--- title: How to Send and Receive WhatsApp Messages in Engage description: Send and receive WhatsApp messages in the Engage inbox, switch a conversation to WhatsApp, and work within the 24-hour reply window. --- [Skip to content](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/how-to-send-and-receive-whatsapp-in-engage#main-content) [![pabau logo white](https://support.pabau.com/hubfs/pabau%20logo%20white.svg)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Get Support](https://pabau.com/support-center/) [Get Support](https://pabau.com/support-center/) Pabau Knowledge Base - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Pabau Knowledge Base](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2?hsLang=en) 2. [Engage](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en) 3. [WhatsApp](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#whatsapp) # How to Send and Receive WhatsApp Messages in Engage ## Send and receive WhatsApp messages in the Engage inbox, switch a conversation to WhatsApp, and work within the 24-hour reply window. With WhatsApp connected, WhatsApp conversations behave like any other Engage thread — with one WhatsApp-specific rule to know about. This article covers both. **Receiving WhatsApp Messages** Incoming WhatsApp messages appear in the inbox under the **WhatsApp** channel in the sidebar, and mix into **All conversations** like everything else. The conversation shows the client’s WhatsApp identity, and if their number matches a Pabau record the patient panel links automatically. **Replying** Open the conversation and type in the composer — the channel pill shows **WhatsApp**. Templates (**/**), variables (**$**), attachments and **AI draft** all work on WhatsApp replies. ![The Engage composer channel switcher with WhatsApp among the reply channels.](https://support.pabau.com/hubfs/engage-kb-v2/recon-composer-channel-switch.png) **The 24-Hour Window** WhatsApp’s platform rule: after a client’s last message, you have **24 hours** to reply freely. Beyond that window, WhatsApp only accepts **approved message templates** — so keep templates ready for reminders and follow-ups. See our [WhatsApp Templates and the 24-Hour Window](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/whatsapp-templates-and-the-24-hour-window?hsLang=en) article. **Switching a Conversation to WhatsApp** You can move a conversation to WhatsApp from another channel: click the channel pill in the composer and choose **WhatsApp**. The message goes to the client’s WhatsApp number on file. **TIP:** WhatsApp message volume is charted per channel in **Reports → Messages**, so you can see WhatsApp take load off your phone lines over time. --- **Related Articles** We suggest reading our [WhatsApp Troubleshooting in Engage](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/whatsapp-troubleshooting-in-engage?hsLang=en) article if messages are not flowing For more guides, refer to related articles below, select additional guides, or use the search bar at the top of the page. These guides will help you get the most out of your Pabau account. Additionally, to help you fully utilize and understand your Pabau account, we recommend exploring additional guides and resources offered at the [Pabau Academy](https://academy.pabau.com). - [Home Page](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/home-page?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Home Page](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/home-page?hsLang=en#home-page) - [Account & Billing](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/account-billing?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account access](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/account-billing?hsLang=en#account-access) - [Account settings](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/account-billing?hsLang=en#account-settings) - [Billing](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/account-billing?hsLang=en#billing) - [Team](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Team Overview](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#team-overview) - [Adding and Managing Staff Members](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#adding-and-managing-staff-members) - [Staff Permissions](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#staff-permissions) - [Staff Profiles and Documents](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#staff-profiles-and-documents) - [Clinical Credentials](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#clinical-credentials) - [Account Settings](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#account-settings) - [Scheduler](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#scheduler) - [Roles](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#roles) - [Commissions](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#commissions) - [Timesheets and Wages](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#timesheets-and-wages) - [Teams and Visibility](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#teams-and-visibility) - [Leave Management](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/team?hsLang=en#leave-management) - [Calendar](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Booking Appointments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#booking-appointments) - [Managing Appointments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#managing-appointments) - [Using the calendar](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#using-the-calendar) - [Security settings](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#security-settings) - [Configuration](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#configuration) - [Managing payments from the calendar](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#managing-payments-from-the-calendar) - [Blockouts](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#blockouts) - [Creating a clinic list](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#creating-a-clinic-list) - [Waitlist](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#waitlist) - [Integrations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#integrations) - [Presets](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/calendar?hsLang=en#presets) - [Clients](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#general) - [Client Card](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#client-card) - [Appointments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#appointments) - [Financials](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#financials) - [Gift Vouchers](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#gift-vouchers) - [EMR - Labs](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#emr-labs) - [EMR - Client Problems](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#emr-client-problems) - [EMR - Forms](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#emr-forms) - [EMR - Patch Tests](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#emr-patch-tests) - [Care](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clients?hsLang=en#care) - [Business Details](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/business-details?