WhatsApp Integration
Deploy your AI chatbot on WhatsApp Business to respond to customer messages
The WhatsApp integration allows you to deploy your AI chatbot on WhatsApp Business, enabling customers to interact with your business through WhatsApp messages. Your bot responds instantly to questions using your knowledge base.
Key Features
- One-click setup with Meta's Embedded Signup
- Instant AI-powered responses to WhatsApp messages
- Private chat support for one-on-one customer conversations
- Customizable response tone (professional, friendly, casual, etc.)
- Configurable response delay for message batching
- Automatic message read receipts
- Conversation tracking in your dashboard
- Full conversation history for context-aware responses
Prerequisites
Before setting up the WhatsApp integration, you need:
- A Facebook account
- A WhatsApp Business account (can be created during setup)
- A phone number for WhatsApp Business
You can create a WhatsApp Business account during the setup process if you don't have one.
Quick Setup (Recommended)
The easiest way to connect WhatsApp is using our one-click setup flow.
Start Connection
- Go to Integrations in your FutureBase dashboard
- Click Install on the WhatsApp integration
- Click Connect with WhatsApp to start the setup
Complete Meta Signup
A popup will open for Meta's Embedded Signup:
- Log in with your Facebook account
- Select or create a WhatsApp Business Account
- Add or verify a phone number for your business
- Grant the required permissions
Configure Your Bot
After connecting:
- Choose a Response Tone for your bot
- Set your Response Delay for message batching
- Click Save Settings
That's it! Your WhatsApp chatbot is now live.
Test Your Integration
- Send a message to your WhatsApp Business number
- Your AI chatbot will respond with relevant information from your knowledge base
Manual Setup (Advanced)
If you prefer to set up WhatsApp manually with your own Meta App:
Create a Meta App
- Go to Meta Developer Console
- Click Create App and select Business type
- Enter your app name and connect your Business Account
- Once created, add the WhatsApp product to your app
Configure WhatsApp Business API
- In your app dashboard, go to WhatsApp → API Setup
- You'll see your Phone Number ID - copy this for later
- Under Temporary Access Token, generate or note your access token
- For production, create a permanent System User token:
- Go to Business Settings → System Users
- Create a System User with the
whatsapp_business_messagingpermission - Generate a token for the System User
For production use, we recommend creating a System User token which doesn't expire. Temporary tokens expire after 24 hours.
Connect in FutureBase
- Go to Integrations in your FutureBase dashboard
- Click Install on the WhatsApp integration
- Click the Manual Setup tab
- Enter:
- Phone Number ID: From WhatsApp API Setup
- Access Token: Your permanent System User token or temporary token
- Click Connect to validate your credentials
Configure Webhook in Meta
After connecting, FutureBase provides:
- Callback URL: The webhook endpoint
- Verify Token: The verification token
Configure these in Meta Developer Console:
- Go to your app → WhatsApp → Configuration
- Under Webhook, click Edit
- Enter the Callback URL and Verify Token from FutureBase
- Click Verify and Save
- Subscribe to messages webhook field
The webhook must be configured in Meta for messages to be received. This step is required for manual setup only.
How It Works
- A customer sends a message to your WhatsApp Business number
- WhatsApp forwards the message to FutureBase via webhook
- The AI analyzes the message along with conversation history
- A response is generated using your knowledge base
- The response is sent back to the customer via WhatsApp
Configuration Options
Response Tone
Choose how your bot communicates with customers:
| Tone | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional | Clear, direct, and business-appropriate |
| Friendly | Warm and approachable (default) |
| Supportive | Empathetic and understanding, great for frustrated users |
| Casual | Relaxed and conversational |
| Formal | Traditional, polite, and highly structured |
Response Delay
Configure how long the bot waits before responding (0-30 seconds). This allows the AI to batch multiple messages sent in quick succession into a single response. Default is 2 seconds.
- Set to 0 for immediate responses
- Set to 2-5 seconds to handle users who send multiple messages
Supported Features
Private Chats
The integration supports private customer conversations. Customers can message your WhatsApp Business number directly to get AI-powered responses.
Text Messages
The bot responds to text messages. Other message types (images, documents, voice notes) are acknowledged but not processed.
Conversation History
The AI maintains context from up to 50 previous messages in a conversation, allowing it to understand references to earlier parts of the discussion.
Read Receipts
Messages are automatically marked as read when received, letting customers know their message was received.
Security & Permissions
- Encrypted credentials - Your access token is encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM
- Webhook signature verification - All incoming webhooks are verified using Meta's X-Hub-Signature-256 header
- Minimal data access - The integration only receives messages sent to your business number
- Disconnect anytime - Remove the integration from your dashboard instantly
Keep your access token secure. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control.
Troubleshooting
Best Practices
Setting Up Your Business
- Complete your WhatsApp Business profile with business name, description, and logo
- Verify your business to build customer trust
- Use a professional business phone number
Optimizing Responses
- Keep your knowledge base comprehensive and up-to-date
- Use clear, structured content for better AI comprehension
- Include FAQs and common questions customers might ask
Customer Experience
- Use the "Friendly" or "Professional" tone based on your brand
- Keep response delays low for a responsive feel
- Monitor conversations to identify common questions
Compliance
- Respect WhatsApp's messaging policies and guidelines
- Only message customers who have initiated conversation
- Provide clear opt-out instructions when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help?
Contact our support team at support@futurebase.io or check the Getting Started guide for more information.