WhatsApp (QR Code)
The WhatsApp QR Code trigger connects the agent to a WhatsApp number by scanning a QR Code, using the unofficial API. It is the fastest way to try it out, but there is no SLA from Meta — the session can drop at any time and the number can be banned if used for spam.
When to use (and when not to)
Section titled “When to use (and when not to)”| Use it for | Do not use it for |
|---|---|
| Quick tests with your own number | Real customer support |
| Short demos to showcase the agent | High volume of messages |
| Prompt validation in a near-realistic environment | Anything that relies on stability |
For any production scenario, use WhatsApp Official (Cloud API).
Connecting
Section titled “Connecting”WhatsApp QR Code is connected from the Inboxes screen — each inbox is one connected channel, and you pick who handles it afterwards.
- Open Inboxes in the sidebar.
- Click Connect inbox.
- Under Pick the channel, in the WhatsApp group, select WhatsApp QR Code.
- SquadOS generates a QR Code that expires after 2 minutes.
- On your phone, open WhatsApp → Linked devices → Link a device → point at the QR Code.
- Under Who handles this inbox?, pick the agent that will reply — or leave it on human support, and an operator answers from the Conversations screen.
- Give the inbox a name and click Finish.
If the QR expires, generate a new one with the refresh button before scanning.
How it works
Section titled “How it works”- SquadOS hosts a WhatsApp Web session behind the scenes (via Wuzapi).
- Inbound messages become conversations in SquadOS and the agent replies.
- The reply goes out as if you had typed it yourself.
The session is periodically validated in the background — if the phone’s WhatsApp disconnects (no internet, low battery, or manual logout in the app), the inbox is listed as Disconnected.
Disconnecting
Section titled “Disconnecting”Close the session from the phone, under Linked devices → remove the “WhatsApp Web” entry. The matching inbox then shows as Disconnected under Inboxes.
Limitations
Section titled “Limitations”- No SLA — WhatsApp can terminate the session without notice.
- Ban risk — improper use can get the number banned.
- No templates — you cannot proactively start conversations like with Cloud API.
- No official support — any change in WhatsApp’s protocol can break the connection.
Common issues
Section titled “Common issues”- QR Code does not scan — make sure WhatsApp on the phone is up to date. Generate a new QR using the refresh button.
- Session drops on its own — WhatsApp invalidated the session; generate a new QR and reconnect. If it happens often, switch to WhatsApp Official.
- Messages arrive but the agent does not reply — check that the agent is active and the prompt is valid. Look under Conversations for the incoming message.