Connect WhatsApp: test number first, then your real number

Use a number that can receive an SMS or a voice call for the verification code. It should not be active in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app on a phone: a number lives either in an app or on the WhatsApp Business Platform.

Go to Connections, then WhatsApp & Instagram, and click Connect WhatsApp. A Meta window opens: log in with the Facebook account that manages your business, choose or create your business portfolio and WhatsApp Business account, add the number, enter the code Meta sends, and set the display name customers will see.

When the window closes, Nomisly registers the number, subscribes it to messages and stores the access token encrypted - there is nothing to copy or paste.

From your personal WhatsApp, send "Hi" to the business number. The assistant answers in seconds and the chat appears in Conversations (Inbox), where your team can read along or take over.

Before connecting a real number you can test with the free test number Meta gives every developer app (developers.facebook.com, your app, WhatsApp, API Setup). It is free and works for real messages, with limits:

• It can only message up to 5 phone numbers that you add and verify under API Setup ("To" > Manage phone number list).
• The temporary access token on that page expires after 24 hours; for longer tests create a System User token in Meta Business settings.
• Paste the Phone number ID, the token and the WhatsApp Business account ID under Connect WhatsApp > Advanced: enter an existing number manually.
• Your Meta app's webhook must point to https://app.nomisly.com/connectors/whatsapp/webhook with the fields messages and message_template_status_update subscribed.

When a customer messages you, you can reply freely for 24 hours. After that (a reminder tomorrow, a recall in six months) WhatsApp only delivers templates that Meta has approved. Go to Automations, WhatsApp templates, tick the ready-made ones and click Create and send for approval. Approval usually takes minutes, sometimes up to a day, and the status updates in the app by itself.

In Connections, under the connected number, Calendar inside WhatsApp > Turn on. When a patient taps "Another date", a calendar form opens inside WhatsApp: pick a day (closed days are greyed out), see the free times, book. It needs this server on a public https address, because Meta calls it while the form is open. Meta publishes forms only for verified businesses: until then it shows Draft (testing) and works for your tests; after verification click Publish now.

• Patients can also just type or speak: "kal shaam ko", "next Friday morning", a voice note - in English, Hindi, Punjabi or Hinglish.
• Without the form, "Another date" sends a private link to your booking page for that chat.

Until Meta verifies your business, you can start conversations with up to 250 different customers in 24 hours (replies to customers who wrote first don't count). In Meta Business settings, Security centre, start business verification with your registration documents. Limits then rise automatically as you send good-quality messages.