WhatsApp

Configure the OwlStack WordPress plugin to send messages via the WhatsApp Business API.

Prerequisites

You need a WhatsApp Business account and access to the WhatsApp Cloud API.

Getting WhatsApp API Credentials

Go to Meta for Developers
Create a new app (choose Business type)
Add the WhatsApp product
Go to WhatsApp > Getting Started
Copy the Access Token (generate a permanent token for production)
Copy the Phone Number ID from the API setup page

Business Verification

For production use, your Meta Business account must be verified. The test mode allows sending to up to 5 numbers.

Settings

Navigate to OwlStack > WhatsApp in the WordPress admin.

Field	Description
Access Token	WhatsApp Cloud API access token
Phone Number ID	The sender phone number's ID from the Cloud API

Step-by-step

Go to OwlStack > WhatsApp in your WordPress admin
Paste your Access Token
Enter your Phone Number ID
Click Save Settings

Testing

After saving your settings:

Click Test Connection to verify your access token and phone number
Click Send Test Message to send a test message
Check the recipient's WhatsApp to confirm the message arrived

Publishing

Once configured, WhatsApp appears as a toggle in the OwlStack meta box on post edit screens.

Programmatic publishing

// Send a message
owlstack()->whatsapp('Hello from WordPress!');

Message Templates

For outbound messages to users who haven't messaged you, WhatsApp requires pre-approved message templates. Consult the WhatsApp Business API documentation for template setup.

Constraints

Constraint	Value
Max message length	4,096 characters
Max media size	16 MB (images), 100 MB (video)
Supported media types	JPEG, PNG, MP4, PDF, OGG audio
Rate limit	Varies by business tier

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
"Unauthorized" error	Access token may have expired; generate a new permanent token
"Phone number not found"	Verify the Phone Number ID from the Cloud API setup
"Template required"	Use a pre-approved message template for outbound messages
Messages not delivered	Check the recipient's number format (include country code)

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