WhatsApp chatbots: what they do, and how to set one up
A chatbot answers your WhatsApp messages for you, day and night, with keyword replies, buttons, flows and AI. Here's what one can do for a business, the rules WhatsApp enforces, and how to start free.
What a WhatsApp chatbot can do
A WhatsApp chatbot answers people the moment they message you, then hands the conversation to your team when it needs a person. This is what MuChat's chatbot can do.
Keyword replies
Someone sends “PRICE”, “MENU” or “BOOK”, and the right answer goes back straight away, with buttons for what they'll ask next.
Buttons and lists
Up to three reply buttons, or a list for more options, so people tap instead of typing.
Flows that ask questions
Ask a question, branch on the answer, collect an email or phone number, and tag the person for later.
AI answers
MuChat AI answers what no keyword covers, from your own business details and FAQs, and hands over to your team when it isn't sure.
Links, QR codes and ads
wa.me links, QR codes and click-to-WhatsApp ads open a chat that starts the right flow.
Template broadcasts
Approved templates reach the people who opted in, for order updates, reminders and offers.
What WhatsApp allows
WhatsApp limits when a business can message someone. Every legitimate chatbot follows the same rules, because the WhatsApp Business API enforces them.
| The rule | What it means | |
|---|---|---|
| Who starts | The person, by messaging you, scanning your QR code or tapping an ad | Or you, with an approved template to people who opted in |
| After their message | 24 hours to reply as much as you like | Each new message from them restarts the clock |
| After 24 hours | Only message templates Meta has approved | Templates are charged per message |
| How the bot connects | The official WhatsApp Business API, through Meta's own sign-up window | Tools that automate WhatsApp Web or the app get numbers banned |
More detail in the WhatsApp Business API guide and WhatsApp message templates. What Meta charges per message: the WhatsApp API pricing calculator.
Which kind of bot you need
Keyword bots answer with messages you wrote. AI bots write their own answers. MuChat does both: keywords and flows first, AI for everything else, if you switch it on.
Keywords and flows
- You know exactly what every message says.
- Best for prices, menus, bookings, lead capture and order questions.
- Quick to set up, and free to start.
MuChat AI
- Answers open-ended questions you didn't plan for, from your own business details and FAQs.
- Asks for a human when it isn't sure, and stays quiet in that chat until your team takes over.
- Off until you switch it on, with a daily reply limit you set.
Set one up in about ten minutes
You need a Facebook account and a phone number that can receive a text or call. MuChat never sees your Facebook password.
- 01Sign up for MuChat free and open Settings › Channels.
- 02Click Connect with WhatsApp. In Meta's window, sign in with Facebook, choose your business and verify your number by text or call.
- 03Turn on a keyword reply, or start from a flow with buttons.
- 04Switch on MuChat AI if you want it to answer everything else, and give it your business details and FAQs.
- 05Message your number from another phone to see the bot answer.
Already on the WhatsApp Business app? See how to keep using it on the same number. Need a link or QR code to get people messaging? Use the free WhatsApp link generator.
What businesses use them for
Answer the same questions once
Prices, opening hours, delivery areas and sizes answer themselves, day and night.
Take bookings and orders
Ask what, when and for how many, then confirm, or hand over to your team to finish.
Qualify leads
Two or three questions sort serious buyers from browsers, and save their details to the contact.
Follow up later
Order updates, appointment reminders and offers go out as templates to the people who opted in.
Your team answers what the bot hands over in one inbox, with Instagram and Messenger. See WhatsApp automation for everything MuChat does on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp chatbot questions
Are WhatsApp chatbots allowed?
Yes, on the official WhatsApp Business Platform (the WhatsApp Business API). What WhatsApp bans is automating a regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app account, for example with tools that drive WhatsApp Web; numbers that do that get blocked.
Can a WhatsApp chatbot message people first?
Only with a message template Meta has approved, and only to people who agreed to hear from you. After someone messages you, the bot can reply freely for 24 hours, and each new message from them restarts the clock.
Can I build a chatbot in the WhatsApp Business app?
No. The app has greeting messages, away messages and quick replies, but they send the same text to everyone. A chatbot that answers what people ask needs the WhatsApp Business API, which tools like MuChat connect for you.
Can I keep using the WhatsApp Business app on the same number?
Often, yes. When Meta offers it for your number, you connect your existing WhatsApp Business app number in Meta's sign-up window and keep using the app alongside the bot. Some app features, like greeting and away messages, switch off.
Is MuChat's WhatsApp chatbot free?
The Free plan covers 100 active contacts a month, 4 live automations and 2 channels, so WhatsApp and Instagram fit together at $0. Meta charges separately for some messages, mainly templates, and MuChat adds nothing on top.
Is MuChat an AI chatbot?
It's both. Keyword replies and flows answer with exactly the messages you wrote. MuChat AI, when you switch it on, answers the questions no keyword covers from the business details and FAQs you give it, and asks for a human when it isn't sure.
What does a WhatsApp chatbot cost to run?
Two things: the chatbot tool, and Meta's price per message. Replies to people who messaged you are cheap, and the first 1,000 service messages a month on each number are free; templates cost more, depending on the type and country.
Build your WhatsApp chatbot free
100 active contacts a month, keyword replies, flows and MuChat AI, no card needed.