# WhatsApp (Waha)

This option connects the platform to WhatsApp using **Waha API**, which leverages the official WhatsApp Web protocol through QR code authentication.

#### Connection Flow

1. Select **Type: WhatsApp (Waha)**.
2. Define the channel name and description.
3. Assign a responder (Agent or Squad).
4. Click **Create Channel**.
5. A **QR Code** will appear automatically.

#### QR Code Authentication

* Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
* Navigate to **Linked Devices → Add Device**.
* Scan the QR Code displayed on the screen.
* The connection will be established within a few seconds.

Once the QR code is read successfully, the Agent can send and receive messages through that WhatsApp number.\
If the channel is deactivated, message routing stops immediately.

> 🕐 QR codes are valid for **40 seconds** — if the connection fails, refresh the page or restart the pairing process.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.zaia.app/channels/channel-types/whatsapp-waha.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.