> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.instaforge.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp and Messenger

> The same assistant, with the same knowledge, rules and question flows, on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

The assistant can answer on **WhatsApp** and **Facebook Messenger** too, with the same knowledge, rules, question flows and bookings. All conversations land in the same inbox with a channel badge.

<Frame caption="WhatsApp and Messenger: how to connect (1) and the details to paste (2)">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/instaforge/HVDnlmyBMfIyfa_y/images/channels.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HVDnlmyBMfIyfa_y&q=85&s=95030173e28ce19838bd4510839c4c2b" alt="WhatsApp and Messenger: how to connect (1) and the details to paste (2)" width="1950" height="252" data-path="images/channels.png" />
</Frame>

## Before you start

Both need an app on **Meta for Developers** (it can be the one used for Instagram). WhatsApp also needs a WhatsApp Business number on the WhatsApp Cloud API.

## Connect WhatsApp

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add WhatsApp to the Meta app">
    Add the WhatsApp product and register the business's number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the IDs">
    Copy the **phone number ID** and the **WhatsApp Business Account ID** from WhatsApp → API setup, and paste them (2).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a permanent token">
    In Business settings, create a system user with WhatsApp permissions and generate a permanent access token. Paste it with the **App secret** (App settings → Basic).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the webhook">
    In the app's webhook settings, paste the webhook address and verify token shown on the page, and subscribe to **messages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Connect">
    The page shows the number as connected, and WhatsApp messages start arriving in the inbox.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Writing after 24 hours

WhatsApp lets a business write freely for 24 hours after the customer's last message. After that, only an approved **template** can be sent. Add a template name and language code so reminders, follow-ups and broadcasts can still reach WhatsApp customers.

## Connect Messenger

The steps are the same: add Messenger to the Meta app, connect the business's Facebook Page, paste the Page ID and a Page access token, and set the webhook.

<Info>
  WhatsApp numbers show in the inbox and on customer cards, so the team can call back when needed.
</Info>


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