# WhatsApp

> Connect WhatsApp via the Meta Cloud API for two-way AI support and outbound campaigns. Covers credentials, the inbound webhook, messaging limits, and templates.

The WhatsApp integration connects your Meta Cloud API account to Bookbag. One connection unlocks two capabilities: **inbound** two-way support (customers message you and the agent answers) and **outbound** campaigns (you proactively message customers).

> **PREREQUISITES:** A Meta Business account, a WhatsApp Business phone number on the Cloud API, and a system-user access token with messaging permissions.

## What it unlocks

| Capability | Where it's used |
| --- | --- |
| Two-way AI support | The agent answers inbound WhatsApp messages. See [WhatsApp channel](/docs/deploy/whatsapp). |
| Outbound campaigns | Proactively message audiences with templates. See [Outbound campaigns](/docs/outbound/campaigns). |
| Reply attribution | Replies to a campaign are linked back to it within 72 hours and routed to AI or a human. |

## Connect WhatsApp

1. **Save your credentials** — On the agent's Deploy tab, open the WhatsApp card and enter your Cloud API access token and the Graph messages send URL for your phone number.
2. **Register the inbound webhook** — In your Meta app's WhatsApp configuration, set the callback URL to `https://app.bookbag.ai/channels/whatsapp/webhook`, pick a verify token, and subscribe to the messages field.
3. **Verify automatically** — Meta sends a GET challenge; Bookbag echoes it back to complete the subscription.

## Messaging limits and windows

- **Daily limit** — your account's messaging tier caps how many unique customers you can message per day. Bookbag shows your tier and today's usage in Outbound.
- **24-hour window** — free-form replies are allowed only within 24 hours of the customer's last message; outside it you must send an approved template.

> **TEMPLATES REQUIRED TO INITIATE:** To start a conversation (campaigns, proactive notifications) you must use a pre-approved [WhatsApp template](/docs/outbound/whatsapp-templates).

## What's next

- [WhatsApp channel](/docs/deploy/whatsapp) — Inbound two-way support setup.
- [Outbound campaigns](/docs/outbound/campaigns) — Proactive WhatsApp messaging.
- [WhatsApp templates](/docs/outbound/whatsapp-templates) — Create the templates you send.