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Business Details](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/business-details?hsLang=en#business-details) - [Locations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/business-details?hsLang=en#locations) - [General Settings](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/business-details?hsLang=en#general-settings) - [Data](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/business-details?hsLang=en#data) - [Services & Packages](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Services](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#services) - [Packages](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#packages) - [Resources](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#resources) - [Virtual Services](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#virtual-services) - [Classes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#classes) - [Add Ons](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/services-packages?hsLang=en#add-ons) - [Clinical](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Medical Forms](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#medical-forms) - [Medical Form Templates](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#medical-form-templates) - [Medical Form Types](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#medical-form-types) - [Medical Forms Components & Fields](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#medical-forms-components-fields) - [ePrescriptions](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#eprescriptions) - [Drugs](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#drugs) - [Custom Labs](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#custom-labs) - [Vaccines](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#vaccines) - [Diagnostic & Billing Codes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/clinical?hsLang=en#diagnostic-billing-codes) - [Pabau AI Scribe](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-ai-scribe?hsLang=en#main-content) - [AI in Treatment Notes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-ai-scribe?hsLang=en#ai-in-treatment-notes) - [Pabau GO iOS app](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#general) - [Care Pathways](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#care-pathways) - [Appointments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#appointments) - [Clients](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#clients) - [Pabau Scribe](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#pabau-scribe) - [Payments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#payments) - [Leads](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#leads) - [Quotes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#quotes) - [Reviews](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-go-ios-app?hsLang=en#reviews) - [Marketing](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Broadcasts](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#broadcasts) - [Reviews](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#reviews) - [Referrals](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#referrals) - [Gift Cards](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#gift-cards) - [Loyalty](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#loyalty) - [Marketing Sources](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#marketing-sources) - [Capture Forms](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#capture-forms) - [Workflows](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#workflows) - [Promotions](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#promotions) - [Automations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#automations) - [Client Lifecycle & Engagement Automations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#client-lifecycle-engagement-automations) - [Lead Automations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#lead-automations) - [Payments & Billing Automations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing?hsLang=en#payments-billing-automations) - [Communications](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/communications?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Client Notifications](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/communications?hsLang=en#client-notifications) - [Communications](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/communications?hsLang=en#communications) - [Sender Address](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/communications?hsLang=en#sender-address) - [Online Bookings](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#general) - [Customize](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#customize) - [Analytics](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#analytics) - [Client Portal](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#client-portal) - [Social Media](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/online-bookings?hsLang=en#social-media) - [Financials](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#general) - [Payment Processing](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#payment-processing) - [Invoices](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#invoices) - [Policies](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#policies) - [Quotes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#quotes) - [Disputes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#disputes) - [Taxes](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#taxes) - [Discounts](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#discounts) - [Sales History](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#sales-history) - [Payment Links](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#payment-links) - [Payments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#payments) - [Payment Processing (Updated)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/financials?hsLang=en#payment-processing-updated) - [Card Terminals](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/card-terminals?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setting up the Pabau Pay Card Terminal](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/card-terminals?hsLang=en#setting-up-the-pabau-pay-card-terminal) - [Wallet](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/card-terminals?hsLang=en#wallet) - [Card Terminal Troubleshooting](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/card-terminals?hsLang=en#card-terminal-troubleshooting) - [Products & Stock](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/products-stock?