Connect your AI assistant to WhatsApp via QR code pairing.
Overview
WhatsApp pairing uses the Baileys library to connect your assistant as a linked device on your WhatsApp account. Messages go directly between WhatsApp and your container — Chelar is not in the data path.
Pairing Steps
Open Channel Settings
Go to Channels > Add Channel > WhatsApp in the Chelar dashboard.
Scan the QR Code
A QR code will appear on screen. Open WhatsApp on your phone:
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device
- Point your camera at the QR code
- Wait for the pairing to complete (2-5 seconds)
Scan quickly! QR codes expire every ~20 seconds and auto-refresh. If you miss one, wait for the next.
Verify the Connection
The dashboard will show the channel as Connected. Send a test message to your own WhatsApp number to verify your assistant responds.
Important Notes
Rate limits: Too many failed pairing attempts triggers a WhatsApp cooldown. If you see "Can't link new devices at this time", wait 30-60 minutes before trying again.
- One pairing at a time — starting a new pairing kills any active WhatsApp session
- Credentials persist — stored in your encrypted tenant data directory, surviving container restarts
- 14-day phone rule — WhatsApp disconnects linked devices if your phone hasn't been online for 14+ days
Troubleshooting
QR Code Won't Scan
Make sure you're scanning from Settings > Linked Devices in WhatsApp, not the regular camera QR scanner. The QR auto-refreshes — wait for a fresh one.
Messages Not Arriving
- Check your container is Running (not suspended) in the dashboard
- If suspended, the first incoming message auto-resumes the container — but may take a few seconds
- Verify the channel shows as Connected in the Channels page
WhatsApp Disconnected
Your linked device may disconnect if:
- You haven't opened WhatsApp on your phone for 14+ days
- You manually removed the linked device from your phone settings
- WhatsApp pushed a server-side session invalidation
To reconnect, go to Channels in the dashboard and re-pair with a new QR code.