WhatsApp Business
Connect your AI agent to WhatsApp Business via the Meta Cloud API — no extra monthly fee, no middleman.
Simple Agent integrates directly with the Meta Cloud API (WhatsApp Business Platform). Your agent responds to WhatsApp messages with the same knowledge as the web widget — no duplicate training required.
Prerequisites
Before you start, you need:
- Meta Business Account — free at business.facebook.com
- Dedicated phone number — the number cannot be active in another WhatsApp app. It can be a new SIM or a VoIP line.
- Simple Agent Growth or Agency plan — channels are available on these plans.
Setup in the dashboard
1. Create the Meta app
- Go to developers.facebook.com → My Apps → Create App
- Select Business as the type
- Choose your Meta Business Account
- Inside the app, add the WhatsApp product
2. Get credentials
In your Meta app panel, go to WhatsApp → Configuration:
| Field | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Phone Number ID | WhatsApp → Configuration → Phone Number |
| WhatsApp Business Account ID | WhatsApp → Configuration → Account |
| Temporary Access Token | Temporary token (replace with a permanent token in production) |
3. Connect in Simple Agent
- In your agent dashboard → Channels → WhatsApp
- Paste the Phone Number ID, WABA ID, and Access Token
- Click Save and generate Webhook URL
The system displays:
Webhook URL: https://simple-agent.me/api/v1/webhooks/whatsapp/ag_xxx
Verify Token: agt_verify_xxxxxxxxxxxx
4. Configure the webhook in Meta
- In the Meta panel → WhatsApp → Configuration → Webhooks
- Click Edit and paste the URL and Verify Token above
- Check the fields:
messages - Click Verify and save
A verification request is sent immediately — Simple Agent responds to the challenge automatically.
Test the integration
After saving, send a message to the configured number via WhatsApp. The response should arrive in under 3 seconds.
Tip: Use Meta's test number (available in WhatsApp → Configuration) to avoid verifying the real number during initial testing.
Agent behavior
- Text: Responded directly as a text message
- Audio (voice note): Automatically transcribed via Whisper and processed as text
- Image: Analyzed when the vision channel is enabled — useful for support with product/error photos
- PDF document: Read and incorporated into the response
- Other types (video, location): The agent responds with a configurable fallback message
Meta limits and costs
Meta charges per conversation window (not per message). Prices vary by country:
- Marketing conversations initiated by the business: ~$0.04 per conversation (US)
- Service/utility conversations initiated by the user: ~$0.01 (US)
- Replies within the 24-hour window: no additional cost
Simple Agent adds no markup on these costs — you pay Meta directly.
Display name on the number
To show your company name on WhatsApp (verified badge), complete Business Verification in Meta Business Suite. The process takes 3–7 business days and requires official business documentation.
Troubleshooting
Webhook doesn't verify:
- Confirm the URL is publicly accessible (not localhost)
- Check that the Verify Token is copied without extra spaces
Messages arrive but no response:
- Check that the Access Token hasn't expired (temporary tokens last 24 hours)
- Switch to a permanent System User Token: Meta → Settings → System Users
Error 130429 (rate limit):
- You've exceeded the message limit per phone number per second. Simple Agent automatically queues and reprocesses within up to 5 seconds.
Advanced settings
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome message | Sent automatically on the user's first message |
| Business hours | Outside hours, the agent replies with a customizable "offline" message |
| Human handoff | If the user types "human" or "agent", the agent ends the conversation and notifies via webhook |
| Auto language | Detects the language of the first message and replies in the same language |