WhatsApp Business API integration
Connect the WhatsApp Business number you own through Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API. OneATS then sends interview reminders and onboarding nudges to candidates who opted in, and shows their replies on the candidate's profile.
Why connect it
Why connect WhatsApp Business messaging to OneATS
Reminders from the schedule
Invite, 24-hour, 2-hour and 1-hour reminders come from the interview schedule itself.
Replies on the profile
'Confirm' and 'Need to reschedule' update the interview; every message appears in the candidate's Messages tab.
Rules built in
Opt-in only, no messages from 9 pm to 8 am, and free text only inside WhatsApp's 24-hour window.
Setup
How to set up WhatsApp Business messaging
The steps below match the screens in your OneATS portal.
Keys, provider links and portal locationWhat you need
- A Meta Business portfolio and a Meta app with the WhatsApp product added
- A phone number registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform
- A permanent access token (system user)
- A payment method configured in WhatsApp Manager for business-initiated conversations
Create a Meta app with WhatsApp
In developers.facebook.com, create an app under the WhatsApp use case and link your Business portfolio.
Copy IDs to OneATS
Under WhatsApp → API Setup, copy the Phone number ID and WhatsApp Business Account ID into OneATS Settings → WhatsApp.
Settings → WhatsApp
Create a permanent token
In Business settings → System users, generate a token with whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management.
Copy the App Secret
In App settings → Basic, copy the App Secret. OneATS uses it to verify every incoming webhook event.
Connect the webhook
Paste your callback URL and verify token from OneATS into WhatsApp → Configuration, and subscribe to 'messages'.
Create and link templates
Create message templates in WhatsApp Manager; once approved by Meta, link their names in OneATS Settings → WhatsApp.
Send a test message
Use Send Test Message in OneATS to verify end-to-end delivery.
- Meta bills your business directly for conversation charges under your Meta account.
Keys and links
Keys you need for WhatsApp Business messaging and where they go
A company admin connects the WhatsApp Business number once: Phone number ID, Business Account ID, a permanent token and the App Secret, then the callback URL in Meta.
- Phone number IDMeta developers console → WhatsApp → API Setup.Field
Phone Number ID - WhatsApp Business Account IDMeta developers console → WhatsApp → API Setup.Field
Business Account ID (WABA ID) - Permanent access tokenBusiness settings → System users → Generate new token.Field
Access Token - App SecretApp settings → Basic.Field
App Secret (for webhook verification)
System user permissions required in Meta
whatsapp_business_messagingSend and receive WhatsApp candidate messages.whatsapp_business_managementManage templates and phone number status.
- Paste your OneATS Webhook Callback URL and Verify Token into Meta → WhatsApp → Configuration and subscribe to 'messages'.
- Template messages must be approved in Meta WhatsApp Manager before linking their names in OneATS.
Where it goes in OneATS
- Settings
Then select Save Configuration.
Open this screen in OneATSAdmins only. You'll be asked to sign in.
- Only candidates who explicitly opted in to WhatsApp communications receive automated messages.
- Messages triggered during quiet hours (21:00 to 08:00) are automatically queued and dispatched at 08:00.
- Each company has its own callback URL; events are authenticated against your App Secret.
- Credentials are encrypted at rest and never shown in plain text.
Questions
WhatsApp Business messaging questions
Can I use my current personal WhatsApp number?
The number must be registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform. A number active on the personal WhatsApp app must be migrated or deleted from that app first.
Why do templates need approval?
WhatsApp requires pre-approved templates for business-initiated conversations to prevent spam. Meta reviews each template before it can be sent.
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