> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wednesdayai.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start chatting on WhatsApp

> How to message WednesdayAI on WhatsApp for the first time.

# Start chatting on WhatsApp

WednesdayAI on WhatsApp works like a regular WhatsApp contact. Your administrator has set up a dedicated WhatsApp number for the AI — you simply message it.

## What you need

* WhatsApp installed on your phone
* The WhatsApp number or contact details from your administrator

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get the WhatsApp number from your administrator">
    Ask your administrator for the WhatsApp number WednesdayAI is using. It may be saved as a contact for you already, or they can send you the number to add manually.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send your first message">
    Open WhatsApp and start a chat with that number. Send any message — for example:

    > Hi

    The AI will reply within a few seconds.

    <Note>
      Depending on how your administrator set up access, you may receive a **pairing code** in reply rather than a direct answer. If this happens, see the next step.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share the pairing code (if you received one)">
    If the bot replied with a message like:

    > Your pairing code is: **ABC-123**. Share this with your administrator to get access.

    Copy that code and send it to your administrator. Once they approve it, you are connected — send another message and the AI will answer normally.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## In a group? Mention the bot

If WednesdayAI is in a WhatsApp group, it stays quiet by default. To get its attention:

* Mention it (using its number or a configured name), or
* Reply to one of its previous messages

Each group has its own separate conversation context.

## Tips

* **Your phone needs a data connection.** WednesdayAI connects through the WhatsApp app on the phone your administrator set up. If that phone goes offline for a long period, message delivery may be delayed.
* **You do not need to do anything special to stay connected.** Once you are set up, the connection persists.
* **Re-linking is an admin task.** If something breaks (for example the admin's phone was reset), only your administrator can re-link the account. Just ask them.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The bot is not replying">
    Check that you have a data connection and that you messaged the correct number. If the number is right and there is still no reply after a minute, ask your administrator to run `openclaw channels status --channel whatsapp` to check the gateway.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I received a pairing code but my administrator says the code expired">
    Pairing codes expire after one hour. Send a new message to the WhatsApp number — you will receive a fresh code.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The bot says I am not allowed">
    Your WhatsApp number may not be on the approved contacts list. Ask your administrator to add it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The bot ignores me in a group">
    In groups the bot only replies when mentioned or replied to. Make sure you are @-mentioning it or replying to one of its messages. If it still does not respond, ask your administrator to check that the group is allowed.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>