. Scan it with your phone just like the initial setup.
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If the QR code expires, click the Refresh QR button to generate a new one.
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Once the connection is re-established, the status changes to green Connected. An auto-redirect countdown (10 seconds) begins, taking you back to the device list.
A cancel confirmation modal appears if you try to navigate away from the reconnect page before the process is complete. This prevents you from accidentally abandoning a reconnection in progress.
Status Indicators
| Status | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Green | Device is online and messages are flowing |
| Disconnected | Amber | Connection lost -- reconnection needed |
| Error | Red | A problem occurred -- check device or contact support |
Preventing Disconnections
- Keep your phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi
- Avoid clearing WhatsApp's cache or app data
- Do not log out of WhatsApp on your phone
- Keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version
- Avoid connecting too many linked devices (WhatsApp allows up to 4 linked devices)
Supported Message Types
The unofficial integration supports these message types:
| Message Type | Send | Receive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Yes | Yes | Supports basic formatting: *bold*, _italic_, ~strikethrough~, `monospace` |
| Images | Yes | Yes | JPG, PNG, GIF (up to 16 MB) |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | MP4, MOV (up to 16 MB) |
| Audio / Voice Notes | Yes | Yes | Voice recordings and audio files |
| Documents | Yes | Yes | PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and other file types (up to 100 MB) |
| Contacts | Yes | Yes | vCard sharing |
| Location | Yes | Yes | GPS coordinates with map preview |
| Stickers | Limited | Yes | Receiving stickers is fully supported; sending stickers is limited |
Unofficial vs. Official API Comparison
| Feature | Unofficial (QR Code) | Official Business API |
|---|---|---|
| Setup complexity | Easy (scan QR code) | Moderate (requires business verification) |
| Phone dependency | Yes (phone must stay online) | No (cloud-based) |
| Template messages | Not supported | Supported |
| Session window | No strict limit | 24-hour window |
| Message volume | Suitable for low-to-medium | Built for high volume |
| Broadcast lists | Limited | Fully supported |
| Read receipts | Yes | Yes |
| Media sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Risk of restrictions | Higher (Meta may flag automated usage) | None (officially sanctioned) |
| Cost | Free (no API fees) | Pay-per-conversation pricing |
| Auto-reply | Via AI Agent in Chatmo | Via AI Agent in Chatmo |
Best Practices
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Dedicate a phone for Chatmo -- Use a separate phone number solely for your business WhatsApp. This prevents personal messages from mixing with customer conversations and reduces the risk of accidental disconnections.
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Keep the phone plugged in and on Wi-Fi -- Since the phone must stay online, treat it like a piece of office equipment. Keep it on a charger in a spot with reliable Wi-Fi.
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Monitor device status regularly -- Make it part of your routine to check that your WA Device shows a green "Connected" status. Catching a disconnection early prevents missed messages.
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Use AI Agent for auto-replies -- Assign an AI Agent to your WhatsApp channel so customers always receive a response, even when your team is unavailable or during off-hours.
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Limit linked devices -- While WhatsApp supports multiple linked devices, adding too many can occasionally cause instability. If possible, keep the number of linked devices to a minimum for your business number.
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Consider upgrading to the Business API -- If your message volume is growing or you need features like template messages and phone-independent operation, the WhatsApp Business API is the more robust choice.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| QR code won't scan | Camera focus or screen brightness | Increase screen brightness, hold the phone steady, ensure camera permissions are granted |
| QR code expired | Took too long to scan | Click the Refresh QR button to generate a new code |
| Connection drops frequently | Unstable phone internet | Switch the phone to a reliable Wi-Fi network; disable battery optimization for WhatsApp |
| Messages delayed | Phone is in battery-saving mode | Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp in your phone settings |
| "Disconnected" status on device | Phone offline or WhatsApp closed | Ensure WhatsApp is running and the phone has internet; go to WA Devices and reconnect |
| Cannot find device in channel dropdown | Device not created yet | Complete Part A (Create a WhatsApp Device) before creating a channel |
| Channel not receiving messages | Channel status set to Inactive | Go to channel detail page and toggle status to Active |
| Auto-reply not working | No AI Agent assigned | Assign an AI Agent to the channel from the channel detail page |
Next Steps
- For a more reliable, phone-independent connection, explore the WhatsApp Business API guide.
- To set up automated responses, learn how to configure an AI Agent and assign it to your channel.
- Browse other channel options in the Channels Overview.