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WhatsApp

Coming soon in the hosted app. The WhatsApp card in Settings → Integrations currently shows Soon while ChatterMate finishes Meta app review for the Cloud offering. Self-hosters can already connect with their own Meta app and credentials. This page covers how to get those credentials so you’re ready.
ChatterMate connects to WhatsApp through the official WhatsApp Cloud API from Meta — not an unofficial bridge — so your business number stays compliant and never risks a ban. Your AI agent answers customer messages, and human agents can take over from the inbox.

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How WhatsApp messaging works

WhatsApp enforces a 24-hour customer service window: you can reply freely for 24 hours after the customer’s last message. Outside that window you can only send pre-approved message templates. ChatterMate tracks the window per conversation and tells you when a template is required.

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Step 1 — Set up a Meta app

All three Meta channels (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram) run on one Meta app. Do this once.
1

Create a Business app

Go to developers.facebook.com → My Apps → Create App → type Business. Name it (e.g. “Acme Support”).
2

Business Verification

In business.facebook.com → Business Settings → Security Center, submit your legal business details and a verification document, and verify your domain. This gates production access and takes a few days to ~2 weeks — start it first.
3

Add the WhatsApp product

In the app dashboard, add the WhatsApp product. Meta gives you a test number immediately so you can build before approval.
4

Set the webhook

Under WhatsApp → Configuration, set the callback URL to https://<your-domain>/api/v1/webhooks/meta and the verify token to your META_WEBHOOK_VERIFY_TOKEN. Subscribe to the messages field.

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Step 2 — Copy your WhatsApp credentials

From WhatsApp → API Setup in the app dashboard:
CredentialWhere to find it
Phone number IDShown next to your WhatsApp number (a numeric ID, not the phone number itself).
Access tokenGenerate a permanent token via a System User in Business Settings (temporary tokens expire in 24h).
WhatsApp Business Account ID (optional)The WABA ID — lets ChatterMate auto-subscribe the webhook.

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Step 3 — App Review (to message real customers)

The test number only messages people with a role on the app. To go live, submit App Review for:
  • whatsapp_business_messaging
  • whatsapp_business_management
Include a narrated screencast showing a customer messaging your number and ChatterMate replying. Also complete, per number:
  • Display name review (Business Manager → WhatsApp Accounts → Phone Numbers).
  • Message template approval for anything sent outside the 24-hour window (each template is reviewed individually).

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Step 4 — Connect in ChatterMate

1

Open the WhatsApp card

Go to Settings → Integrations and click Connect on the WhatsApp card (self-hosted / once available).
2

Enter your credentials

Paste the Phone number ID, Access token, and optionally the WhatsApp Business Account ID. ChatterMate stores them encrypted and verifies webhook signatures on every inbound message.
3

Assign an AI agent

Choose the AI agent that answers WhatsApp and click Assign agent.
ChatterMate Cloud will offer WhatsApp Embedded Signup, so you can onboard your own number under ChatterMate’s approved Meta app with a guided popup — no separate app or verification. A BSP (360dialog, Twilio) is an alternative that shortcuts parts of onboarding at a per-message cost.