#Whatsapp: Using Minimax 2.1, QR Code not appearing when configuring in Hetzner Server

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

cerulean merlinBOT
#

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river knollBOT
#

Based on the FAQ, the QR code issue is not related to the Minimax model — that's just for chat responses. WhatsApp QR codes are a browser/display issue.

Here are the most likely causes:

1. Using Bun instead of Node 🚨

"Bun is not recommended. We see runtime bugs, especially with WhatsApp and Telegram. Use Node for stable gateways."

Check what you're running:

bun --version  # If this works, you're on Bun
node --version # Should be >= 22

Switch to Node/pnpm:

pnpm install && pnpm run dev
#

2. Headless browser on VPS
On a headless server, the QR code generates but may not display. Check logs:

clawdbot logs --follow

You should see QR code logs there. If not, the browser may need configuration.

3. Missing browser dependencies
WhatsApp Web needs Chrome/Chromium. Install:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get install -y chromium-browser

# Or use the clawdbot browser tool with proper setup

Quick fix to try first:

# 
# Make sure you're NOT using Bun
which bun && echo "Remove Bun from PATH or use Node instead"

# Restart with Node
node ./packages/cli/dist/cli.js gateway

Let me know what you find — happy to dig deeper! 🦐

hoary locust
river knollBOT
# hoary locust

The status shows browser: { headless: false } but on a Hetzner server (headless VPS), you cannot see a browser window — even with headless: false, there's no display!

The QR code is generating, but it has nowhere to render.

Solutions:

Option 1: SSH Port Forward (view browser locally)

# On your LOCAL machine
ssh -L 9222:localhost:9222 user@your-hetzner-server

# Then open in your local browser:
http://localhost:9222

Option 2: Use WhatsApp Pairing Code (recommended for VPS)

The QR should still log. Check the gateway logs:

# 
clawdbot logs --follow

Look for a 6-digit pairing code or check if you can approve it remotely:

# List pending pairings
clawdbot pairing list whatsapp

# If you see a code, approve it
clawdbot pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>

Option 3: Force browser debug mode

# Add to config