Requires the WhatsApp add-on + an API Platform subscription and a
connected WhatsApp Business number. See WhatsApp.
1. Receive inbound messages
Subscribe a webhook to thewhatsapp_message_received event:
2. Decide a reply
3. Reply (mind the 24-hour window)
Because the contact just messaged you, the 24-hour window is open, so a free-formtext reply is allowed:
GET /v4/whatsapp/templates.
4. Track delivery (optional)
Subscribe towhatsapp_message_status to know when your replies are
delivered/read/failed, correlated by the waMessageId the send returned.
Staying within WhatsApp’s rules
- You need opt-in to message a contact; no unsolicited messaging.
- Free-form messages only inside the 24h window; pre-approved templates anytime.
- General-purpose AI assistants are not allowed on the WhatsApp Business Platform. Business-scoped automation (customer service, order/contract/logistics Q&A) is fine — keep any automation scoped to your business process.
- WhatsApp message data must not be used to train third-party AI models.