How a WhatsApp link works
WhatsApp's click-to-chat links have the form https://wa.me/<number>. Opening one starts a chat with that number in the WhatsApp app, or in WhatsApp Web on a computer. Nobody has to save your number as a contact first.
Adding ?text= puts a message in the chat box, ready to send. The message is URL-encoded, so spaces become %20 and emoji and non-Latin scripts such as Urdu or Hindi work too. The person sees the message and can change it before tapping send; the link never sends anything by itself.
Getting the number right
The number must be in full international format, written as digits only: the country code followed by the number, with no plus sign, no leading zero and no spaces or dashes. This tool does that clean-up for you.
The most common mistake is keeping the local zero. A Pakistani mobile number written locally as 0300 1234567 becomes 923001234567: country code 92, then the number without its leading 0. In India, 098765 43210 becomes 919876543210, and in Nigeria 0803 123 4567 becomes 2348031234567. If the link opens a chat with the wrong person, or WhatsApp says the number isn't on WhatsApp, check the country code and that leading zero first.
Where to use the link and QR code
Put the link on a website button, in an Instagram or TikTok bio, in an email signature, or on an order confirmation page. Print the QR code on a shop counter, a menu, a delivery box or a business card, so customers can scan it with their phone camera and land straight in your chat.
For print, download the SVG. It stays sharp at any size. Leave a white border around the code and print it at least 2 cm wide so older phone cameras can read it.
When a link isn't enough
A link lets a customer message you. It doesn't let your own system send them an order update, a reminder or an alert, or read their reply. For that you need an API. ChatRail sends and receives WhatsApp messages over HTTP from a number you already have, with no per-message fees and no Meta approval. The free Sandbox includes 500 messages a month.
Questions
Is this WhatsApp link generator free?
Yes. There's no sign-up and no limit, and the links never expire, because a wa.me link is just a web address. It works for as long as the number is on WhatsApp.
Do you store the number I type?
No. The link and QR code are built in your browser with JavaScript. The number and message never leave your device.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business numbers?
Yes. wa.me links work the same way for personal and WhatsApp Business accounts.
Can I change the message after printing the QR code?
No. The message is part of the link, so a new message needs a new QR code. If you expect to change it, leave the message out, or print a link to a page on your own site that you can update.