WhatsApp offers a convenient feature that lets users start a conversation without adding a phone number to their contacts. This is particularly useful for one-time exchanges, business interactions, delivery coordination or situations where saving a number is unnecessary. The feature works smoothly across smartphones and WhatsApp Web by generating or tapping a simple link. Understanding how these tools function can help users communicate faster and keep their phone contact list free from clutter.
This guide explains how WhatsApp’s Click to Chat feature works, how to create customised links and how users or businesses can use the official Chat on WhatsApp button.
Use Click to Chat
WhatsApp’s Click to Chat tool allows users to begin a conversation with any phone number as long as it has an active WhatsApp account. No additional setup is required.
Create your own link
To start a chat using a link, follow this simple format:
Replace ＜number＞ with the full phone number in international format (country code + number), without symbols, spaces, brackets or dashes.
Example:
Use: https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX
Don’t use: https://wa.me/+001-(XXX)XXXXXXX
Opening this link directly launches a chat window with the specified number on WhatsApp.
Create a link with a pre-filled message
Users can also generate a link that opens with a pre-written message already typed in the chat bar.
Format:
https://wa.me/whatsappphonenumber?text=urlencodedtext
- whatsappphonenumber: full number in international format
- urlencodedtext: the message converted into URL-encoded form (spaces become %20, etc.)
Example:https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX?text=I'm%20interested%20in%20your%20car%20for%20sale
Link containing only a message
If users want to create a link with just a message—allowing WhatsApp to prompt them to choose a contact—they can use:
https://wa.me/?text=urlencodedtext
Example:https://wa.me/?text=I'm%20inquiring%20about%20the%20apartment%20listing
Tapping the link opens WhatsApp and shows a list of contacts to send the message to.
Use the “Chat on WhatsApp” button
WhatsApp also provides an official Chat on WhatsApp button designed for websites, apps and contact pages. This button maintains WhatsApp’s visual identity and is commonly used by businesses, creators and support teams.
It is available in green and white themes and comes in multiple sizes. At present, the feature is available only in English.
Things to keep in mind
- Use the button without altering its colour or shape
- Download and apply the latest design provided by WhatsApp
- Place the button where it is clearly visible
- Ideal locations include:
- Website landing pages
- Contact sections
- Mobile apps
- Mobile website versions
- Third-party templates
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s Click to Chat links and the official Chat on WhatsApp button offer practical options for users who want quick communication without saving temporary numbers. These tools make messaging more efficient across personal and business interactions, ensuring smoother conversations while keeping phonebooks organised.