# WhatsApp Messaging

Send reminders and messages to your clients over WhatsApp.

Once WhatsApp is connected, the reminders and notices Veterian sends can also go out over WhatsApp.

## Where to Find This Section

**Clinic Admin** → **Integrations** → **WhatsApp Business**.

## Connect Your Clinic's Number

### Before You Start

- A Facebook account, which manages the WhatsApp Business profile.
- A phone number that can receive an SMS or a call for the verification code. *A new number works just as well — it only needs to be able to receive an SMS or a phone call for the verification code. If the number you have in mind is currently used with the regular WhatsApp app rather than WhatsApp Business, it is simplest to choose another one for your clinic.*
- *Already using this number on the WhatsApp Business app? You can keep it. The number stays in the app along with your chats, and we connect the same number for automated messages. This needs WhatsApp Business app version 2.24.17 or newer, and during setup you'll scan a QR code with that app instead of receiving an SMS code.*

> **Caution**
> *Your browser is blocking requests to Facebook. The WhatsApp connection is completed in a window Facebook opens, so we recommend turning off your ad blocker or tracking protection for this site before you start.*

### The Steps

1. *Click 'Connect with Facebook'.*
2. *Follow the Meta popup instructions to create or select a Meta Business Suite account.*
3. *Create or select a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).*
4. *Verify the number: scan the QR code with your WhatsApp Business app if you already use it there, or enter the SMS / voice call code for a new number.*

The screen shows each step as it completes.

### If You Already Answer Clients on That Number

*You keep answering customers from your phone as usual. Messages you send from the app appear here, and messages we send appear in the app — one conversation on both sides.*

## Your Business Profile

**Business Profile** is what a client sees when they open the conversation: the clinic's name, description, logo and contact details. Keep it filled in.

## Message Templates

WhatsApp only lets a business start a conversation with a template that WhatsApp Business (Meta) has approved. Everything Veterian sends automatically goes out as a template.

> **Note**
> *WhatsApp templates require WhatsApp Business (Meta) approval (up to 48h) when customized.* Until a template is approved, the message goes out on your other channels.

## Which Clients Receive WhatsApp

Connecting WhatsApp does not message anyone by itself. A client receives WhatsApp only if **WhatsApp Notification** is on in their record. It is on by default for a new client.

See [Notification settings](/settings/notifications).

## Disconnecting

*Stops sending WhatsApp messages from this number. Your business profile, auto-reply and connection details are cleared, so reconnecting means going through the Meta window again. Your conversation history stays here.*

## When a Message Does Not Arrive

Check these in order:

1. The client's **WhatsApp Notification** switch is off.
2. The reminder was turned off on that appointment or vaccination.
3. The clinic's WhatsApp credit has run out: *You have no WhatsApp credits left.*
4. The template for that message has not been approved yet.

## Related

- [Notification settings](/settings/notifications)
- [Add a client](/patients/add-a-client)
- [WhatsApp inbox](/communication/whatsapp-inbox)