# MessageBird WhatsApp
{% hint style="info" %}
To connect MessageBird WhatsApp, a MessageBird WhatsApp API account is required. Read this [guide](https://developers.messagebird.com/quickstarts/whatsapp/getting-started/?_gl=1*1x6h4p5*_ga*MTk2NzQ0OTk2MC4xNjE0NjU3NTQ1*_ga_5YJ7WT147X*MTYxOTE1OTk2MC4xLjEuMTYxOTE1OTk4NC4w) on how to create a MessageBird WhatsApp API account.
{% endhint %}
In addition to providing SMS services, MessageBird is also an API provider that works directly with WhatsApp as an official partner. MessageBird also provides other services such as phone number purchases and WhatsApp Official API account management.
By integrating MessageBird WhatsApp API, the platform can enable you to respond to WhatsApp messages directly.
{% hint style="warning" %}
This channel has a limited 24-hour messaging window due to WhatsApp regulations. Find out more [here](https://docs.is-messenger.com/ismessenger/messaging-channels/whatsapp/..#messaging-window)!
{% endhint %}
## Connecting MessageBird WhatsApp
**Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings**\
From **Settings** Module, navigate to the menu item, **Channels**
**Step 2: Add Channel**\
Press **Add Channel** and choose **WhatsApp.** Select **MessageBird** on the second step
**Step 3: Sign in to** [MessageBird Dashboard](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/)\
Sign in with your user credentials at MessageBird
**Step 4: Locate the Live API Keys**\
Locate the Live API Keys and add it to the corresponding field at ISMessenger platform.
**Step 5: Configure the Channel**\
At MessageBird, navigate to Channel > [My Channels](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/channels/installed). Select the WhatsApp channel and locate the Channel ID and add it to the corresponding field.
**Step 6: Complete the setup at IS-Messenger**\
Press **DONE** to complete the setup
{% hint style="success" %}
Once you completed the setup, any messages sent to your MessageBird WhatsApp Number will now be received in your Space.
{% endhint %}
## Channel Configuration
{% hint style="info" %}
MessageBird WhatsApp channel can be configured with a unique:\
\- Channel Name\
\- Greeting Message
{% endhint %}
**Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings**\
From **Settings** Module, navigate to the menu item, **Channels**
**Step 2: Locate the MessageBird WhatsApp channel**\
Once you have located the MessageBird WhatsApp channel, press **Configure**
**Step 3: Make the necessary configuration**\
You can configure the following:
* Channel Name - Name used internally to identify the account
* Greeting Message - This message is the first message sent to contact when they message you through MessageBird WhatsApp.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**: As for the other details, take extra note while updating as it might fail to receive messages from your MessageBird WhatsApp account.
{% endhint %}
**Step 4: Update the configuration**\
Press **DONE** to update the channel configuration
### Metadata Received by Channel
Different channels provide different set of Contact’s metadata to IS-Messenger platform. Here’s the list of Contact’s data you’ll be able to obtain from this channel:
* Display name
* Phone number
* Status of the contact
* Unique random ID of the contact created on this channel platform
## Managing WhatsApp Message Templates
Before sending a Template Message to a contact at ISMessenger platform, please ensure you did the following:
* Submitted the message template for approval
* Added the approved message template to space
### Submitting Message Template for Approval
{% hint style="info" %}
If you do not have an approved message template or would like to submit a new message template, please refer to the following guide.
{% endhint %}
**Step 1: Navigate to MessageBird**\
Navigate to the [WhatsApp Template Manager](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/whatsapp-template-manager/) in the WhatsApp Section on the left side of your Message Dashboard.
**Step 2: Press Create Template**\
A dialog containing the fields to create message template will open up
**Step 3: Fill in the required information**
| **Field** | **Description** |
| --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Name | The identifier of the message template in small letters only and spaces need to be replaced with an underscore |
| Category | The category of which the message template belongs to |
| Language | The language of which the message template |
| Content | The full body of the message, with the option to add unique parameters represented as placeholders. |
**Step 4: Submit for approval**\
Review the information and submit it when you are ready
### Adding the Approved WhatsApp Message Template to the Space
Once your Message Template has been approved on MessageBird, you may proceed to add the message template on the ISMessenger platform.
**Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings**\
From **Settings** Module, navigate to the menu item, **Channels**
**Step 2: Locate the MessageBird WhatsApp channel**\
Once you have located the MessageBird WhatsApp channel, press **Templates**
**Step 3: Fill in the required information**
| **Fields** | **Type** | **Description** |
| ---------------- | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Template Name | Text | A name used to identify the template |
| Template Content | Text | The message template approved by WhatsApp and to be sent to the contact |
| Namespace\* | Text | The unique identifier provided by the WhatsApp Partner API |
| Category | Single select | In which category does this template belong to.
Refer here for a list of categories.
|
| Language | Single select | In which language this template is written in |
{% hint style="info" %}
You will receive your namespace by email from MessageBird. If you have not received your namespace, please contact MessageBird support.
{% endhint %}
**Step 4: Save changes**\
Review the information and press **SAVE** when it is ready.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Links**
[Creating message templates](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001853778-Message-Templates)\
[Message template guidelines](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001853918-Message-Templates-guidelines)\
[Message guidelines by WhatsApp](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/message-templates/guidelines)
{% endhint %}
## Troubleshooting
{% hint style="warning" %}
Having trouble with the channel? Contact us [here](http://is-global.com)!
{% endhint %}