open-wa v5 docs

If the host account supports link-code login, you can request a link code ahead of authentication instead of scanning a QR code.

Easy API

npx @open-wa/wa-automate --link-code "447123456789"

You can also place the same value in your config file:

{
  "linkCode": "447123456789"
}

Phone format

Use the full phone number with the country code first. Do not include a plus sign, spaces, brackets, or dashes.

For example, use 447123456789, not +44 7123 456789.

Where code appears

The link code appears in the host device's WhatsApp app during the Linked Devices flow.

On the phone that owns the account, open WhatsApp and go to Linked Devices. Choose the option to link with a phone number instead of scanning a QR code, then enter the code shown by open-wa.

Expiry/failure

Link codes expire after a short time. If the code expires, or if it is entered incorrectly, WhatsApp will reject the login attempt and the session will not connect with that code.

Start the authentication flow again to request a fresh code, then enter the new code on the host device.

QR still appears?

Yes. The QR code may still appear as a fallback during authentication.

If link-code login fails or times out, you can usually continue by scanning the QR code instead, unless your runtime configuration stops waiting for authentication first.

Host device steps

On the phone that owns the WhatsApp account:

Open WhatsApp.
Go to Settings.
Open Linked Devices.
Tap Link a Device.
Choose the option to link with a phone number instead.
Enter the link code shown by open-wa.
Confirm the login when WhatsApp asks.

Troubleshooting

Check that the number uses country code plus phone number only, with no plus sign or spaces.
Make sure you are using the WhatsApp account that owns the number you passed as linkCode.
If the code expired, restart the login flow and use the new code.
If WhatsApp rejects the code, check for typing mistakes and request a fresh code.
If link-code login keeps failing, scan the QR code fallback instead.
If the session times out before you can enter the code, increase your auth timeout settings or try again when the host device is ready.

In custom code

create({
  linkCode: '447123456789',
});

Important behavior

The code is tied to the host account number you provide.
The host device still needs to confirm the login flow.
Use this only when you already know which account should own the session.

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Link-code login