WhatsApp setup

Connect a bot to WhatsApp through Meta's WhatsApp Business Cloud API so it can answer customer messages, scoped to that bot's knowledge base.

1. Create a Meta app

1. Go to the Meta for Developers dashboard and create a new app of type Business.
2. Add the WhatsApp product to the app and link it to a Meta Business account.
3. Meta provisions a test phone number automatically; add your own business number when you're ready for production.

2. Collect your credentials

From the WhatsApp → API Setup and app settings pages, gather:

• Phone number ID (phone_number_id) — identifies the number your bot sends from.
• Permanent access token — generate a System User token in Business Settings so it doesn't expire like the temporary one.
• App secret — found under App Settings → Basic; used to verify incoming webhook signatures.
• A verify token — a random string you invent; you'll enter the same value here and in the dashboard.

3. Paste the credentials into your bot

In the Atomic Support dashboard, open your bot (make sure its platform includes WhatsApp) and, under the WhatsApp section, enter the phone number ID, permanent access token, app secret, and your chosen verify token, then save.

4. Point Meta's webhook at Atomic Support

In the Meta app under WhatsApp → Configuration, set the Callback URL to:

<API_BASE>/api/whatsapp/webhook

Enter the same verify token you saved in the dashboard, then click Verify and save. Finally, subscribe the app to the messages webhook field so incoming messages are delivered.

5. Talk to it

Message your WhatsApp business number from any phone. The bot answers strictly from that bot's uploaded knowledge base, and politely declines when a question isn't covered. The connection shows a green dot in the dashboard once Meta has verified the webhook.