WhatsApp guide
WEB vs Cloud API — which to pick
WAOS supports two ways to connect a WhatsApp number to GoHighLevel. They behave differently — pick the right one for your use case.
| Property | WEB (QR scan) | Cloud API (Meta) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | ~30 seconds (scan QR) | ~30 minutes (Meta Business verification) |
| Cost | Free | Per-conversation pricing from Meta |
| Phone number | Any (personal or business) | Must be a verified Business number |
| 24-hour window | No restriction | Free-text only inside the window; templates outside |
| Message templates | Not needed | Required for outside-window messaging |
| Voice / images / docs | Send + receive | Send + receive (incl. transcription + caption) |
| Phone-online required? | Recommended (sessions die after 14 days offline) | No (independent of any phone) |
| Best for | Solo operators, testing, low-volume | Agencies, high-volume, official deployments |
Setting up WEB (QR scan)
- From the agency dashboard, click + Add number
- Set the label, pick WEB as the transport, pick a sub-account to bind
- Click Add — the number is created with status PENDING_QR
- The QR code appears live on the number detail page
- Open WhatsApp on your phone → Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device
- Scan the QR. Status flips to CONNECTED within seconds
Sessions persist as long as your phone connects to WhatsApp at least every 14 days. If the session ends, the number status flips back to PENDING_QR — just scan again.
Setting up Cloud API (Meta)
The Cloud API path requires a verified Meta Business account. Once your operator has wired the platform-level Meta credentials, the flow per agency is:
- From the agency dashboard, click + Add number
- Pick CLOUD_API as the transport
- You'll be redirected through Meta's Embedded Signup flow
- Pick (or create) a WhatsApp Business Account and a phone number to use
- Authorize WAOS to send + receive on that number
- Status goes straight to CONNECTED
A note on bans
WhatsApp can ban accounts that look automated. Rate-limit your sending, never spam, and treat customers like humans. WAOS detects QR re-prompts within 24 hours and stops outbound when a ban looks imminent — this protects your number but does not prevent every ban scenario. We recommend WhatsApp Cloud API for serious commercial use.