How to Create a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Link
Let customers message you in one tap: build a wa.me link with a pre-filled message and a QR code.
3 min read
If customers can reach you on WhatsApp, make it as easy as possible. Instead of asking them to save your number and search for it, give them a link. One tap opens a chat with you, often with a message already typed. It works on your website, in your Instagram bio, in email signatures, on Google Maps and, as a QR code, on flyers and shop windows.
How a WhatsApp link works
WhatsApp's Click to Chat feature uses addresses in this form:
https://wa.me/<number>?text=<message>
The number is written in international format with digits only: country code first, then the number without the leading zero, and no plus sign, spaces or dashes. A UK mobile number 07700 900123 becomes 447700900123, a Turkish 0555 123 45 67 becomes 905551234567. The message part is optional and has to be URL-encoded, so spaces turn into %20 and so on. When someone opens the link, WhatsApp starts a chat with that number and puts the message in the input box. Nothing is sent until they press send, and they can edit it first.
How to create a WhatsApp link with QodeCat
The WhatsApp Link Generator builds the link in your browser and handles the formatting for you.
- Enter your number under Your Phone Number, starting with the country code. Spaces, dashes and brackets are removed automatically. Leave out the leading zero of the local number.
- Write the Pre-filled Message your customers will start with, or use one of the templates: Order, Booking or Info. The bold, italic and strikethrough buttons wrap the selected text in WhatsApp's *bold*, _italic_ and ~strikethrough~ formatting.
- Check the phone preview on the right. It shows how the message will look in the chat.
- Under Generated Link, click Copy, then Test Link to open it in a new tab and make sure the chat opens with the right number.
- For print, use Save PNG on the small QR code card, which people can scan with their camera.
The QR code in this tool is a simple black-and-white version. For a larger code with your own colors and logo, paste the link into the Link tab of the QR Code Generator.
Where to use your link
- Your website: as a "Chat on WhatsApp" button on the contact page or product pages.
- Social media: in the bio of your Instagram, TikTok or Facebook page.
- Google Business Profile, online marketplaces and directory listings that allow a website link.
- Email signatures and invoices, so customers can reply in the app they prefer.
- Printed material: a QR code on flyers, menus, packaging, receipts or the shop door.
Tips for a good pre-filled message
- Keep it short and let the customer finish the sentence, for example "Hi, I'd like to ask about...".
- Use different messages for different places, such as one for the website and one for flyers. Then you know where the chat came from.
- Add placeholders for what you need, like a date for bookings or a product name for orders.
- Test the link on a phone and on a computer. On a computer it opens WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
Frequently asked questions
Does the number need a WhatsApp account?
Yes. The link only opens a chat if the number is registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. Otherwise WhatsApp shows an error.
Why does my link open the wrong number or say it is invalid?
Usually the country code is missing or the local leading zero is still there. Check that the number in the link starts with the country code, for example 44 for the UK or 90 for Turkey.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. wa.me links work the same way for regular and business accounts.