🚀 Getting Started with WhatsApp QR Login

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📘 MODULE OVERVIEW

This quick start guide explains how the QR Login module works and walks you through your first connection. For installation, see the Installation Guide. For day-to-day usage, see the Chat Interface guide.

What Does This Module Do?

The WhatsApp QR Login module turns your WhatsMarkSaaS workspace into a fully-featured WhatsApp messaging cockpit. Once you scan a QR code with the WhatsApp app on your phone, the platform connects in the background and lets you and your support staff chat from the browser exactly as you would on WhatsApp Web — with extras WhatsApp Web doesn't have:

1. Connect any number (personal or business) without Cloud API approval
2. Chat from a shared inbox that the whole team can see
3. Send rich messages — text, media, voice notes, locations, contact cards, reactions, replies
4. Use canned replies and CRM merge fields to reply faster

Key Benefits

💼 BUSINESS VALUE

• Instant Onboarding: From "buy module" to "chatting with a customer" in under a minute — no Meta approval, no template review
• Zero Per-message Fees: WhatsApp Web flow means no Cloud API conversation pricing
• Team Collaboration: One inbox, many agents — never miss a reply because someone else is on the phone
• Phone-independent: Phone can be off; the connection stays alive on the server

How It Works

Behind the scenes the platform behaves like an extra WhatsApp Web window that's always open:

1. You scan the QR code with the WhatsApp app on your phone
2. Your phone authorises the platform as a linked device
3. Incoming messages flow into your inbox in real time, even when your phone is offline
4. Outgoing messages go through your real WhatsApp number — recipients see your name, your number, your profile picture
5. Your phone can be off for up to a few weeks before WhatsApp asks you to bring it back online

🔗 SAME AS WHATSAPP WEB, WITH EXTRAS

If you've ever used web.whatsapp.com on a laptop, you already understand the basic idea. This module uses the exact same QR-linking flow but adds a much richer inbox: shared team access, canned replies, merge fields, and a permanent searchable history that doesn't disappear when you close the browser.

Your First Connection

Connecting your WhatsApp number takes about 30 seconds.

Step 1: Open the Connection Page

Sign in to your workspace and go to WhatsApp QR Login from the menu.

Step 2: Click "New Connection"

Give it a friendly name — for example "Sales line" or "Support". The name is just for you; WhatsApp itself never sees it.

Step 3: Scan the QR with Your Phone

On your phone open WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device. Point the camera at the QR shown on the screen.

⏱️ QR CODES EXPIRE QUICKLY

QR codes are valid for about 60 seconds — this is enforced by WhatsApp itself. If you don't scan in time, click Refresh and a new QR appears. Have your phone's camera ready before you click Refresh.

Step 4: Wait for "Connected"

The QR fades, a green check appears, and the page shows your phone number and WhatsApp display name. You can now click Open Chats.

🔁 YOU ONLY NEED TO DO THIS ONCE

After the first successful scan, the connection stays alive on its own. Your phone can be off, dead, or in airplane mode and messages will still flow through the gateway.

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Installation & Plan Setup (Super Admin)

1. Install the module in your WhatsMarkSaaS admin panel
2. Configure subscription plans to enable the WhatsApp QR Login feature
3. Verify the gateway service is running and reachable

⚙️ ADMIN SETUP REQUIRED

This phase must be completed by a system administrator with access to the WhatsMarkSaaS admin panel and the gateway service.

Phase 2: Tenant Connection

1. Open the QR Login page in the tenant dashboard
2. Create a new connection and scan the QR with your phone
3. Verify "Connected" status appears with your phone number and display name

Phase 3: Day-to-Day Usage

1. Open the chat inbox and start replying to incoming messages
2. Save canned replies for common responses
3. Set up CRM merge fields for personalised outreach

System Requirements

• WhatsMarkSaaS with the QR Login module enabled on your subscription plan
• PHP 8.1 or higher on the application server
• MySQL 8.0 or higher
• Node.js gateway service (bundled with the module) up and running
• Valid SSL certificate on your domain
• Public URL (localhost development environments are not supported)
• A WhatsApp account on a phone (personal or business) with the latest WhatsApp app installed

🌐 ENVIRONMENT LIMITATION

This module requires a production environment with a stable public URL and a valid SSL certificate. The gateway needs to be reachable for live WebSocket updates and media uploads.

Ready to Start?

Follow these guides in sequence to implement WhatsApp QR Login:

1. Installation Guide — install the module and enable it on plans
2. Chat Interface — learn the inbox, composer, message types, and status ticks
3. Managing Your Connection — connection statuses, reconnect, disconnect

For technical questions or troubleshooting, see the Troubleshooting and FAQ pages.