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WhatsApp Web & Evolution API

What you'll learn
  • The two unofficial WhatsApp channel types available in AutoTalk
  • How to set up WhatsApp QR Code (scan-based connection)
  • How to set up Evolution API (self-hosted WhatsApp gateway)
  • How to configure a proxy for WhatsApp connections
  • How to choose between them

AutoTalk provides two WhatsApp channel options that do not require Meta's official Business API approval. Both appear as separate options in the channel type dropdown when you add a new channel.

Option 1: WhatsApp QR Code​

Dropdown label: WhatsApp QR Code

This option works exactly like WhatsApp Web on a desktop computer. You scan a QR code with your phone, and AutoTalk mirrors your WhatsApp session to receive and send messages.

When to use WhatsApp QR Code​

  • You want the fastest possible setup with no external accounts or API keys
  • You are a small business or solo operator with moderate message volumes
  • You do not need message templates or official API features

Setting up WhatsApp QR Code​

  1. In the sidebar, go to Integrations > Channels to open the Channels list.
  2. Click Add channel.
  3. In the channel type dropdown, select WhatsApp QR Code.
  4. A QR code will appear on the screen.
  5. On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
  6. Scan the QR code displayed in AutoTalk with your phone's camera.
  7. Once the scan completes, the channel status changes to connected.

Important considerations​

  • Your phone must remain connected to the internet for the linked session to stay active.
  • If the connection drops (for example, if your phone loses internet for an extended period), you may need to scan a new QR code.
  • This method is best for small to medium message volumes. For high-volume use, consider the official WhatsApp Business API.
  • If the QR code expires before you scan it, refresh the page or the QR code element to generate a new one.

Option 2: Evolution API​

Dropdown label: Evolution API

The Evolution API is a self-hosted WhatsApp gateway. Instead of relying on Meta's cloud infrastructure, you (or your IT team) run the Evolution API server, and AutoTalk connects to it. This gives you more control over the WhatsApp connection, including where data is stored and how the session is managed.

When to use Evolution API​

  • Your organization requires self-hosted infrastructure for compliance or data-sovereignty reasons
  • You want more technical control over the WhatsApp connection
  • You have an IT team that can deploy and maintain the Evolution API server

Setting up Evolution API​

  1. Deploy an Evolution API instance on your own server or cloud infrastructure. Refer to the Evolution API project documentation for installation steps.
  2. In AutoTalk, go to Integrations > Channels and click Add channel.
  3. In the channel type dropdown, select Evolution API.
  4. Enter the configuration fields that appear, including the Evolution API server URL and any required authentication credentials.
  5. Save the channel.
  6. Follow any prompts to pair the Evolution API instance with your WhatsApp number (this may involve scanning a QR code on the Evolution API side).

Important considerations​

  • You are responsible for hosting, updating, and maintaining the Evolution API server.
  • Uptime of the channel depends on the uptime of your self-hosted server.
  • This option provides the most flexibility and control, but also requires the most technical involvement.

Proxy Settings​

Both WhatsApp QR Code and Evolution API channels support an optional proxy to route WhatsApp connections through an intermediary server. This is useful when your server's IP is blocked, when you need to rotate IPs, or when company policy requires outbound traffic to pass through a proxy.

The proxy section appears as a collapsible panel labeled Proxy Settings inside the channel edit page.

Configuring a proxy​

  1. Open the channel edit page (Integrations > Channels, then click the channel).
  2. Expand the Proxy Settings section.
  3. Fill in the fields:
FieldDescriptionExample
HostHostname or IP address of the proxy serverbrd.superproxy.io
PortPort number33335
ProtocolConnection protocolhttp, https, socks4, or socks5
UsernameAuthentication username (leave blank if not required)brd-customer-abc123
PasswordAuthentication password, stored as a security secretType the password and click Add to create the secret
  1. Click Save to save the channel.
  2. Click Test Proxy to verify the proxy is reachable.
  3. Click Apply Proxy to apply the proxy configuration to the active WhatsApp connection.
tip

The Password field stores your proxy credentials as an encrypted security secret. When you type a password and click Add (or select the create option in the dropdown), the secret is created automatically — you don't need to fill out any extra forms.

caution

You must save the channel before the Test Proxy and Apply Proxy buttons become active. If the buttons appear disabled, save first.

Removing a proxy​

To stop using a proxy, clear the Host field, save the channel, and click Apply Proxy to apply the change to the active connection.

Comparison: QR Code vs. Evolution API vs. Official API​

FeatureWhatsApp QR CodeEvolution APIWhatsApp API (Official)
Setup difficultyVery easyModerate to advancedModerate
Meta approval requiredNoNoYes
Self-hostedNoYesNo
Phone must stay onlineYesDepends on setupNo
Message templatesNoNoYes
Proxy supportYesYesNo
Best forQuick start, small teamsTechnical teams, compliance needsHigh volume, official use
tip

If you are unsure which option to choose, start with WhatsApp QR Code for a quick test. You can always migrate to the official WhatsApp Business API or Evolution API later as your needs grow.

Next steps​