WhatsApp Setup
Argonautas supports two-way WhatsApp messaging. Once connected, WhatsApp messages from guests appear in your unified inbox alongside email, SMS, and OTA messages. This guide covers the full setup process, message template requirements, and troubleshooting.
Overview
WhatsApp Business API is the foundation for professional WhatsApp communication. Unlike the consumer WhatsApp app, the Business API allows your team to manage conversations from a shared inbox, send template messages, and automate responses -- all without tying the channel to a single phone. Argonautas connects to your WhatsApp Business account to handle number provisioning, message routing, and delivery.
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Business number | A phone number registered (or registerable) with WhatsApp Business. This can be a new number or an existing one -- but it cannot be currently in use with the consumer WhatsApp app. |
| Messaging provider account | An active account with our WhatsApp messaging provider, with API access. Your API key must have these permissions: Channels Sending and Receiving, Contacts API Access, Numbers API Access, Template Management, Webhook Subscription Management, Channels Viewer, Conversations API Access. Contact support if you need help obtaining credentials. |
| Facebook Business Manager | A verified Meta Business account linked to your WhatsApp Business profile. WhatsApp Business API requires Meta verification. |
| Argonautas admin access | You need admin privileges to configure messaging channels in Settings. |
Connecting Your Number
Step 1: Configure Provider Credentials
- Navigate to Settings > Messaging in Argonautas.
- In the WhatsApp section, click Connect WhatsApp.
- Enter your API Key and Workspace ID. These are found in your messaging provider's dashboard under API Settings.
- Click Verify Connection to confirm the credentials are valid.
Step 2: Select Your Number
Once credentials are verified, Argonautas queries your messaging workspace for available WhatsApp numbers:
- A list of registered numbers appears in the connection modal.
- Select the number you want to connect.
- Click Connect.
The system creates the necessary channel connector and webhook subscriptions automatically. You do not need to configure webhooks manually.
[Screenshot: The Connect WhatsApp modal showing verified credentials and a list of available numbers to connect.]
Step 3: Verify the Connection
After connecting, the WhatsApp section in Settings > Messaging shows:
- Status: Connected (green indicator)
- Number: Your connected WhatsApp Business number
- Channel ID: The channel identifier (useful for support requests)
To confirm everything works end to end, send a test message (see Testing below).
Message Templates
WhatsApp Business API requires pre-approved message templates for initiating conversations with customers. You can reply freely within a 24-hour window after the customer's last message, but starting a new conversation or messaging after the window closes requires a template.
Template Rules
- Templates must be submitted to Meta for approval through our messaging provider.
- Approval typically takes 24-48 hours.
- Templates can include dynamic variables (e.g., guest name, check-in date, property name) that are filled in at send time.
- Templates must follow Meta's content policies -- no promotional content in utility templates, no misleading information.
Common Templates for Property Management
| Template Name | Use Case | Example Content |
|---|---|---|
| Booking confirmation | Sent when a new booking is confirmed | "Hi , your reservation at from to is confirmed." |
| Pre-arrival info | Sent 1-2 days before check-in | "Welcome! Here are your check-in instructions for ..." |
| Post-checkout follow-up | Sent after departure | "Thank you for staying at . We hope you enjoyed your visit." |
| Payment reminder | Sent when balance is due | "Hi , a payment of is due for your upcoming stay." |
Templates are managed in Settings > Messaging > Templates. Create the template content in Argonautas, and it is submitted to Meta for approval.
Testing the Connection
After setup, verify that messages flow correctly in both directions:
- Inbound test: Send a WhatsApp message from a personal phone to your connected Business number. The message should appear in the Argonautas Inbox within seconds.
- Outbound test: From the Inbox, reply to the test message. The reply should arrive on the personal phone as a WhatsApp message from your Business number.
- Template test: If you have approved templates, use the compose feature to send a template message to a test number. Verify the template renders correctly with variables filled in.
If any step fails, check the troubleshooting section below.
Troubleshooting
Messages Not Arriving in the Inbox
Check webhook configuration. Argonautas registers webhooks automatically during setup. If webhooks were accidentally removed, disconnect and reconnect the WhatsApp channel in Settings > Messaging to re-register them.
Check API key permissions. The API key must include "Channels Sending and Receiving" and "Webhook Subscription Management" permissions. Missing permissions will prevent message delivery.
Check your provider's dashboard. Verify the channel shows as active. If the provider reports delivery failures, the issue is upstream of Argonautas.
Outbound Messages Failing
24-hour window expired. If more than 24 hours have passed since the customer's last message, you must use an approved template to re-initiate the conversation. Freeform messages will be rejected by WhatsApp.
Template not approved. Check the template's approval status in Settings > Messaging > Templates. Pending or rejected templates cannot be sent.
Number not verified. If your Meta Business account verification is incomplete, WhatsApp may restrict outbound messaging. Complete verification in Meta Business Manager.
Connection Shows as Disconnected
API key expired or revoked. Generate a new API key in your provider's dashboard and update it in Settings > Messaging.
Workspace issue. Verify the workspace ID is correct and the workspace is active. The provider occasionally requires re-authentication after billing or plan changes.
Reconnect the channel. If credentials are correct but the connection remains inactive, disconnect the WhatsApp channel and reconnect it. This re-registers all connectors and webhooks.
Messages Delivered but No Read Receipts
Read receipts (teal double checkmarks) depend on the recipient's WhatsApp privacy settings. If a guest has disabled read receipts on their phone, messages will show as delivered (gray double checkmarks) but never as read. This is normal WhatsApp behavior and not a system issue.
Key Concepts
- 24-hour window -- WhatsApp's rule that allows freeform replies only within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After that, only approved templates can be sent.
- Message template -- A pre-approved message format required for initiating conversations or messaging outside the 24-hour window.
- Webhook -- An automated HTTP callback used to push incoming messages to Argonautas in real time.
Common Questions
Can I use my existing WhatsApp number? Yes, but the number must be migrated to the WhatsApp Business API. This means it will no longer work with the consumer WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business apps. The migration is handled through your messaging provider and Meta Business Manager.
How many WhatsApp numbers can I connect? You can connect one WhatsApp number per company in Argonautas. If you manage multiple brands or companies, each can have its own number.
Do guests need to save my number to message me? No. Guests can message your WhatsApp Business number directly. However, having your number saved makes it easier for guests to find and message you.
What happens if the messaging provider has an outage? Inbound and outbound WhatsApp messages will be delayed until the outage resolves. Messages are queued and delivered once connectivity is restored. Contact support for real-time status updates.
Can I send WhatsApp messages to guests who booked through Airbnb? Only if you have the guest's phone number and they have initiated a WhatsApp conversation with you (or you have an approved template to contact them). OTA privacy policies may limit phone number availability.
Related
- Messaging Guide -- The unified inbox and conversation management.
- SMS Setup -- Connecting SMS channels.
- Settings: Messaging -- All messaging channel configuration options.