Introduction to Odoo WhatsApp

Estimated reading: 3 minutes 15 views

Introduction

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. With Odoo’s WhatsApp integration, companies can connect their WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) directly to Odoo. This makes it easier to:

Receive and reply to WhatsApp messages inside Odoo.
Send pre-approved WhatsApp templates for quotes, invoices, event tickets, and more.
Improve customer communication with real-time support and notifications.

Note: The WhatsApp app is only available in Odoo Enterprise. It is not supported in Odoo Community. Start your free Odoo Enterprise trial here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set up your Meta (Facebook) Business Account

Go to Facebook Business Manager.
Click Create account, then enter:

Business name
Administrator’s name
Work email address

Confirm the email to activate your account.

Learn more: How to set up a Meta business account.

2. Create a Meta Developer Account and App

Visit Meta for Developers.
Log in and click My Apps → Create App.
Choose Business as the app type.

Add details (app name, developer email) and link it to your Meta Business Account

3. Add WhatsApp to the App

From your app dashboard, scroll to WhatsApp and click Set up.
Meta provides a test number and up to 5 free test messages.
Configure the WhatsApp API by sending a test message.

Guide: Meta WhatsApp Developer Documentation.

4. Configure WhatsApp in Odoo

In Odoo, go to WhatsApp → Configuration → WhatsApp Business Accounts.
Copy the following from Meta and paste into Odoo:

Phone Number ID
Access Token
App ID
Business Account ID

Click Test Connection to confirm setup.

5. Set Up Webhooks

In Meta Developer Console → WhatsApp → API Setup → Configure Webhooks.
Enter the Callback URL and Verify Token from Odoo.
Subscribe to key fields like:

messages
account_update
Message_template_status_update

6. Add and Verify Your Business Phone Number

Go to API Setup → Add Phone Number in Meta.
Enter:

Business name
Website or profile page
Country and category

Verify the number by SMS or phone call.

️ A valid payment method must be added to your Meta account for verification.

7. Create a Permanent Token

In Meta Business Settings:

Go to Users → System Users → Add.
Assign assets and full control to your app.
Generate a permanent token with permissions:
- business_management
- whatsapp_business_messaging
- whatsapp_business_management

Update the Access Token in Odoo with this permanent token.

Go Live

In Meta Developer Console, toggle app status from Development → Live.
Add a Privacy Policy URL under App Settings → Basic.
Once live, Odoo can send WhatsApp messages to real customers.

Create and Use WhatsApp Templates

Templates allow you to send professional, pre-approved messages.
In Odoo → WhatsApp → Templates → New, configure:
- Body (main message)
- Variables (dynamic placeholders like customer name or order number)
- Buttons (e.g., Call, Visit Website, Quick Reply)
Submit for approval to Meta. Once approved, sync them back into Odoo.

Example:
“Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} is ready for delivery. Track it here: {{3}}.”

Tips

Use separate WhatsApp accounts per department (e.g., sales, support, events).
Keep messages short and clear to improve engagement.
Use dynamic placeholders for personalization.
Sync templates regularly to ensure approved versions are available in Odoo.
Set notification rules in Odoo so the right team members get alerted.

Introduction to Odoo WhatsApp

Introduction