Web link to specific WhatsApp contact
Initiate a chat on WhatsApp by using https://wa.me/<number>
, replacing <number>
with the phone number in international format.
Ensure to input the full phone number, including the country code - leave out any zeroes, brackets, or dashes. This link, upon clicking, opens a direct chat with the assigned number on WhatsApp.
Pre-filled messages for immediate communication
To pre-populate a specific message upon initiating the chat, include a text
parameter in the URL, carrying your URL-encoded message. Here is an example:
The message "Hello there!" will be pre-filled in the WhatsApp chat window. It's like a ninja doing your work, but without the black suit.
Bookmarklet: Efficient repetition
If you're prone to send messages to various numbers frequently, saving them as a bookmarklets can be a game-changer. Here's a JavaScript snippet you can bookmark:
Drag above link to your bookmarks bar, click when necessary, input contact number and message, and boom! Your default web browser opens WhatsApp with a pre-filled message, ready to send.
Securing chat links: Be a privacy warrior
Sharing WhatsApp links means sharing a part of your identity. To prevent possible referrer leakage, be privacy-aware and use rel="noreferrer"
in your <a>
tag:
This opens up WhatsApp on a new window/tab and keeps your original page's URL sealed away from prying eyes. Because the internet never forgets.
Device compatibility and user-friendly links
Stay up to date
To maintain winning user experience across devices and browsers, it's essential to regularly check for updates in your WhatsApp application.
Crafting intuitive links
When sharing WhatsApp links, make sure they are user-friendly. A little contextual instruction can go a long way!
Alternate methods for the adventurous
You can use whatsapp://send
to open links directly within the app, though it's crucial to have the app installed and properly set-up to handle this.
URL encoding: Bridge the gap between humans and internet
Your messages need to be URL encoded to maintain the link structure. Converting spaces and special characters into a URL-readable format is all the magic you need here.
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