Platform Guides
WhatsApp Channel Setup
Connect your WhatsApp Business account for AI-powered messaging automation in about 25 minutes.
Prerequisites
- A Flametalk account with an agent created
- A Meta Business account (create one)
- A phone number for WhatsApp Business (not already registered)
- ~25 minutes of your time
Phone Number Requirement
The phone number you use cannot be registered with regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. You'll need a fresh number dedicated to this integration.
How WhatsApp Channels Work
WhatsApp channels let your AI agent handle conversations via WhatsApp Business API. Messages are processed in real-time, and your agent can respond with text, handle inquiries, and even send templates.
2B+
Monthly Active Users
24/7
Automated Responses
Encrypted
End-to-End Security
Create WhatsApp Channel
- a
Navigate to Channels in the sidebar.
- b
Click + New Channel.
- c
Select WhatsApp as the channel type.
- d
Enter a name for your channel (e.g., "Support WhatsApp").
Connect Meta Business
- a
Click Connect with Meta button.
- b
Log in to your Meta Business account in the popup.
- c
Grant Flametalk the required permissions to manage WhatsApp Business.
- d
Select your WhatsApp Business Account (or create a new one).
OAuth Permissions
Flametalk requires permissions to send/receive messages and manage your WhatsApp Business profile. Your credentials are securely stored and never shared.
Register Phone Number
- a
Enter your phone number in international format (e.g., +1 555 123 4567).
- b
Choose verification method: SMS or Voice call.
- c
Enter the 6-digit verification code you receive.
- d
Wait for registration confirmation (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
Connect Your Agent
- a
In the channel settings, select your agent from the dropdown.
- b
Configure conversation settings:
- • Session timeout (default: 24 hours)
- • Greeting message for new conversations
- • Away message for off-hours
- c
Click Save.
Test Your Channel
- a
Open WhatsApp on your personal phone.
- b
Send a message to your new WhatsApp Business number.
- c
Verify your agent responds appropriately.
- d
Check the conversation in the Flametalk dashboard.
Channel Active!
Your WhatsApp channel is now live. Customers can message you and receive AI-powered responses 24/7.
WhatsApp Business Policies
Meta has specific policies for WhatsApp Business API. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
24-Hour Messaging Window
You can only send free-form messages within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After that, you must use approved templates.
Message Templates
Proactive messages outside the 24-hour window require pre-approved templates. Templates must be submitted for Meta review.
Business Verification
For higher message limits, you'll need to verify your business with Meta. This includes submitting business documents.