# WhatsApp

> Send WhatsApp template messages from your own business number, and follow each one from sent to read.

Nexiom Connect sends WhatsApp messages from your own business number: order updates, appointment reminders, account alerts, and other messages your customers asked to receive. You connect your number once, get your templates approved by WhatsApp, and send with one API request. Every message gets a status you can read or receive as a webhook.

- [Quickstart](/docs/whatsapp/quickstart) Connect a number and send your first WhatsApp message.
- [Key concepts](/docs/whatsapp/key-concepts) Business portfolios, templates, display names, and messaging limits.
- [Connect a number](/docs/whatsapp/senders) Requirements and every step of connecting a WhatsApp number.

## What you can send today

| Capability | Available |
| --- | --- |
| Template messages to any WhatsApp user who opted in | Yes |
| Text headers, body text, and footers with variables | Yes |
| Quick reply, website, and phone number buttons | Yes |
| Delivery and read statuses, by API and webhook | Yes |
| Headers with an image, video, document, or location | Not yet |
| Website buttons with a variable in the link, and copy-code buttons | Not yet |
| Free-form (non-template) messages and replies | Not yet |
| Receiving messages from your customers | Not yet |

Every message is a template message: you send a template that WhatsApp has approved, filled in with the values for one recipient. You need at least one approved template before you can send. See [Templates](/docs/whatsapp/templates).

## How it works

### Connect your number

In the dashboard, open **Messaging → WhatsApp → Senders** and select **Add sender**. Meta's signup window links your business, your WhatsApp Business Account, and your phone number to Nexiom Connect. See [Connect a WhatsApp number](/docs/whatsapp/senders).

### Get a template approved

Create a template under **Templates**, or sync the templates you already have in WhatsApp Manager. WhatsApp reviews each new template, which can take up to 24 hours. See [Templates](/docs/whatsapp/templates).

### Send and follow

[Send the template](/docs/api/messaging/send) with an API key that has the `whatsapp.send` permission. Follow each message as it is sent, delivered, and read, with the [message API](/docs/api/messaging/retrieve) or [WhatsApp webhooks](/docs/webhooks/event-types#whatsapp-events).

## Before you start

- **WhatsApp turned on for your organization.** When it is, the dashboard sidebar shows **Messaging**. If you don't see it, contact [support@nxiom.com](mailto:support@nxiom.com).
- **A Facebook account** that can manage your company's business portfolio in Meta, or can create one.
- **A phone number you own** that can receive a verification code by SMS or voice call and is not already used by another WhatsApp account. See [Number requirements](/docs/whatsapp/senders#number-requirements).
- **A payment method in WhatsApp Manager.** Meta bills its own WhatsApp message fees directly to your WhatsApp Business Account. See [Costs](/docs/whatsapp/sending#costs).

> [!NOTE]
> Until Meta verifies your business and approves your display name, recipients see your phone number instead of your business name. You can send while both reviews are pending. See [Display name](/docs/whatsapp/key-concepts#display-name).

## Explore

- [Templates](/docs/whatsapp/templates) Categories, variables, review, and statuses.
- [Sending messages](/docs/whatsapp/sending) Recipients, idempotency, statuses, costs, and retention.
- [Best practices and FAQ](/docs/whatsapp/best-practices) Opt-in, quality, error codes, and a go-live checklist.

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Source: https://connect.nxiom.com/docs/whatsapp