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Products](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/products-stock?hsLang=en#products) - [Inventory](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/products-stock?hsLang=en#inventory) - [Orders](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/products-stock?hsLang=en#orders) - [Inventory Movement](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/products-stock?hsLang=en#inventory-movement) - [Leads](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/leads?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/leads?hsLang=en#general) - [Leads](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/leads?hsLang=en#leads) - [Pipelines](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/leads?hsLang=en#pipelines) - [Analytics](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/analytics?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/analytics?hsLang=en#general) - [Custom Reports](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/analytics?hsLang=en#custom-reports) - [Reports](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/analytics?hsLang=en#reports) - [Memberships](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/memberships?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/memberships?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/memberships?hsLang=en#general) - [Selling memberships online & at POS](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/memberships?hsLang=en#selling-memberships-online-at-pos) - [Activities](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/activities?hsLang=en) - [App Marketplace (Integrations)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/app-marketplace-integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/app-marketplace-integrations?hsLang=en#general) - [Payments & Accounting](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/app-marketplace-integrations?hsLang=en#payments-accounting) - [UAE (Emirates ID and NABIDH)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/app-marketplace-integrations?hsLang=en#uae-emirates-id-and-nabidh) - [FAQs & Troubleshooting](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/faqs-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [FAQs](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/faqs-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Glossary of Pabau terminology](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/faqs-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#glossary-of-pabau-terminology) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/faqs-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Developer & Other](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/developer-other?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Labs & Pharmacies](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/developer-other?hsLang=en#labs-pharmacies) - [Objects](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/developer-other?hsLang=en#objects) - [Migrating Your Data to Pabau](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/migrating-your-data-to-pabau?hsLang=en) - [Pabau Account Optimization](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-account-optimization?hsLang=en) - [For Patients: How-to Guides](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Appointments](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#appointments) - [Payments and Cards](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#payments-and-cards) - [Packages, Vouchers and Loyalty](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#packages-vouchers-and-loyalty) - [Your Details, Forms and Documents](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/for-patients-how-to-guides?hsLang=en#your-details-forms-and-documents) - [Best Practices](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/best-practices?hsLang=en) - [Pabau Product Portal](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/pabau-product-portal?hsLang=en) - [Compliance](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/compliance?hsLang=en) - [Care Plus Upgrade](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/care-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/care-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Cases](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/care-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#cases) - [Forms & templates](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/care-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#forms-templates) - [Prescriptions](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/care-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#prescriptions) - [Marketing Plus upgrade](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/marketing-plus-upgrade?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Labels](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/labels?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Labels](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/labels?hsLang=en#labels) - [Engage](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Inbox & Conversations](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#inbox-conversations) - [Clients & the Client Panel](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#clients-the-client-panel) - [SMS](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#sms) - [Phone Calls](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#phone-calls) - [Porting Your Numbers](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#porting-your-numbers) - [WhatsApp](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#whatsapp) - [Email](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#email) - [Fax](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#fax) - [Facebook & Instagram](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#facebook-instagram) - [Routing & Automation](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#routing-automation) - [Billing & Usage](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/engage?hsLang=en#billing-usage) - [Insurance Billing](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/insurance-billing?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Insurance Billing (UK)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/insurance-billing?hsLang=en#insurance-billing-uk) - [Insurance Billing (US)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/insurance-billing?hsLang=en#insurance-billing-us) - [Insurance Billing (Australia)](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/insurance-billing?hsLang=en#insurance-billing-australia) - [US Insurance Billing Additional Resources](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/insurance-billing?hsLang=en#us-insurance-billing-additional-resources) - [New Client Card](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/new-client-card?hsLang=en) - [Data Hub](https://support.pabau.com/en/pabau2/data-hub?hsLang=en) [![Pabau](https://support.pabau.com/hubfs/logo-final-1.svg "Pabau")](https://pabau.com)   Copyright © 2025, Pabau