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System Requirements

Before installing Baileys, ensure your system meets these requirements:
  • Node.js: Version 20.0.0 or higher
  • Package Manager: npm, yarn, pnpm, or bun
  • Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Windows
Baileys requires Node.js 20+ due to its use of modern JavaScript features and native modules.

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Installing Baileys

Choose your preferred package manager to install Baileys: 
npm install @whiskeysockets/baileys

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Edge Version (Latest Features)

If you want the latest features and fixes (with no stability guarantee), install directly from GitHub: 
npm install github:WhiskeySockets/Baileys
The edge version may contain breaking changes and unstable features. Use in production at your own risk.

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Optional Dependencies

Baileys has several optional dependencies that enable additional features: To generate link previews in messages: 
npm install link-preview-js

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Media Thumbnail Generation

For automatic thumbnail generation in images and stickers, install one of: 
npm install jimp
sharp is faster and more memory efficient, but requires native compilation. jimp is pure JavaScript and works everywhere.

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Video Thumbnail Generation

For video thumbnails, install ffmpeg on your system: 
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ffmpeg

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Audio Processing

For audio format conversion (optional): 
npm install audio-decode

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TypeScript Setup

Baileys is written in TypeScript and includes full type definitions. For TypeScript projects, no additional setup is required.

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Importing in Your Project

import makeWASocket from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'

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Verification

Verify your installation by creating a simple test file:
test.ts
import makeWASocket from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'

console.log('Baileys imported successfully!')
console.log('makeWASocket is a', typeof makeWASocket)
Run it: 
npx tsx test.ts
You should see: 
Baileys imported successfully!
makeWASocket is a function

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Breaking Changes Notice

Version 7.0.0 introduced multiple breaking changes. If you’re upgrading from an earlier version, check the migration guide.

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Next Steps

Quick Start Guide

Create your first connection and send a message

Authentication

Learn about authentication and session management

Socket Configuration

Explore all available configuration options

Example Code

View the complete example implementation

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