Sometimes you only need to message a seller, mechanic or delivery rider once. You don’t have to save their number. Here are the easy ways.

  1. Open Chrome or any browser.
  2. Type wa.me/233 followed by the number without the first 0. Example: 024 123 4567 becomes wa.me/233241234567.
  3. Tap Continue to chat. WhatsApp opens a chat with that number.
Number on paperwa.me link
024 123 4567wa.me/233241234567
020 987 6543wa.me/233209876543
+44 7700 900123 (UK)wa.me/447700900123

Method 2: Paste the number into your own chat

  1. Open the Message yourself chat (start a new chat and pick your own name).
  2. Paste or type the number and send it to yourself.
  3. Tap the number in the message and choose Chat with (or “Message on WhatsApp”).

Method 3: Scan their QR code

If you are with the person, ask them to open WhatsApp Settings → tap the QR icon next to their name. Scan it with your WhatsApp camera to start a chat.

Tip for businesses

Put your own wa.me link on flyers and social media so customers can reach you in one tap. You can turn it into a QR code too: create a QR code for free.

Scam alert: fraudsters share wa.me links promising jobs, loans or prizes. Never send money or codes to people you met through such links.

You can pre-fill a message: wa.me/233241234567?text=Hello%20I%20want%20to%20order. Businesses use this on websites so customers tap once and send. Spaces become %20.

Problems and fixes

  • “Phone number shared via url is invalid”: you included the 0 or a + sign. Use 233 then the 9 digits.
  • Link opens a web page, not the app: tap “Continue to chat”, then “Open WhatsApp”. Make sure WhatsApp is installed and updated.
  • No profile photo or name shows: normal for unsaved numbers if their privacy is set to contacts only.

On a computer

The same wa.me link works on a laptop: it opens WhatsApp Desktop or WhatsApp Web. See use WhatsApp on your computer.

Privacy tip

When you message an unsaved number, they see your number and profile photo (depending on your settings). For one-off business chats, consider limiting your profile photo to My contacts.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

How do I WhatsApp a number without saving it?

Open wa.me/233XXXXXXXXX in your browser (233 plus the number without the first 0), then tap Continue to chat.

What is the correct Ghana number format for wa.me?

233 followed by the 9-digit number without the leading 0. For 024 123 4567 use wa.me/233241234567.

Can I message myself on WhatsApp?

Yes. Search your own name or number in a new chat; WhatsApp lists it as “Message yourself”.

Is wa.me safe?

Yes, it is WhatsApp’s official click-to-chat link. Be careful with wa.me links from strangers that promise money or jobs.

Sources