WhatsApp (QR code)
Connect your existing WhatsApp number to SmarticBot by scanning a QR code with your phone.
Connect a WhatsApp number to SmarticBot by scanning a QR code
Overview
This guide connects an existing WhatsApp number to SmarticBot — no Meta developer account required. It works like linking WhatsApp Web: you scan a QR code with your phone.
What you will have at the end:
- Your WhatsApp number connected to SmarticBot
- Your assistant ready to answer messages 24/7
Estimated time: 5 minutes
Good to know: this connection links your phone to SmarticBot. WhatsApp may restrict numbers used for heavy or promotional sending. For important, high-volume messaging, use the WhatsApp Business API channel instead.
What You Need Before Starting
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| A SmarticBot account with at least one assistant | Create it under Assistants |
| A free WhatsApp (QR code) slot | Included in your plan. You can see free slots when you start connecting |
| A WhatsApp number | Any number already active on WhatsApp (personal or business app) |
| Your phone | You will use it to scan the QR code |
Important: while the number is connected, avoid using WhatsApp Web on the same number at the same time — it can cause disconnections.
Part 1 — Connect Your Phone
Step 1: Start the connection
- Log in to SmarticBot
- In the left menu, open Channels
- Under Connect a channel, choose the assistant that should answer
- Click WhatsApp (QR code)
Step 2: Name the number
- Enter a name for this number (for example
Support line) - Click Show QR code
If you see "no free slot", your plan's slots are in use. You can release the slot of a number that is not connected, or contact support to add more.
Step 3: Scan the QR code
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings → Linked devices → Link a device
- Point the camera at the QR code on your screen
- Wait a few seconds — the screen shows Connected with your number
The code refreshes by itself. If it expires before you scan, it is replaced automatically; after 3 minutes you can click Try again.
Part 2 — Turn the Assistant On
New channels start paused, so nothing is answered before you have tested it.
- In Channels, find your new channel and click Resume AI
- Open Assistants → your assistant → Review & activate, and make sure the assistant is on
Part 3 — Test It
From a different phone, send a message to your WhatsApp number. Your assistant should reply within a few seconds, and the conversation appears in Inbox.
Important Notes
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Web | Avoid using WhatsApp Web on the same number while connected |
| Phone must stay online | The phone must stay on and connected to the internet to keep the link alive |
| Reconnecting | If a channel shows as disconnected, open Channels and click Reconnect with QR code |
| Several numbers | Each number uses one slot. Add numbers the same way |
| Sharing a number | Only one assistant can answer a given number at a time. SmarticBot asks you before switching |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The QR code does not appear | Close the window and try again. If it still fails, wait a minute and retry |
| The QR code expires | It refreshes automatically. Click Try again after 3 minutes |
| It shows disconnected after scanning | Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection |
| Messages arrive but there is no reply | Check that the assistant is on and the channel shows AI on |
| The number keeps disconnecting | Do not open WhatsApp Web on the same number |
For further help, contact SmarticBot support.