WhatsApp Inbound Trigger
The WhatsApp Inbound trigger is a custom Whatsapp provider workflow trigger that fires automatically whenever an inbound WhatsApp message is received on your connected number. Use it to send instant auto-replies, route conversations to the right team, or notify staff the moment a customer reaches out.
Key Benefitsβ
Instant Response - React the moment a customer's message lands
Smart Routing - Direct conversations to the right rep or team
Never Miss a Lead - Automate follow-up so no inbound message goes cold
Filtered Automation - Trigger only on messages that match your criteria
Zero Manual Monitoring - No need to watch the inbox around the clock
Who Should Use Itβ
Sales teams - Auto-respond and assign new conversations instantly
Support teams - Acknowledge inbound messages and create tickets automatically
Agencies - Standardize inbound message handling across client sub-accounts
High-volume operations - Keep response times fast even at scale
Requirementsβ
Before using this trigger, update your Whatsapp provider app to the latest version:
- Go to App Marketplace β Installed Apps
- Find Whatsapp provider
- Click Update if available
How to Set Upβ
Step 1: Create a New Workflowβ
- Go to Automation β Workflows
- Click Create Workflow or + Add
- Select Start from Scratch
Step 2: Add the Triggerβ
- Click Add New Trigger
- Switch to the Apps tab (not the default triggers)
- Find and click the Whatsapp provider app icon
- Select WhatsApp Inbound from the dropdown
- (Optional) Add Filters to narrow when the trigger fires
- Click Save trigger

Step 3: Add Your Actionsβ
Add any actions you want to execute when an inbound WhatsApp message is received:
- Send Email β Notify the assigned rep
- Send Internal Notification β Alert your team inside the CRM
- Create Task β Queue a follow-up
- Add to Workflow / Pipeline β Move the contact through your funnel
Step 4: Save and Publishβ
- Review your workflow
- Click Save
- Toggle workflow from Draft to Published
Available Filtersβ
Use filters to control exactly which inbound WhatsApp messages start the workflow. Each filter can be paired with an operator (equals, contains, etc.).
| Filter | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact ID | The unique ID of the contact who sent the message |
| Location ID | The CRM location (sub-account) where the message was received |
| Message | The text content of the inbound message |
| Receiver Name | The name of the account that received the message |
| Receiver Phone Number | The number that received the message (your WhatsApp number) |
| Sender Name | The name of the contact who sent the message |
| Sender Phone Number | The phone number of the contact who sent the message |
Example Use Casesβ
Use Case 1: Instant Auto-Replyβ
Acknowledge every inbound message immediately.
Trigger: WhatsApp Inbound
Action: Send a reply confirming you received the message and will respond shortly.
Use Case 2: Route by Keywordβ
Send leads to the right team based on what they say.
Trigger: WhatsApp Inbound Filter: Message contains "pricing"
Action: Notify the sales team and create a high-priority follow-up task.
Important Notesβ
Technical Detailsβ
- The trigger fires once per inbound message
- Filters are optional β leave them blank to fire on every inbound WhatsApp message
- Executes immediately when the message is received
Best Practicesβ
- Use the Message filter to build keyword-based routing flows
- Use the Location ID filter when managing multiple sub-accounts
- Test your workflow by sending a message to your connected number
FAQsβ
Do I have to add filters?β
No. Filters are optional. Without them, the trigger fires on every inbound WhatsApp message.
Can I trigger different workflows for different messages?β
Yes. Use the Message or Sender filters to build separate workflows for different conditions.