To create a WhatsApp link, write https://wa.me/ followed by the full phone number with country code and digits only, for example https://wa.me/233241234567. Add ?text= and your message to pre-fill the first chat message. Or skip the typing and use our free WhatsApp link generator, which builds the link and a QR code for you.
What is a WhatsApp link?
A WhatsApp link, also called a click-to-chat link or wa.me link, opens a chat with you when someone taps it. They do not need to save your number first. It works with both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, on phones and on WhatsApp Web.
The wa.me format
https://wa.me/<number>
https://wa.me/<number>?text=<message>
The number must be:
- In international format: country code first
- Digits only: no plus sign, spaces, dashes or brackets
- Without the leading zero of the local number
| Local number | Country | Link number |
|---|---|---|
| 024 123 4567 | Ghana | 233241234567 |
| 0803 123 4567 | Nigeria | 2348031234567 |
| 0712 345 678 | Kenya | 254712345678 |
So a Ghana number 024 123 4567 becomes https://wa.me/233241234567.
How to create a link step by step
- Take your number: 0241234567.
- Drop the first 0: 241234567.
- Add the country code, 233 for Ghana: 233241234567.
- Put
https://wa.me/in front:https://wa.me/233241234567. - Open it on your phone to test that it starts a chat with you.
How do I add a pre-filled message?
Add ?text= after the number, then your message. When the chat opens, the message is already in the box and the customer only taps send.
https://wa.me/233241234567?text=Hi%2C%20I%20want%20to%20order%20the%20Glow%20Kit
A good pre-filled message tells you straight away what the customer wants. Use one link per product, ad or page, for example "Hi, I saw your ad for the CV template pack" so you can see which source brings enquiries.
Why does the message look strange? URL encoding
Links cannot contain spaces or some symbols, so they are replaced with codes. This is called URL encoding.
| Character | Code |
|---|---|
| Space | %20 |
| Comma | %2C |
| Question mark | %3F |
| Ampersand (&) | %26 |
| New line | %0A |
| Apostrophe | %27 |
If you skip encoding, the message can be cut off at the first space or symbol. The generator does the encoding for you, so you can type the message normally.
Where should I put my WhatsApp link?
- Your Instagram and TikTok bio
- Your Facebook page's button
- Facebook and Instagram ads that send people to WhatsApp
- Your email signature
- Your website, as a button
- Flyers, receipts and shop doors, as a QR code
For selling over chat, read how to sell on Instagram and WhatsApp without DMs and WhatsApp marketing for small businesses in Ghana.
Examples you can copy
| Use | Pre-filled message |
|---|---|
| Product enquiry | Hi, I want to order the Glow Kit |
| Ad on Facebook | Hi, I saw your ad for the CV template pack |
| Booking | Hi, I would like to book a shoot for Saturday |
| Course | Hi, please send me details of the course |
Keep the message under one line. Long pre-filled messages look like spam and some people delete them before sending.
Common problems
- "The phone number shared via URL is invalid." The number has a plus sign, spaces or the leading zero. Fix the format.
- The message is cut off. A space or symbol was not encoded.
- It opens a chat with the wrong person. The country code is wrong.
- It does not open on desktop. The person needs WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, or it opens in the browser.
What should happen after the chat starts?
A link only starts the conversation. Do not take payments by sending your MoMo number to every customer and chasing screenshots. Fake payment screenshots are a real problem, as we explain in how to stop fake MoMo payment screenshots. Send a payment link instead, so the buyer pays by MoMo or card and you get confirmation automatically. On Paylead, online payments cost 4% + GH₵ 1. See how to collect payments with a payment link.
FAQ
Is a WhatsApp link free?
Yes. wa.me links are free to create and use.
Does the number have to be saved in the customer's phone?
No. The link opens a chat without saving the number.
Does the link work for WhatsApp Business?
Yes, the same way.
Can I make a QR code from the link?
Yes. Our generator makes one you can put on flyers and shop windows.
Can I make a link to a WhatsApp group?
That is a different link, the group invite link, which you get from the group's settings. wa.me links open a one-to-one chat.
