> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.botcadence.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp AI Agent

> Enable the WhatsApp inbox channel so inbound chats get AI replies

**WhatsApp AI Agent** is the Channels inbox for WhatsApp. Turn it on after a number in the [WhatsApp hub](/docs/outreach/whatsapp) is **CONNECTED**, so inbound customer chats can get automated replies in [Conversations](/docs/operate/conversations).

Account connection, numbers, templates, catalog, opt-outs, settings, and broadcasts live in the hub — not on this Channels page.

<Info>
  Do not paste Twilio or WATI credentials here. Connect the WABA under [WhatsApp Overview](/docs/outreach/whatsapp).
</Info>

## Prerequisites

* WhatsApp hub connected with at least one **CONNECTED** Cloud API number ([Numbers](/docs/outreach/whatsapp/numbers))
* A published chat [workflow](/docs/build/workflows) for the agent
* Meta payment method on the WABA for outbound templates when needed

## Enable the AI Agent

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm the hub">
    Open **WhatsApp** under **Outreach**. On Overview / Numbers, confirm the phone is **CONNECTED**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Channels">
    In the project sidebar, select **Channels**, then **WhatsApp** (WhatsApp AI Agent).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn the channel on">
    Complete the channel create or enable flow and attach your chat workflow. Save.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  A customer message to your WhatsApp number opens a thread in [Conversations](/docs/operate/conversations), and the agent can reply while the messaging window is open.
</Check>

## Inbox and the 24-hour window

WhatsApp allows free-form agent replies only within **24 hours** of the customer’s last message.

* While the window is open, agents reply normally in [Conversations](/docs/operate/conversations).
* When the window is closed, free-form reply is blocked. Agents can **Send a template** from the conversation (approved templates from the [Templates](/docs/outreach/whatsapp/templates) hub tab), or wait for the customer to message again.
* Customers who reply **STOP** are opted out. Manage them under [Opt-outs](/docs/outreach/whatsapp/opt-outs). Re-opt-in is **RESUBSCRIBE**.

## Agent outbound tool

To let the agent send WhatsApp from the conversation (not only reply in the inbox), enable [Send WhatsApp](/docs/build/workflows/tools/send-whatsapp) on the chat workflow **Tools** tab. The project hub connection is used; there is no Integrations picker.

## Related hub guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp hub" icon="whatsapp" href="/docs/outreach/whatsapp">
    Connect the WABA, check health, and open every hub page.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Broadcasts" icon="bullhorn" href="/docs/outreach/broadcasts">
    Send approved templates to contact lists.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="file-lines" href="/docs/outreach/whatsapp/templates">
    Create and sync Meta message templates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settings" icon="gear" href="/docs/outreach/whatsapp/settings">
    Calling, webhooks, and compliance reminders.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>