ChatBotKit can easily integrate with the WhatsApp messaging platform. Our platform provides a seamless experience for your users, allowing them to engage with your chatbot directly on WhatsApp. The integration is easy to set up and provides a reliable way to connect with your audience.
Step-by-step Setup Guide
Before you proceed you will need Meta Business account. Depending on your business account status you may also need to setup payment details get a permanent or a test phone number which is required in subsequent steps.
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Go to ChatBotKit and create a new WhatsApp Integration.
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Type integration name and optional description and press the "Create" button.
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Save the "Callback Endpoint" and "Verify Token" for later.
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Go to Meta Developer Portal and create a new application.
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Select "Other" from the "What do you want your app to do?" screen.
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Select "Business" type app from the list of available options.
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Name your app, type in your email and select your business account. Click the "Create app" button.
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Click the "Setup" button for the WhatsApp Product.
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Click the "Webhooks" block form the "Quickstart" screen.
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Click the "Edit" button to setup a webhook.
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Copy the "Callback Endpoint" and "Verify Token" we saved in step 3 and click on the "Verify and save" button.
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Click the "Manage" button.
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Select only the "messages" field. Click the "Done" button.
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Go to "API Setup" and copy your "Phone number ID". You need to either buy or setup a test phone number if you do not have one already.
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Paste the "Phone Number ID" in ChatBotKit and click the "Save" button.
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Go to your Meta Business to create a new user if you do not have one already.
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Select "System Users" and click on the "Add" button.
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Make sure the "System User Role" is set to "Admin".
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Click on the "Add Assets" button.
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Select the "Apps" type. Select your application from the "Selected assets" list. Finally make sure you select the "Manage app" option under "Full control".
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Finally, we need generate a token. Click the "Generate New Token" button.
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Select your app from the dropdown list. Make sure you also select bot "whatsapp_business_messaging" and "whatsapp_business_management" options from the permissions list. Finally, click the "Generate Token" button.
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Now copy the "Access Token".
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Paste the token in your ChatBotKit integration and press the "Save" button.
Congratulations you have completed the 20 step setup guide!
Chatting with your WhatsApp bot
To start chatting with your WhatsApp bot you need to connect to one of your dedicated or test phone numbers. You can find this information in the API setup settings.
⚠️ WhatsApp Test Phone Numbers
If you are using a test number, make sure that you add your own phone number in the number list otherwise you wont be able to communicate with the test number. To do so navigate to WhatsApp "API Setup" page. Click on the "To" field. Then click on the "Manage phone number list". Add your number. This is an important step if you are using test numbers.
Simply add the number as a contact or type it into the WhatsApp chat search box.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes you may encounter issues with the integration. If your bot is not responding, double-check your setup process and ensure that all the fields were filled in correctly. If the issue persists, please contact our support team for further assistance.
I am not receiving any messages from the WhatsApp bot
If you're not receiving messages from your WhatsApp bot, it may indicate a setup issue. The WhatsApp integration requires careful configuration and attention to details. Here are steps to troubleshoot and ensure your settings are correct:
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Begin by checking the WhatsApp Integration Events for any clues. These events may not show up instantly, so a lack of events might hint at a setup problem.
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The integration process is complex, necessitating exact adherence to instructions.
- Confirm that these have been accurately copied from ChatBotKit to the Meta Developer Portal.
- Ensure these elements are correctly configured.
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Be aware that test numbers are limited. They can only be used with phone numbers previously verified in the Meta Developer Portal. To do so navigate to WhatsApp "API Setup" page. Click on the "To" field. Then click on the "Manage phone number list". Add your number. This is an important step if you are using test numbers.