WhatsApp Stuck at 'Logging In': Connection Issues and Fixes

The Problem

You scan the WhatsApp QR code successfully, but the connection gets stuck at "logging in" and never completes. This is one of the most reported issues in the OpenClaw community.

Why This Happens

Connection Timeout Issue

The waitForWaConnection() function waits for a WhatsApp socket to reach "open" or "close" state, but has no timeout. If the connection enters an intermediate state (perpetual reconnecting, limbo), the promise hangs forever.

Symptoms:

Competing Sessions

If you previously linked a different number and are trying to switch:

Solutions

Solution 1: Clear WhatsApp Credentials

# Stop the gateway
openclaw gateway stop
# Remove WhatsApp credentials
rm -rf ~/.openclaw/credentials/whatsapp
# Restart and try again
openclaw gateway start
openclaw channels login whatsapp

Solution 2: Use Pairing Code Method

Instead of QR code scanning, use the phone number pairing method:

openclaw channels login whatsapp --method pairing-code

This generates a 6-digit code you enter in WhatsApp's "Link with phone number" option.

Solution 3: Check Network Connectivity

Ensure your network allows WebSocket connections:

# Test WhatsApp connectivity
curl -I https://web.whatsapp.com

Some networks block WhatsApp WebSocket traffic. Try:

Solution 4: Verbose Logging

Enable detailed logging to diagnose the issue:

openclaw channels login whatsapp --verbose

Look for:

Prevention Tips

Still Stuck?

If the connection continues to hang, contact our team for hands-on troubleshooting assistance.