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How to set up WhatsApp Business with AskVault

Written by Joseph Russo, Principal Architect, Networks and Tech, AskVault · Reviewed by Allison Chan
Last updated: · 7 min read

How you connect

AskVault connects to your own WhatsApp Business number through Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API. AskVault doesn't sell or rent WhatsApp numbers. Use a number your business already has, or add a new one in Meta while you connect.

Meta charges for messages (about $0.005 per session message in India, varying by region). AskVault adds no per-message markup; you pay Meta directly. Meta verifies a new business the first time, which can take 24-72 hours.

Connect with one-click Meta setup

  1. Open Channels > WhatsApp in the AskVault dashboard.
  2. Click Continue with Facebook. Facebook opens in a pop-up. If it offers to continue with your previous settings, choose Edit settings so you can pick the right account and number.
  3. Create or pick your WhatsApp Business account, then pick your phone number. A new number gets a one-time code by SMS or voice call.
  4. Finish in the pop-up. AskVault connects to your account and subscribes to incoming messages for you. There is no webhook or token to copy.

Send a test message to your WhatsApp Business number from your personal phone. Within a few seconds the AI agent should reply, grounded in your indexed content.

Twilio and test numbers

Connecting a Twilio WhatsApp sender isn't available in the AskVault dashboard. Some workspaces may still see Twilio's shared sandbox number. It's a test number only: it can't be linked to your agent, so it won't reply to your customers. Disconnect it and connect your own number as above.

Message templates

WhatsApp has two message types: session messages and template messages. Session messages flow freely within a 24-hour window after a customer's last inbound message. Template messages are pre-approved structured messages used to start conversations outside that window.

AskVault sends session messages automatically as part of normal chat replies. For proactive outreach (re-engaging a customer 3 days later, sending a shipping confirmation, etc.), you need a Meta-approved template.

  1. In Meta Business, open WhatsApp > Message Templates.
  2. Click Create Template. Pick a category (Marketing, Utility, Authentication).
  3. Write the template with {{1}}, {{2}} placeholders for dynamic content.
  4. Submit for review. Meta approves utility templates in minutes; marketing templates can take 24-48 hours.
  5. Once approved, send it from the Templates tab of Manage WhatsApp Business on the WhatsApp channel page. Skills and automation rules do not send templates, and there is no public API for it.

Opt-in and compliance

WhatsApp Business has stricter opt-in requirements than SMS. Customers must explicitly consent to receive messages, and you must store proof of consent. Three valid opt-in sources:

  • Web form checkbox at signup: "Yes, send me updates on WhatsApp."
  • First inbound message from the customer to your WhatsApp number (implicit consent for replies).
  • Documented offline opt-in (e.g., a customer ticks a box at a physical retail point of sale).

Don't import contacts and bulk-message them. Meta will suspend your number for unsolicited messaging. AskVault doesn't ship a bulk-WhatsApp feature for this reason.

Common pitfalls

These are the failures we see most often. Check here first if setup isn't working.

  • The Facebook pop-up doesn't open. Allow pop-ups for askvault.co in your browser, then click Continue with Facebook again.
  • Messages come in but agent doesn't reply. Check that the workspace has content indexed and channel is enabled (the green toggle in Channels > WhatsApp).
  • Number not verified by Meta. Meta takes 24-72 hours to verify a new business. You can't go live before that.
  • "This WhatsApp number is already connected to another AskVault workspace." A number can only be connected to one workspace at a time. Disconnect it in the other workspace first. If you can't, because you don't control that workspace, connect the number with the one-click Meta sign-up. That proves your Meta account manages the number, and its messages will then come to your workspace.
  • Production traffic spikes 429s. WhatsApp Cloud API has rate limits scaled to your business tier (Tier 1 = 250 unique conversations per day, scaling up). Request a tier upgrade from Meta if you outgrow it.

FAQ

Can I use the same WhatsApp number for sales and support?

Yes. AskVault routes all inbound messages through the same agent. If you need different agents for different intents (e.g., sales bot vs support bot), set up automation rules that switch the system prompt based on conversation context. Growth+

How much does WhatsApp messaging cost?

Per Meta Cloud API: about $0.005 per session message in India, scaling per region. AskVault doesn't add a per-message markup; you pay Meta directly.

Can the agent send images or PDFs?

Not yet. The agent's WhatsApp replies are text. Sending images and files is rolling out and is not available on WhatsApp today.

Does WhatsApp count against my AskVault message quota?

Yes. Each successful AI-reply on WhatsApp counts as 1 message, same as a website widget message.

Can I keep the conversation in WhatsApp but escalate to a human?

Yes. The escalate_to_human skill, when triggered, switches the conversation from AI to a human agent in your AskVault Live Chat inbox. The customer keeps chatting through WhatsApp; your agent replies through the inbox. Growth+

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