Help Centre › Functions & Formulas
This article describes the RPA WhatsApp Business API connector function to send a text message.
For a full list of available functions, please read WHATSAPP BUSINESS API functions.
Description
The Send text message function sends a text message to a phone number via the WhatsApp Business API (Meta). Messages can only be sent within the 24-hour session window after a user messages you first. Use the Send template message function to initiate new conversations.
Setting it up
{{popups:rpas/add:action=whatsapp-send-message}}
Once on a process map:
- Navigate to the process where you would like to add the function
- Click on the green button’s drop-down (right side of the green button labelled “Process”)
- On the menu that appears, click on the “+ Activity” item
- From here you can select the WHATSAPP BUSINESS Send text message option
- Click "Add" once you are done
Input parameters
| Parameter | Required | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector | Yes | Select | - | Select the WhatsApp connector to use |
| Phone Number ID | Yes | Text | - | WhatsApp Business phone number ID (from Meta Business Suite) |
| To | Yes | Text | - | Recipient phone number in international format (e.g. 27831234567) |
| Text | Yes | Textarea | - | Message text |
| Variable | Yes | Text | - | Variable to store the result |
Output variables
| Variable | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Object | API response with messaging_product, contacts, and messages array |
Errors
- Invalid phone number – the recipient number format is incorrect
- Session expired – the 24-hour session window has closed (use template message instead)
- Rate limited – too many messages sent in a short period
Tips
- Use international format without + prefix: 27831234567 (not +27831234567)
- Only works within 24 hours of the user’s last message to you
- For new conversations, use the Send template message function instead
- Use variables in the text: "Hi {customer_name}, your order {order_id} is ready"
Related functions
- Send template message – Send a pre-approved template
- Send media message – Send image, document, or video
- Mark as read – Mark messages as read