> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.omni.z-api.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect WhatsApp Web

> Connect a number by scanning the QR Code, without going through Meta

Channel of type `Z_API_WHATSAPP`. It connects through the **QR Code**, the way WhatsApp Web does — no Meta, no approval, no templates.

<Note>
  It is the highest-volume channel on the platform. If you come from Z-API, this is the model you already use.
</Note>

## Requirements

* A WhatsApp number with the app installed on a phone
* Access to the phone to scan the QR Code

## Connecting

```javascript theme={null}
const client = OmniZapi.newClient({ publicKey: 'YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY' });
const response = await client.connect({ channelId: 'CHANNEL_ID' });
```

The SDK opens a window with the QR Code. The user scans it from WhatsApp on the phone, under **Linked devices**.

### QR Code in your own interface

If you would rather render the QR Code inside your product instead of using the SDK window, pass a `getQRCode`:

```javascript theme={null}
const response = await client.connect({
  channelId: 'CHANNEL_ID',
  getQRCode: async () => {
    // return { value } with the QR content, or { connected: true } once connected
    return await myBackend.fetchQrCode();
  },
});
```

## What is different on WhatsApp Web

| Detail               | Value                                 |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Contact identifier   | phone with country code               |
| Conversation window  | **does not exist** — send at any time |
| Templates and Flows  | do not exist, and are not needed      |
| Poll                 | **supported**                         |
| Location and contact | supported                             |
| Meta approval        | not required                          |

<Warning>
  This is an **unofficial** connection, based on WhatsApp Web. The risk of the number being blocked is higher than on the [Official API](/en/connect/meta-whatsapp), and the phone must keep an active session.
</Warning>

<Note>
  Need features only the Official API has — templates, Flows, the 24-hour window, lower blocking risk? See [Meta WhatsApp](/en/connect/meta-whatsapp).
</Note>