# WhatsApp will not link

Match the message you got in WhatsApp or on Connections to the step that fixes it.

Updated 27 Oct 2026 · Admin and member

## How linking works

[Link your WhatsApp number](/help/getting-started/link-your-whatsapp-number) has the full steps. In short:

On **Connections**, find the **WhatsApp** card and choose **Connect WhatsApp**. RareMachine shows a code. You send that code from the WhatsApp number you want to link, and the card changes to **Connected**.

[Conversation: A sample WhatsApp conversation in which a code is sent from the wrong number]

When it does not work, RareMachine answers in WhatsApp, on the **Connections** card, or both. Find your message below.

## Messages in WhatsApp

### The code expired

`that code's expired. grab a fresh one from Connections in the dashboard and try again.`

Fix: on **Connections**, choose **Connect WhatsApp** again to get a new code, and send it from your phone.

### The message came from a different number

`hmm, that link was meant for a different number — mind starting over from the browser?`

On the card you will see `That message came from a different number than the one you entered. Start again with the right number.`

Fix: send the code from the same number you typed in the **WhatsApp number (optional)** box, or leave the box empty and start again.

### The number is linked to another account

`that number's already linked to a different account — if that's not right, ask your admin to revoke the old link.`

On the card you will see `That number is already linked to another account. Ask your admin to revoke the old link first.`

Fix: an owner or admin opens **Settings**, then **Members**, opens the menu on the person who holds the old link, and chooses **Revoke WhatsApp number…**. Then you start again.

### Too many tries

`that's a lot of tries in a short window — give it a few minutes and start over.`

Fix: wait a few minutes, then choose **Connect WhatsApp** for a fresh code.

### This number is not linked to a workspace

`hi! this number isn't linked to a workspace yet. ask your admin to invite you, then connect WhatsApp from Connections in the dashboard.`

Fix: you are messaging from a number that is not linked. Join your workspace first, then link the number on **Connections**.

## Messages on the Connections card

- `That code expired before the message arrived. Generate a new one.` Choose **Connect WhatsApp** again.
- `Something went wrong on our side. Please try again.` Try again in a minute.
- `The connection was interrupted. We are reconnecting to check the result; this code is still active.` Keep the page open. Send the code if you have not, or choose **Cancel link** to stop.
- `Could not copy the code. Select and copy it manually.` Select the code and copy it by hand, or choose **Open WhatsApp** to send it with the code already filled in.
- `This workspace has no WhatsApp number connected yet. Ask a Whitesense admin to connect one first.` The workspace has no business number to message yet. Ask your admin, or [contact support](/support).

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a code last?

A code is short-lived. While you wait, Connections shows how many minutes are left. When it runs out, generate a new code.

### Do I have to type my number?

No. The number field is optional. If you enter one, the code must come from that number. If you leave it empty, RareMachine learns the number from the message you send.

### Can an admin link a number for me?

No. A number is linked only by a message sent from that phone. An admin can revoke a link, but cannot create one.