For AI agents: the complete documentation index is available at https://docs.clickmax.dev/en/llms.txt, the full documentation bundle is available at https://docs.clickmax.dev/en/llms-full.txt, and this page is available as Markdown at https://docs.clickmax.dev/en/features/messaging/connect-whatsapp-unofficial.md.
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      • Connect WhatsApp through WhatsApp Web

      The WhatsApp Web option connects a WhatsApp number by scanning a QR code, the same way you use WhatsApp Web on a computer. It is a direct connection: it does not go through the Meta API. It needs no approved templates and no Meta approval: right after connecting, the number handles conversations in the Live Chat and takes part in automations.

      Who it is for: anyone who wants to start fast with the number already on their phone, without going through Meta business verification. If you need templates, the verification badge and maximum stability, prefer the official API connection.

      Role: only Owner, Admin or Editor can reach the channels tab in Settings. See what each role can do.

      Ban risk. This route is not endorsed by WhatsApp. By choosing it you confirm you are aware that misuse, with excessive messaging, broadcasts and spam, may get the number banned by Meta. WhatsApp may block or ban the number, and a banned number does not come back. Use it at your own risk and avoid numbers your business cannot afford to lose.

      Steps

      1. Open the Account Center and go to the WhatsApp tab.
      2. Click Connect account. Under How do you want to connect WhatsApp?, choose WhatsApp Web, tick the ban-risk acknowledgement and click Continue.
      3. Under How much history should we import?, choose the period: Do not import, Last 7 days, Last 30 days (recommended for most cases) or Everything. The choice cannot be changed after connecting.
      4. On Scan the QR code, take the phone that has the number and follow the on-screen guide:
        • Open WhatsApp on your phone.
        • Tap Linked devices, then Link a device.
        • Point the camera at the QR code on screen.
      5. The code expires in a few seconds and refreshes by itself. If it expires before you scan it, wait for the new code to appear.
      6. After you scan the code, the QR area shows a Connecting to WhatsApp… animation until the number opens. When WhatsApp connected appears, the number is paired: click OK to close. From here you can manage your channels or use WhatsApp in automations.

      If the number is already connected in another workspace, the screen asks for your confirmation before moving it to this one.

      Imported history

      When you pick a period, the old conversations from that range enter the Live Chat in the background, after the QR code is scanned. While the import runs, the connection card shows its progress as a percentage. Group conversations are only imported if you enable groups. On accounts with a lot of history, Everything can take hours, and new messages keep arriving normally in the meantime.

      Groups

      By default, group messages do not reach the Live Chat. To receive them, check Receive group messages when you connect the number, or change it later in the Groups card on the connection details: Enabled or Disabled. With groups enabled, pick All groups or Selected groups; for the latter, click Edit selection, search and check the groups you want, then click Save. A group you join later only starts arriving once you check it in the selection.

      Media and video

      Images, audio and documents you receive stay available in the conversation. Videos are kept for 30 days: under the player you see how many days are left. To keep a video beyond that, click Keep; the video then shows Video kept. Once expired it shows Video expired and cannot be recovered.

      Reconnecting

      WhatsApp may disconnect the linked phone session (for example, if you log out of the linked device on your phone). The connection then shows Reconnect: click it and scan a new QR code with the same number. While disconnected, the number neither sends nor receives messages, and pending sends wait for the reconnection. The connection is marked Disconnected and its conversations leave the Live Chat inbox; after you reconnect, they come back on their own.

      Differences from the official API

      Official APIWhatsApp Web
      How it connectsAuthentication with MetaQR code, like WhatsApp Web
      TemplatesYes, approved by MetaNo templates
      Verification badgeAvailableNo
      Risk of being blockedLowReal: the number can be banned
      StabilityHighDepends on the phone session
      If it disconnectsRareCan happen and needs a new QR code

      If the same number is connected through both routes in the same workspace, incoming messages show in the Live Chat of one connection only: the one with Live Chat turned on in its usage permissions; if both or neither have it, the official one wins. This way the conversation is not duplicated.

      If it didn't work

      • The QR code does not show or has expired: wait a few seconds, the code refreshes by itself. If it still does not show, close the wizard and start again.
      • The connection asks for a QR code again: WhatsApp disconnected the linked session. Use Reconnect and scan the code with the same number.
      • You cannot see the Account Center: your role has no access to channels. See what your role allows.