Connecting WhatsApp
Scenario: You need to connect (or reconnect) your WhatsApp number to Spun so messages flow into your inbox.
Prerequisites
- A phone with WhatsApp installed and logged in
- Desktop browser open to web.spun.com (or your country domain)
- A Windows or Mac computer that stays powered on and online. Every WhatsApp connection runs through Self Proxy, a small program on your own computer, so this is required, not optional.
Connecting for the first time
- Follow the connect screen shown on first login, or click Connect WhatsApp in the banner at the top of the inbox.
- The screen starts with "First, install the Spun Proxy on your home computer." Download the installer for Windows or Mac and run it. Use home Wi-Fi rather than a shared office network. Full steps are in the Self Proxy guide.
- Keep the page open. A checklist tracks Installer downloaded, Computer registered and Waiting for connection. Press Verify now to check right away.
- When asked, a manager confirms your protected country (the country you use WhatsApp from). It takes one click.
- The QR code appears. Scan it with WhatsApp on your phone:
- iPhone: Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device
- Android: ⋮ menu → Linked Devices → Link a Device
- Wait for the green "Connected" badge.
On a phone or tablet?
The connect screen says "This step needs a Windows or Mac computer". Use Email me the link or Copy link and carry on at the computer. An account created in the iPhone app connects WhatsApp from the web login.
TIP
The QR code expires after 60 seconds. If it expires, click Refresh QR to generate a new one.
What happens after connecting
- Recent conversations sync within seconds.
- Older messages load progressively (up to your plan's retention limit).
- Media (images, videos, documents) syncs on demand when you open a chat.
Reconnecting after a disconnect
Spun automatically reconnects in most cases. If the banner says WhatsApp disconnected:
- Check that your Self Proxy computer is switched on, awake and online. If it was off, WhatsApp resumes by itself once it is back.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and confirm it is working normally.
- In Spun, click Reconnect WhatsApp in the connection banner. The reconnect screen diagnoses the cause first and shows the matching step.
The reconnect screen never swaps your channel behind your back. Replacing a channel is always a manual, confirmed action.
What the reconnect screen may tell you
| It says | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Your proxy computer is offline | The computer is off, asleep or disconnected | Turn it on. WhatsApp resumes by itself |
| Tunnel down | The computer is online but its tunnel to Spun is not answering | Restart the Spun Proxy service on that computer or check its firewall. Reloading the channel will not fix this |
| WhatsApp is paused | The computer appears outside your protected country, for example because a VPN was switched on | Turn off the VPN or proxy on that computer. There is nothing to scan or replace, and your number and messages are safe |
| Spun is switching your computer | A backup computer is taking over | Keep the page open. WhatsApp resumes on its own |
| WhatsApp is no longer linked | The phone unlinked Spun | Scan the QR again |
Re-scanning every so often is normal
WhatsApp Web sessions occasionally need a fresh QR scan - for many users about once a week. It depends on your messaging activity and on the server hosting your session.
No computer nearby?
If you are on your phone and have no second screen to scan from, open the Share to Friend tab on the reconnect screen and press Generate Share Link. Open the link on another phone, tablet or computer, enter the passcode shown, and scan the QR that appears there with your WhatsApp phone. Your Self Proxy computer still has to be on for the connection to work.
If it keeps happening
- Change channels when scanning — the Change Channel button on the QR screen moves your session to a different server, which often stops repeated disconnects.
- Check your Self Proxy computer - it must stay on, awake and on a stable home connection. A machine that sleeps or moves between networks causes repeated drops. Adding a backup computer keeps the line up when one machine goes offline.
Channel health indicators
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🟢 Connected | Everything is working |
| 🟡 Reconnecting | Temporary issue, auto-recovering |
| 🔴 Disconnected | Manual intervention needed |
Pro tips
- Multiple devices: WhatsApp supports up to 4 linked devices. Spun uses one slot.
- Phone off? You can stay connected for up to 14 days without your phone being online.
- Business accounts: Both WhatsApp personal and WhatsApp Business accounts work with Spun.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| QR won't scan | Ensure camera permissions are granted; try refreshing the page |
| Disconnects repeatedly | Make sure your Self Proxy computer never sleeps and add a backup computer; scanning with Change Channel moves servers |
| No second screen to scan from | Use the Share to Friend tab and scan from any other phone, tablet or computer |
| "WhatsApp is paused" | Turn off the VPN or proxy on your Self Proxy computer. It resumes by itself |
| Messages delayed | Verify phone has stable internet; check WhatsApp's server status |
| "Already linked to max devices" | Unlink an old device from WhatsApp → Linked Devices |
Related
- Self Proxy - required for every WhatsApp connection
- Settings — WhatsApp health, channels and connection region