> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bird.com/applications/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/concepts/use-whatsapp.md).

# Use WhatsApp

{% hint style="warning" %}
You cannot send outbound messages to your customers without an [approved message template](/applications/content/message-templates/concepts/whatsapp-message-templates.md#whatsapp-approved-template).
{% endhint %}

Once you have installed WhatsApp and received [WhatsApp business verification](/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/concepts/accounts-and-verification-levels/meta-business-account-verification-for-whatsapp.md), you can send and receive messages via Bird.

WhatsApp messages can be sent:

* From [Inbox](/applications/inbox/inbox.md)
* With [Flows](/applications/automation/flows.md)
* As a [Campaign](/applications/campaigns/campaigns.md)

## Sending WhatsApp messages from Inbox

### Replying to an inbound message

When a customer sends you a message on WhatsApp, that message will start a conversation in Inbox. Inbox agents can reply to this message at any time within WhatsApp's customer care window by sending a [Reply to open conversation message template](/applications/content/message-templates/concepts/whatsapp-message-templates.md#reply-to-open-conversation-template), or by typing a free-form response.

### Starting a conversation

Inbox agents can start a conversation with a customer on WhatsApp by sending an [Approved message template](/applications/content/message-templates/concepts/whatsapp-message-templates.md#approved-template).

## Sending WhatsApp messages with Flows

With WhatsApp installed, you can use [Flow actions](/applications/automation/flows/concepts/actions.md) to send WhatsApp messages to your customers.

## Sending WhatsApp messages as a Campaign

With WhatsApp installed, you can set up and send [campaigns](/applications/campaigns/campaigns.md) to your customers on WhatsApp by sending an [Approved message template](/applications/content/message-templates/concepts/whatsapp-message-templates.md#approved-template).


---

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