Highlights
- WhatsApp’s Click to Chat feature lets users start chats using a direct link like https://wa.me/<number>.
- Users can create links that open WhatsApp with a message already typed, either targeting a specific number or allowing contact selection.
- Businesses and creators can embed WhatsApp’s official chat button on websites and apps.
Caption – (Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash)
WhatsApp now offers a convenient way to start conversations without saving a contact, making it ideal for quick interactions, business inquiries, or one-time chats. The feature works smoothly across smartphones and WhatsApp Web, allowing users to open a conversation simply by generating or tapping a link. This not only streamlines communication but also helps keep your contact list clutter-free.
Here’s how you can use this option to send WhatsApp messages without adding a number to your phonebook.
How to Send a WhatsApp Message Without Saving the Contact?
WhatsApp’s built-in Click to Chat tool lets you directly open a chat window with any phone number registered on WhatsApp.
Using Click to Chat –
- To create your own link, use the following format – https://wa.me/＜number＞
- Replace ＜number＞ with the complete phone number in international format, ensuring you remove symbols like brackets, dashes, or leading zeroes.
Examples:
Use – https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX
Don’t use – https://wa.me/+001-(XXX)XXXXXXX
Tapping the link will take you directly to a chat window with that number inside WhatsApp.
Create a Link With a Pre-Filled Message
You can also generate a link that opens WhatsApp with a message already typed out.
Format – https://wa.me/whatsappphonenumber?text=urlencodedtext
(where whatsappphonenumber is the full number in international format, and urlencodedtext is the pre-filled message)
Example –
https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX?text=I’m%20interested%20in%20your%20car%20for%20sale
If you want to create a link that only contains a message (without specifying a number), use:
https://wa.me/?text=urlencodedtext
Example – https://wa.me/?text=I’m%20inquiring%20about%20the%20apartment%20listing
After generating the link, tapping it will either allow you to choose a contact or send the message directly.
Using the Official “Chat on WhatsApp” Button
Caption – Chat on WhatsApp Button. (Image credit – WhatsApp)
WhatsApp also provides a dedicated Chat on WhatsApp button designed for businesses, websites, and creators. This button follows WhatsApp’s branding guidelines, making it recognisable and trustworthy. It comes in green or white and is available in small, medium, and large sizes. Currently, the feature is available only in English.
Important Guidelines –
- Use the button without altering its appearance
- Download and apply the newest button design
- Place the button in a clearly visible area for easy access
Common Placement Areas – Website landing pages, Contact pages, Mobile apps, Mobile website versions and Third-party templates
HTML Example – <a aria-label=”Chat on WhatsApp” href=”https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX”>
<img alt=”Chat on WhatsApp” src=”WhatsAppButtonGreenLarge.svg” />
</a>
Using WhatsApp’s Click to Chat links or the official button makes it easier to start conversations without saving temporary contacts. These tools simplify communication for both personal and business use, offering a fast and clutter-free way to connect.
FAQs
Q1. How can I send a WhatsApp message without saving a contact?
Answer. You can use WhatsApp’s Click to Chat feature by creating a link in this format: https://wa.me/<number>, replacing <number> with the full international phone number (no symbols or spaces).
Q2. Can I pre-fill a message in the WhatsApp link?
Answer. Yes, use this format: https://wa.me/<number>?text=urlencodedtext. For example:
https://wa.me/1XXXXXXXXXX?text=I’m%20interested%20in%20your%20car%20for%20sale.
Q3. What is the “Chat on WhatsApp” button and who is it for?
Answer. It’s an official WhatsApp button for websites, apps, and creators to let users start chats easily. It follows WhatsApp’s branding and is available in multiple sizes and colors.