The WhatsApp direct message extension allows users to send private messages directly to people on WhatsApp without needing their phone number. This provides more privacy and control over who can message you on WhatsApp. The extension works by creating a unique link that can be shared, which when clicked sends a DM to your WhatsApp account.
How does the WhatsApp direct message extension work?
The WhatsApp direct message extension generates a unique link that when opened will directly message your WhatsApp account. Here is an overview of how it works:
- You first need to enable the direct message extension in your WhatsApp settings.
- Once enabled, a unique link will be created for your account.
- You can share this link anywhere – on your website, social media, business cards, etc.
- When someone clicks your unique link, it will open WhatsApp and pre-fill a message to your account.
- The message will appear directly in your WhatsApp messages as if they had messaged you normally.
So in summary, the extension creates a custom link that acts as a gateway to privately message you on WhatsApp without needing to give out your personal phone number. All you need to do is share your unique link publicly, and anyone who clicks it can directly message you through WhatsApp.
What are the benefits of using the WhatsApp direct message extension?
There are several notable benefits to using the WhatsApp direct message extension for your account:
- Enhanced privacy – You don’t have to give out your personal phone number for people to message you on WhatsApp. The unique link acts as a proxy.
- More control – You can choose exactly where and with whom you share your custom DM link, controlling who can message you.
- Improved customer support – Businesses can share their DM link to let customers easily contact them for support on WhatsApp.
- Targeted messaging – Sharing your link in selective places online allows for more targeted, relevant messages.
- Better organization – Keeps your personal and professional WhatsApp messages separate for more organized messaging.
For both individuals and businesses, the WhatsApp direct message extension provides significant benefits around privacy, control, support, and organization.
How to enable the WhatsApp direct message extension
Enabling the direct message extension for your WhatsApp account is simple and straightforward:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings section.
- Go to the Business Settings option.
- Under Business Settings, tap on the Direct Messages option.
- Toggle “Enable Direct Messages from Unknown Contacts” to the On position.
- Tap Get Started and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
- A unique URL link will be generated for your account. This is your direct message link.
Once the toggle is enabled and you scan the QR code, your unique direct message link will be active. You can find this link within WhatsApp anytime by going back to Business Settings > Direct Messages.
How to find and share your WhatsApp direct message link
Once you have enabled direct messages for your WhatsApp account, here is how to find and share your unique DM link:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Business Settings > Direct Messages.
- Your unique link will be displayed here. Tap to copy it.
- Paste this link anywhere you want to share it publicly – your website, emails, social media bios, etc.
- When sharing the link, you can shorten it using a service like bit.ly if needed.
- Test that your link works by opening it in a private browsing window.
- When someone taps your link on their device, it will open WhatsApp with a new message to your account.
Your direct message link functions similarly to a normal WhatsApp link for chatting except it goes directly to your account every time, without needing to share your personal phone number.
How to customize your WhatsApp direct message link
When you first generate your direct message link, it will be a long randomized URL. However, WhatsApp allows you to customize this link:
- Go to Business Settings > Direct Messages in WhatsApp.
- Tap the edit icon next to your DM link.
- Edit the link to something more memorable and easy to share.
- Try using your name, business name, or username.
- The link must end in .wa.me to work properly.
- Tap OK to save changes and use your new customized direct message link.
Customizing your unique DM link makes it cleaner, shorter, and easier to remember. Just make sure it still ends in .wa.me or the link will break.
Does the WhatsApp direct message extension work on desktop?
Yes, the WhatsApp direct message extension will work seamlessly whether your unique DM link is opened on mobile or desktop devices.
The process works the same:
- When opened on desktop, the link will launch the WhatsApp desktop application.
- It will automatically open a new chat with your account pre-filled.
- The person can then send you a direct message without having your phone number.
- You will receive the message normally in WhatsApp on both mobile and desktop.
So the direct message functionality works directly between mobile apps and desktop apps. It provides the same benefits of privacy, control, and organization regardless of device.
Can someone block or report your WhatsApp direct message link?
Yes, it is possible for someone to block or report your WhatsApp direct message link if they feel it is being abused.
Here is what to keep in mind:
- If someone blocks your link or account, your messages will no longer reach them.
- WhatsApp may ban your link if they detect spam/abuse being sent from it.
- Always follow WhatsApp’s rules and regulations when contacting people via your DM link.
- Make sure to only share your unique link where it is appropriate and relevant.
- Add a disclaimer when publicly sharing your link to avoid misunderstandings.
While useful, the direct message link should be used responsibly. Misuse can lead to blocks, bans, and possible deletion of your WhatsApp account entirely.
Can you create a WhatsApp direct message link for a group?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp currently does not allow creating a direct message link for an entire group. The link only works to message individual accounts.
However, there are a couple workarounds:
- Have people message your individual DM link first.
- Then you can manually add them to the group by their number.
- Alternatively, create a small landing page that collects phone numbers.
- Manually add those signed up numbers to your WhatsApp group.
While not as seamless as a direct group join link, these methods allow you to build up a group via your individual DM link.
WhatsApp may eventually add support for group DM links natively, but for now individual links are the only option.
Can you change your WhatsApp direct message link?
If needed, you can change the direct message link associated with your WhatsApp account. Here is how:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Business Settings > Direct Messages.
- Tap the vertical ellipses menu in the top right corner.
- Choose Regenerate URL from the menu.
- Confirm that you want to regenerate your DM link.
- This will invalidate your old link and create a new one.
- Customize the new link if desired.
- Share the updated link anywhere you previously shared the old one.
Regenerating your direct message link can be useful if your existing link gets too much abuse or spam, if you want to customize it differently, or if it gets accidentally shared widely.
Can you delete or disable your WhatsApp direct message link?
If you no longer want to use the WhatsApp direct message extension, you can delete or disable your unique DM link:
- In WhatsApp, go to Business Settings > Direct Messages.
- Toggle the “Enable Direct Messages from Unknown Contacts” off.
- This will instantly disable your current direct message link.
- For extra security, tap the vertical ellipses and select Delete URL.
- This will permanently delete the link associated with your account.
- Your DM link cannot be reenabled unless you create a brand new one.
Disabling the link instantly makes it stop working. Deleting the link erases it completely. Both options fully remove the functionality until you choose to create a new direct message link.
WhatsApp direct messages extension FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the WhatsApp direct message extension:
Can I create a universal DM link that works for any WhatsApp user?
No, each DM link only works for the specific WhatsApp account it was generated for. There is no universal link.
How many people can message my DM link?
There is no limit. Any number of people can message your account using your unique DM link.
Do DM messages go to my regular WhatsApp messages?
Yes, any messages received via your direct message link will appear like normal conversations in your WhatsApp account.
Can I block someone who messages me via my DM link?
Definitely, you can block or report someone who messages your DM link just as you would any other WhatsApp contact.
Is using the WhatsApp DM extension free?
Yes! Enabling and using the direct message link is completely free as part of WhatsApp.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp direct message extension provides an easy way to allow people to privately contact you on WhatsApp without sharing personal phone numbers. By generating a unique link connected to your account, you can share this link publicly to let anyone direct message you privately.
It is simple to enable in WhatsApp settings and provides benefits like enhanced privacy, more control over your availability, segmentation of your messages, and improved customer support avenues. While useful, be sure to utilize your custom DM link properly and avoid spam or abuse.