WhatsApp Setup

WhatsApp integration allows your AI employee to communicate via the world's most popular messaging app. Setup and capabilities differ between PicoClaw and Moltis.

Works with both PicoClaw and Moltis, but setup differs significantly.

What You'll Need

• A WhatsApp account (personal or business)
• A phone with WhatsApp installed
• ~10 minutes for setup

PicoClaw WhatsApp Setup

PicoClaw supports two connection methods for WhatsApp: QR Code (whatsapp_native) and Bridge URL.

Connection Methods

PicoClaw Fields

Method 1: QR Code Connection (whatsapp_native)

The simplest way to connect WhatsApp -- similar to WhatsApp Web.

Step 1: Enable WhatsApp Channel

1. Go to your employee's configuration page
2. Find the Channels section
3. Click Add Channel or enable WhatsApp
4. Set connection_method to whatsapp_native

Step 2: Hire or Save

1. Fill in the other required fields (name, model, etc.)
2. Click Hire or Save

Step 3: View QR Code in Logs

1. After the employee is hired/updated, open the employee dashboard
2. In the actions tab, click View Logs
3. The employee logs will display a QR code

Step 4: Scan QR Code

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
2. Go to Settings -> Linked Devices
3. Tap Link a Device
4. Scan the QR code displayed in the logs

Step 5: Confirm Connection

1. Your phone will show the connection request
2. Tap Link to confirm
3. The employee will begin responding to messages

Note: Keep your phone connected to the internet. WhatsApp Web connections require the phone to be online.

Now open WhatsApp and start sending messages in your "You" chat.

Method 2: Bridge URL Connection

For users with existing WhatsApp infrastructure or business accounts.

Step 1: Configure Bridge

1. Go to your employee's configuration page
2. Enable WhatsApp channel
3. Set connection_method to bridge

Step 2: Enter Bridge Details

Step 3: Save and Connect

1. Enter your bridge URL
2. Click Save
3. MakersFuel will connect to the bridge

Moltis WhatsApp Setup

Important: Moltis WhatsApp is post-hire only. You cannot configure WhatsApp during the hiring process. WhatsApp must be set up through the Moltis dashboard after the employee is running.

How to Set Up

1. Hire your Moltis employee (without WhatsApp configured)
2. Wait for the employee to reach Running status
3. Open the Moltis employee dashboard (web UI)
4. Navigate to Settings -> Channels -> Add WhatsApp
5. Follow the on-screen QR code setup

Note: Moltis WhatsApp uses QR code only. Bridge URL is not available for Moltis.

Moltis Fields (configured in Moltis dashboard)

Viewing the QR Code

For Moltis, the QR code is shown in the Moltis dashboard under Settings -> Channels, not in the MakersFuel employee logs.

DM Policy (Moltis)

Features

Message Types

Group Chats

Your employee can participate in group chats:

• Responds to @mentions
• Can be configured to respond to all messages
• Maintains context within the group

Troubleshooting

QR Code Issues

QR code not displaying (PicoClaw):

1. Open employee logs via View Logs in the actions tab
2. Check your internet connection
3. Verify employee is in Running status

QR code not displaying (Moltis):

1. Open the Moltis dashboard
2. Go to Settings -> Channels
3. Ensure WhatsApp was added after hire

QR code expired:

1. Restart the employee to generate a new QR code
2. Scan the new code within 60 seconds

Connection drops frequently:

1. Keep your phone charged and connected to WiFi
2. Ensure WhatsApp app is updated
3. Check phone battery optimization settings

Bridge Issues (PicoClaw only)

Connection failed:

1. Verify bridge URL is correct
2. Check authentication credentials
3. Ensure bridge service is running

Messages not delivering:

1. Check bridge logs for errors
2. Verify phone number format
3. Test with a simple message

General Issues

Employee not responding:

1. Verify the channel is connected
2. Check if sender is allowed (check allow_from for PicoClaw or allowlist for Moltis)
3. Ensure employee is Running

Important Notes

Phone Requirements

For QR code connection (both PicoClaw and Moltis):

• Phone must stay connected to internet
• WhatsApp must remain logged in
• Battery optimization may affect reliability

Rate Limits

WhatsApp has rate limits to prevent spam:

• Be mindful of message frequency
• Avoid bulk messaging
• Use appropriate message delays

Privacy Considerations

Best Practices

Next Steps

• Employee Channels Overview -- Learn about other channels
• Email Setup -- Add Email channel
• Tools & Skills -- Extend capabilities