Adding WhatsApp Support

Overview

WhatsApp Business API allows you to integrate your AI agent with WhatsApp. This requires a WhatsApp Business account and API access.

Note: WhatsApp Business API is more complex than Telegram or Discord and may require business verification.

Prerequisites

• WhatsApp Business Account
• Facebook Business Manager account
• Verified business (for production use)
• WhatsApp Business API access

Getting WhatsApp Business API Access

There are two main approaches:

Option 1: WhatsApp Cloud API (Recommended)

1. Go to Meta for Developers
2. Create or select an app
3. Add WhatsApp product
4. Follow setup wizard
5. Get your API credentials

Option 2: Business Solution Provider (BSP)

Work with an official WhatsApp BSP like:

• Twilio
• MessageBird
• 360Dialog

These providers handle infrastructure and provide easier setup.

Configuration in AgentClaw

Add these environment variables based on your provider:

For WhatsApp Cloud API

WHATSAPP_PHONE_NUMBER_ID=your_phone_number_id WHATSAPP_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_access_token WHATSAPP_VERIFY_TOKEN=your_verify_token WHATSAPP_BUSINESS_ACCOUNT_ID=your_business_account_id

For Twilio

TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID=your_account_sid TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN=your_auth_token TWILIO_WHATSAPP_NUMBER=whatsapp:+14155238886

Webhook Setup

WhatsApp requires a webhook for receiving messages:

1. In WhatsApp Configuration, set webhook URL to:

   https://your-instance.agentclaw.app/webhook/whatsapp

2. Add verify token (matches WHATSAPP_VERIFY_TOKEN)
3. Subscribe to messages webhook events

Testing

1. Save configuration and restart instance
2. Send a WhatsApp message to your business number
3. Bot should respond via AI
4. Check logs for webhook events

Limitations & Pricing

• Message templates: First message to user must use approved template
• 24-hour window: Can send free-form messages within 24h of user message
• Costs: WhatsApp charges per conversation (separate from AgentClaw)
• Verification: Business verification required for production

Next Steps

• Review WhatsApp Business API docs
• Learn about Telegram integration (simpler alternative)
• Read about managing API keys