Connect WhatsApp Business
Connect your WhatsApp Business number to UCrew so your AI agent responds to every customer message on WhatsApp automatically — handling inquiries, orders, and support around the clock.
WhatsApp Business API Required
This integration uses the WhatsApp Business API, not the regular WhatsApp Business App. Your phone number will be registered to the API — it cannot be used simultaneously in the WhatsApp app on a phone. You'll need a dedicated phone number for this (can be a virtual/SIM number).
What You'll Need
- A Meta Business Account (free — you may already have one if you use Facebook Ads)
- A phone number not currently registered with WhatsApp (can be a virtual number)
- Your UCrew account with a project set up
How to Connect
Open Integrations in UCrew
Log in to your UCrew Dashboard → click Integrations in the sidebar.
Click "Connect" on WhatsApp Business
Find the WhatsApp Business card and click Connect.UCrew will guide you through the setup — including registering your phone number with Meta.
Sign In with Your Meta (Facebook) Account
A Facebook window will open. Sign in with the account connected to your Meta Business Account.
Don't have a Meta Business Account? You'll be prompted to create one for free during this step — it only takes a few minutes and just requires a business name.
Register Your WhatsApp Phone Number
You'll be asked to enter the phone number you want to use for WhatsApp. This number:
- Must NOT currently be registered with any WhatsApp account
- Can be a local SIM card, a virtual number (VoIP), or a landline
- Will be verified by receiving a 6-digit code via SMS or voice call
Enter the number, choose SMS or voice verification, enter the code you receive, and confirm.
If your number is currently used in the regular WhatsApp app, you'll need to delete that account first. Go to WhatsApp app → Settings → Account → Delete My Account, then use that number here.
Approve the Permissions
Keep all requested permissions ON — these allow UCrew to receive and send WhatsApp messages through your number.Click Done → OK.
Connected! Test It
You'll be redirected back to UCrew with your WhatsApp number showing as Connected.Send a WhatsApp message to your business number from your personal phone — your AI agent will reply automatically.
Use your personal phone (not the registered number) to send the test message. You can add the business number to your contacts first to make it easier.
📋 Understanding the 24-Hour Messaging Window
WhatsApp has a messaging rule called the "24-hour window":
- Your bot can freely reply to a customer for 24 hours after their last message
- After 24 hours of silence, you can only send pre-approved template messages
- This is a WhatsApp rule — not a UCrew limitation
- UCrew automatically handles this window for you and will notify you if a session expires
Common Questions
Can I use my existing WhatsApp Business App number?
No — the same number can't be used in both the WhatsApp app and the API at the same time. You'll need a separate number for UCrew. Many users get an affordable virtual/SIM number for this.
Does the setup cost money?
The WhatsApp Cloud API (used by UCrew) has a free tier: your first 1,000 user-initiated conversations per month are free. After that, Meta charges per conversation — see Meta's pricing page for current rates.
Can I send proactive messages (like order confirmations)?
Yes, but only using pre-approved Message Templates. You can create templates in your Meta Business Manager and UCrew will use them automatically for outbound messages.
Can I disconnect later?
Yes. Go to Integrations → WhatsApp Business → Disconnect.