Opens straight in the app

WhatsApp link: a short wa.me link that opens the chat

A WhatsApp link is a wa.me address followed by your phone number in international format, such as https://wa.me/15551234567. Shorten it with Qlynk to get a readable link and a QR code: on iPhone and Android, it opens the chat in WhatsApp if the app is installed.

Why does a WhatsApp link open in the browser?

A plain wa.me link first shows a page in the browser asking the visitor to continue to WhatsApp, which adds a tap before they can write to you. On a computer it may offer WhatsApp Web instead. With a pre-filled message, the address becomes long and full of encoded characters, which looks untrustworthy on a flyer or in an ad. For a small business taking orders or bookings by message, each extra step loses a few customers.

How to do it with Qlynk

  1. Write your wa.me link: https://wa.me/ followed by your full number with country code, digits only.
  2. Paste it into Qlynk. With Pro, choose an ending such as qlynk.eu/whatsapp.
  3. Share the short link or its QR code: on a phone, it opens the chat in WhatsApp.

On iPhone, Qlynk sends the original WhatsApp address: iOS opens the app if it’s installed, with no error message. On Android, the link opens the app, or the web page if the app isn’t installed. On a computer, the page opens as usual.

When is it useful?

  • Adding a “Message us on WhatsApp” button to a Shopify store or website
  • Printing a QR code on a shop window, receipt or delivery box
  • Inviting customers to a community group from an email campaign
  • Giving a freelancer’s clients a quick way to send a question

Which WhatsApp links open the app?

Link typeExample address
Chat with a numberhttps://wa.me/15551234567
Chat with a pre-filled messagehttps://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=15551234567&text=Hello
Group invitehttps://chat.whatsapp.com/INVITE_CODE

Paste any of these addresses into Qlynk: the short link you get will open WhatsApp on phones.

Frequently asked questions

How do I create a WhatsApp click to chat link?

Type https://wa.me/ followed by your number in international format, without the plus sign, spaces, dashes or a leading zero. For the US number (555) 123-4567, that is https://wa.me/15551234567. Then shorten it with Qlynk to get a QR code and a count of clicks.

How do I add a pre-filled message to a wa.me link?

Add ?text= followed by your message to the wa.me link, with spaces written as %20, for example https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hi%20there. Qlynk keeps the full address, message included.

Do WhatsApp group invite links work?

Yes, chat.whatsapp.com/INVITE_CODE addresses are recognized and open WhatsApp on the phone.

Is my phone number visible in the short link?

The short link does not show it, but it redirects to an address that contains it. Only use a number you are happy to make public.