---
title: Deploy to WhatsApp
description: "Answer a WhatsApp Business number with a text agent through the Meta Cloud API: create the deployment, then connect the number id and token."
---

<Badge variant="accent">Text agents</Badge>

A WhatsApp deployment *replies on a WhatsApp Business number through the Meta
Cloud API*. Customers message the number; the agent answers, and each number that
writes in is one conversation.

:::note[Before you start]
You need a published text agent and a Meta developer app with **WhatsApp**
added, which gives you a phone number id and an access token. The number must be
registered for the Cloud API and cannot be in use by the WhatsApp Business app on
a phone at the same time.
:::

## Create the deployment

1. **Start the wizard**

    Under **Launch AI Text** choose **New Deployment**, then **WhatsApp**. Picking it moves
    the wizard straight on to the agent.

2. **Pick the agent**

    Choose the text agent under **Agent**. **Next**.

3. **Name it**

    Accept or edit the **Display Name**, then **Create Deployment**. The
    deployment is listed as **Needs setup** with a **Webhook URL**.

![The agent step of New Deployment for WhatsApp.](/media/deploy/new-deployment-whatsapp.webp)

## Connect WhatsApp

Open the deployment and enter what the Meta app provides: the **phone number
id**, a permanent **access token** for a system user with the
`whatsapp_business_messaging` permission, and a **verify token** of your choice.
In the Meta app's WhatsApp configuration, set the webhook **callback URL** to the
deployment's **Webhook URL**, paste the same verify token, and subscribe to the
`messages` field.

## Behaviour and limits

- WhatsApp only lets a business reply within 24 hours of the customer's last
  message; outside that window a reply needs an approved template. The agent
  answers inbound messages, which are always inside the window.
- A number in test mode can only message the recipients you list in the Meta
  app. Go through Meta's business verification before opening it to customers.

## Verify

- The deployment shows **Active**.
- Message the number from a phone. The agent replies and the exchange is listed
  under **Conversations** with the platform `whatsapp`.

## Troubleshooting

- **Meta cannot verify the callback URL.** The verify token in Meta and in the
  deployment differ, or the deployment was not saved first.
- **Messages arrive but replies fail.** The access token expired (temporary
  tokens last 24 hours) or lacks the messaging permission. Use a system-user
  token.
- **Only some phones get replies.** The number is still in test mode with a
  recipient list.

## Related

- [Bot deployments overview](/deploy/bot-deployments/overview)
- [Conversations](/operate/conversations)