Fix: WhatsApp Bot 401 Authentication Error
How to fix "WhatsApp Bot 401 Authentication Error". Step-by-step troubleshooting guide with solutions.
401 = unauthorised, your stored session credentials no longer authenticate against WhatsApp. Always solvable by re-pairing.
Confirm the symptoms
- Dashboard log shows "401 Unauthorized".
- Bot disconnects right after.
30-second quick fix
- Re-pair with pairing-code flow.
Root causes
1. Credentials rotated
WhatsApp rotated session keys server-side.
- Re-pair.
2. Account password-protected (rare)
If WhatsApp enabled an extra security layer.
- Disable that or re-pair after configuring.
Detailed resolution
- 1
Re-pair with pairing code
BotWave โ Sessions โ Reconnect โ pairing code.
Expected result
No more 401 errors; bot operational.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose config?
No.
Still stuck?
Open a support ticket from the dashboard and we will look at your session logs directly.
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