# WhatsApp

Connects an agent to a WhatsApp Business phone number via the Meta WhatsApp Business API. Users message the number on WhatsApp; the agent receives and replies through the same thread.

- **Supported agents:** Chatbot
- **Route type:** Conversation

## Before You Start

Complete the following outside OneByZero Neo before configuring this channel:

- A **Meta Business Account** with access to the WhatsApp Business Platform.
- A **WhatsApp Business Phone Number** registered and approved in Meta Business Manager.
- A **System User** created in Meta Business Manager with the phone number assigned.
- A **permanent System User Access Token** generated for that System User.
- The **Phone Number ID** for the registered WhatsApp number (found in WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers).

Your agent must be published with an active version.

## Configuration

**Credentials**

- **System User Access Token** — Permanent access token from Meta Business Manager. Required.
- **Phone Number ID** — The Phone Number ID from your WhatsApp Business account. Required.

**Route Settings**

- **Description** — Optional label for this channel instance.
- **Purpose** — Optional note on when the agent should use this channel.
- **Session Expiry (hours)** — Idle timeout before a conversation session resets. Default: 4. Range: 0.01–48.