> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://chatbase.co/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # WhatsApp > Connect a WhatsApp number so your AI agent can handle customer conversations on WhatsApp ## Overview Integrating WhatsApp with Chatbase lets your AI agent communicate directly with customers on WhatsApp, handling inquiries and automating responses. This guide walks you through connecting your AI agent to a WhatsApp phone number. Answer customers on the channel they already use, around the clock, with the same AI agent, knowledge, and actions you use on your website. Attachments are supported, so your AI agent can process them and respond based on their content. See [Attachments](/docs/user-guides/chatbot/channels#attachments). You can connect more than one WhatsApp number to your AI agent. Once connected, all your numbers are managed from **Channels → WhatsApp → Manage**. ## Before you start The WhatsApp phone number integrated with the AI agent can only be used by the AI agent. It can't also be used on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. Delete the account in the app first: 1. Open the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app. 2. Navigate to **Settings > Account**. 3. Select **Delete my account**. This may take a few minutes, after which the number becomes available. You must disable **two-step verification**: 1. Log in to your [WhatsApp Business Account](https://business.facebook.com/wa/manage/home/). 2. Choose the phone number you'd like to integrate. 3. Navigate to **Settings > Two-step verification** and turn it off. Make sure you have an approved display name before integrating with your AI agent. You can [read more about display names](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/338047025165344) on Meta's site. ## How to connect WhatsApp Navigate to the AI agent you'd like to integrate with WhatsApp. Click **Channels** in the sidebar, then click **Setup** on the **WhatsApp** card. Log in with your personal Facebook account, then click **Get started**. Logging in with a Facebook account The Get started screen Select an existing business profile or create a new one, then create or select a WhatsApp business profile. Choosing a business profile Creating or selecting a WhatsApp business profile Fill in the information for the business profile. Filling in business profile information Add a phone number. It's recommended to have only one associated number in this profile, then click **Continue**. Adding a phone number to the business profile Continuing after adding the phone number Wait a few seconds for information verification, then click **Finish**. Waiting for information verification Clicking Finish to complete the connection Navigate to **Profile**, update your WhatsApp settings, then click **Save**. Updating the WhatsApp profile settings Send a message to your connected WhatsApp number and confirm your AI agent replies. ## Automatic lead collection Chatbase can automatically collect basic customer information from WhatsApp conversations, including the phone number and name when available. To enable it: 1. Go to **Channels → WhatsApp → Manage → Leads**. 2. Toggle **Enable Automatic Collection of Leads**. 3. Select the WhatsApp number or numbers you want to apply this to. Once enabled, Chatbase captures lead details whenever a customer messages your WhatsApp number. For more advanced lead capture and customization, use the [Collect Leads action](/docs/user-guides/chatbot/actions/collect-leads) in your AI agent. ## Messaging limits and billing Once your integration is active you can send 1000 free messages monthly. To send more, add a payment method in your [Meta billing settings](https://business.facebook.com/billing_hub). You can enable or disable the WhatsApp integration without disconnecting it. Disabling pauses messages while keeping your setup intact, and you can re-enable at any time. New chats still appear in your Chatbase dashboard chat logs. ## Limitations * **The number is exclusive to the AI agent.** A number connected to Chatbase can't also be used in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app. * **1000 free messages per month.** Beyond that, a payment method is required in Meta billing. * **Free-form replies are limited to a 24-hour window.** After that you must use an approved template. See [WhatsApp Templates](/docs/user-guides/integrations/whatsapp-templates). ## Next steps Create approved message templates so you can reach customers after the 24-hour window closes.