This project sets up WAHA (WhatsApp HTTP API) in Docker along with a Python Flask service that:

• Starts WhatsApp sessions automatically on boot.
• Receives webhook events from WAHA.
• Forwards incoming messages to ntfy (except from blocked senders).
• Supports both delayed start (default 2 minutes) and instant start (--instant).

git clone https://github.com/mhamidjamil/waha
cd waha

cp .env.example .env

Make sure Docker is installed, then run:

docker-compose up -d

This will start WAHA at http://localhost:5002.

Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Run with default 2-minute delayed start:

python whatsapp_starter.py

Run with instant start (skip delay):

python whatsapp_starter.py --instant

You can make the Flask service run automatically whenever Windows starts.

1. Press Win + R, type:

   shell:startup
   

   and hit Enter. This opens the Startup folder.

2. Create a new Shortcut inside this folder:

   • Right-click → New → Shortcut.

   • Enter the command to run your script, for example:

     python "C:\path\to\your\repo\whatsapp_starter.py"
     

   • Name it (e.g., WhatsApp Starter).

3. Save and reboot. The script will now run automatically at startup 🎉

• WAHA runs in Docker (docker-compose.yaml).

• Python Flask API:

  • /trigger → manually start WAHA session.
  • /waha → receive WAHA webhooks (messages).

• Blocklist support: add senders (e.g., status) to .env → these messages will only print, not forward to ntfy.

• Logs incoming messages with timestamp.

• Secure API calls with X-Api-Key.

• Make sure ports 5002 (WAHA) and 5000 (Flask) are open.
• Protect your API key! Keep .env private and never commit it.
• If using on a VPS, consider tunneling (e.g., ngrok) to avoid WhatsApp login blocks.