Connect WhatsApp Cloud API

This is the official WhatsApp integration through Meta's Cloud API. It requires a Meta Business account, but it is the right choice for production.

What you need from Meta

Create an app at Meta for Developers and add the WhatsApp product. Then collect:

1. Create the channel in Chatku

1. Open Settings → Channels → Add Channel → WhatsApp Cloud API (Official).
2. Fill in Phone Number ID and Access Token (App Secret optional for testing).
3. Save.

2. Register the webhook in Meta

After saving, Chatku shows a webhook guide with two values:

• Callback URL — https://your-domain.com/webhooks/whatsapp
• Verify Token — generated automatically (use the copy button)

In Meta: WhatsApp → Configuration → Webhook → Edit → paste both → Verify and Save → then subscribe to the messages field.

3. Assign an agent & test

Assign yourself to the channel, then send a WhatsApp message to your business number. It appears in Conversations; reply from the dashboard and it goes back out.

Using the test number

Meta gives you a free test number. Important limits:

• It can only message recipient numbers you add and verify (max 5), under API Setup → To → Manage phone number list (verify with the OTP sent to WhatsApp).
• Messages to numbers not on that list return accepted from the API but are never delivered.

The 24-hour window

Once a customer messages you first, you have 24 hours to reply with free-form text. To start a conversation or reply after 24 hours, you must use an approved message template.

Troubleshooting: if a message is accepted but not received, check WhatsApp Manager → Insights for the delivery status and error code (e.g. 131030 = recipient not in the allowed list).