> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chattermate.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp

> Connect WhatsApp Business to ChatterMate through the official Meta Cloud API so your AI agent answers customers on WhatsApp, with 24-hour windows and templates handled.

# WhatsApp

<Info>
  **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.
</Info>

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.

## 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.

## Step 1 — Set up a Meta app

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Business app">
    Go to [developers.facebook.com](https://developers.facebook.com) → **My Apps → Create App** → type **Business**. Name it (e.g. "Acme Support").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Business Verification">
    In [business.facebook.com](https://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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2 — Copy your WhatsApp credentials

From **WhatsApp → API Setup** in the app dashboard:

| Credential                                    | Where to find it                                                                                        |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Phone number ID**                           | Shown next to your WhatsApp number (a numeric ID, not the phone number itself).                         |
| **Access token**                              | Generate 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.                                              |

## 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).

## Step 4 — Connect in ChatterMate

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the WhatsApp card">
    Go to **Settings → Integrations** and click **Connect** on the **WhatsApp** card (self-hosted / once available).
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign an AI agent">
    Choose the AI agent that answers WhatsApp and click **Assign agent**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>