How WhatsApp links work
WhatsApp’s click-to-chat links use your full number in international format, with no plus sign, spaces, brackets, dashes or leading zero. For South Africa that means 27 followed by your number without the first 0: 082 123 4567 becomes 27821234567, and your link is wa.me/27821234567. Anyone who taps it gets a WhatsApp chat with you, without saving your number first.
This tool does that conversion for you, checks that the number looks like a South African mobile number, and builds the QR code and snippets from the same link, so they all match.
Questions
Why doesn’t my link work when I type 082…?
WhatsApp needs the country code and no leading zero. A link like wa.me/0821234567 won’t open the right chat. Type your number here in any format and you’ll get the correct wa.me/27… link.
Can I add a message to the link?
Yes. Whatever you type in the message box is added to the link, so it appears ready to send when a customer opens the chat. They can change it before sending. Short messages work best, especially for QR codes.
Will the QR code stop working?
No. The QR code holds your wa.me link directly. It doesn’t go through our website, so there’s nothing to expire and nothing tracking who scans it. It keeps working for as long as the number is on WhatsApp.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. Links work the same way for WhatsApp and the WhatsApp Business app. If your business WhatsApp runs on a landline, tick the landline box when it appears.
Can I put WhatsApp on my Google Business Profile?
Verified profiles in some regions can add a WhatsApp link as a Chat option under contact details. If you don’t see it, it isn’t available for your profile yet. You can still use the link on your website, Instagram and email signature.
Is my number stored anywhere?
No. Everything happens in your browser. Your number and message aren’t sent to Local Heights or anyone else, and nothing is saved.
Sources: WhatsApp: How to use click to chat · Google: Chat with customers from your Business Profile · Google: Manage your social media links. QR codes are made with the open-source qrcode-generator library (MIT licence), served from this site. Local Heights is independent and not affiliated with WhatsApp, Meta or Google. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.