---
title: Connect Unofficial API
description: >-
  Add an Unofficial API account, scan the QR code in WhatsApp Linked devices,
  and wait until Online.
sidebar:
  order: 3
---
In this tutorial, you will connect WhatsApp with **Unofficial API** by scanning a QR code.

**Time needed:** 10 minutes

## Before you start

Make sure:

- You are logged in to Wabot.
- WhatsApp is installed on the phone for this business number.
- You can open **Settings** on that phone.

> Use a dedicated business number if you can. Do not mix a busy personal chat with broadcasts.

> This page is **Unofficial API** only. For Meta Business API, use [Connect Official API](/getting-started/connect-official).

## 1. Open Accounts

On the left menu, click **Accounts**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/01-accounts-light.png" alt="Accounts highlighted in the left menu, with the Accounts page open" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/01-accounts-dark.png" alt="Accounts highlighted in the left menu, with the Accounts page open" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Click <strong>Accounts</strong> in the left menu.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 2. Start Add Account

Click **Add Account**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/02-add-account-light.png" alt="Add Account button highlighted at the top right of the Accounts page" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/02-add-account-dark.png" alt="Add Account button highlighted at the top right of the Accounts page" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption><strong>Add Account</strong> is at the top right of <strong>Accounts</strong>.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 3. Choose Unofficial API

On **How do you want to connect?**, click **Unofficial API**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/03-unofficial-api-light.png" alt="How do you want to connect? with the Unofficial API card highlighted" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/03-unofficial-api-dark.png" alt="How do you want to connect? with the Unofficial API card highlighted" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Pick the <strong>Unofficial API</strong> card.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 4. Scan the QR code

The screen says **Scan QR code with WhatsApp**.

On your phone:

1. Open **WhatsApp**.
2. Open **Settings**.
3. Tap **Linked devices**.
4. Tap **Link a device**.
5. Scan the QR code on Wabot.

If the code expires, click **Refresh QR**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/04-scan-qr-light.png" alt="Scan QR code with WhatsApp screen with a QR code and Refresh QR button" width="1216" height="1000" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/04-scan-qr-dark.png" alt="Scan QR code with WhatsApp screen with a QR code and Refresh QR button" width="1216" height="1000" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Scan this QR from <strong>Linked devices</strong>. The code here is blurred; yours will be sharp.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 5. Wait until Online

Stay on the page until Wabot shows the account is connected.

Open **Accounts** again. The account should show **Online**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/05-online-light.png" alt="Accounts table with an Unofficial API account and a green connected badge" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/getting-started/connect-account/05-online-dark.png" alt="Accounts table with an Unofficial API account and a green connected badge" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>When connected, the account shows a green Wi-Fi badge. Example row shown.</figcaption>
</figure>

## Make sure it worked

The account is in the **Accounts** list.

The status is **Online**.

## If it didn’t work

### I cannot see Unofficial API

Your plan may not include it. Use [Connect Official API](/getting-started/connect-official), or ask the account owner.

### The QR code expired

Click **Refresh QR**, then scan again.

### The status is not Online

On the phone, check **Linked devices**. Scan again. Then click **Refresh data** on **Accounts**.

## Next

Send a test from your phone.

[Send your first message →](/getting-started/first-message)