How to Make a WhatsApp Link for Your Business (and a QR Code for It)

A WhatsApp link is a web address that opens a chat with your number when someone taps it. You can put it on a website, a Facebook page, an Instagram bio, a flyer or a shop window, and customers can message you without saving your number first.

This guide shows how to make the link, how to add a message that appears already typed, and how to turn the link into a QR code.

What a WhatsApp link looks like

At the time of writing, WhatsApp's click-to-chat links use this form:

https://wa.me/919876543210

Here is how the number part works:

• Use the full international number, starting with the country code. For India that is 91, then the 10-digit number.
• Leave out the plus sign, any leading zeros, spaces, brackets and dashes.
• So +91 98765 43210 becomes 919876543210.

If you tap the link on a phone with WhatsApp installed, it opens a chat with that number. On a computer it opens WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.

Add a message that is already typed

You can fill the message box in advance. Add ?text= and your message at the end of the link. The message must be URL-encoded, which means spaces become %20 and special characters are replaced by codes.

For example:

https://wa.me/919876543210?text=Hi%2C%20I%20want%20to%20book%20a%20table

The customer sees "Hi, I want to book a table" in the box and only has to press send. This helps you in two ways. Customers do not have to think about what to write, and you immediately know why they are messaging.

You do not need to remember the encoding rules. The WhatsApp link generator builds the link for you: type your number and message, and copy the result. It also gives you a QR code you can download.

Three message ideas that work

A good prefilled message is short and tells you what the person wants:

1. Orders: "Hi, I would like to order the [item]. Is it available?"
2. Bookings: "Hi, I want to book for [date]. Are you free?"
3. Questions: "Hi, I have a question about your prices."

Avoid long messages. The shorter it is, the more likely people are to send it.

Turn the link into a QR code

A QR code lets people scan with their phone camera instead of typing anything. That is useful on printed material.

1. Make your link with the generator above.
2. Download the QR code image.
3. Print it on a poster, a table card, a receipt, a shop window sticker or packaging.
4. Scan it yourself with a phone before you print many copies.

Place a short line next to the code, such as "Scan to chat with us on WhatsApp". People often ignore QR codes that have no explanation.

For tips on size and contrast when printing, see QR code not scanning? 9 fixes that actually work.

Where to put your link

• Instagram and Facebook bios. Customers can tap straight into a chat.
• Your website. Add a "Chat on WhatsApp" button.
• Google Business Profile or maps listings. Use the link in the contact fields if your listing allows websites or messages.
• Email signature. One line is enough.
• Printed menus, flyers and delivery bags. Use the QR code.

If you have many links to share, such as a menu, a price list and your WhatsApp link, put them on one page. A link-in-bio page from our templates is one way to do that.

WhatsApp Business app vs a plain link

A WhatsApp link works with any WhatsApp number. WhatsApp also has a separate WhatsApp Business app, with features such as a business profile and quick replies. Check WhatsApp's own help pages for what it currently offers, because features change. You do not need the Business app to use a click-to-chat link.

Send a PDF price list or catalogue with the link

If customers often ask for prices, send a link to a PDF instead of a heavy file. Upload the PDF on DropMyPage and send the link on WhatsApp in one tap. Free links last 7 days. For a catalogue you keep sharing, a permanent link on the Pro plan is a better fit. See how to share a PDF on WhatsApp as a link.

Common problems

• The link opens a chat with the wrong number. Check that you included the country code and removed the plus sign and zeros.
• The message appears broken. Special characters need URL-encoding. Use the generator to avoid mistakes.
• A customer says it does not open. They may not have WhatsApp installed. Add your number as plain text next to the link as a backup.
• People use it to spam you. Do not post your link in public comment sections. Share it where your real customers are.

FAQ

Do I need the WhatsApp Business app to use a WhatsApp link?

No. The link works with any WhatsApp number.

Can I change the prefilled message later?

Yes, but the link changes when you change the message. If you printed a QR code, print a new one, or keep the message short so you do not need to change it.

Is the WhatsApp link generator free?

Yes. It runs in your browser and does not need an account.

Can I see how many people used my link?

A plain WhatsApp link does not report clicks. If you need counts, put a different link in each place (for example, one on Instagram and one on a poster) and compare how many messages each one brings.