Webhook
A webhook is how Meta tells a business's software that something happened on WhatsApp: a message arrived, a message was delivered or read, a template was approved. Meta sends an HTTP request to a URL the software registered; the software answers and acts on it.
On this page
What arrives
- Inbound messages, with the sender's number, the text or media, and the phone number ID they wrote to.
- Status updates for outbound messages: sent, delivered, read, failed.
- Account events: a template's review result, a quality-rating change.
Why an inbox can go quiet
If the webhook is not subscribed for a WhatsApp account, sends still work and nothing arrives — the most common reason a new connection 'cannot receive'. A tool that connects a number should subscribe it in the same step.
What is a WhatsApp webhook?
The HTTP request Meta sends to a URL your software registered whenever something happens on WhatsApp — a message arrives, a message is delivered or read, a template is approved, a payment is made. It is how replies reach an inbox or an assistant.
Why is my WhatsApp inbox not receiving messages?
Most often the app is not subscribed to the WhatsApp Business Account's webhooks — a subscription that can silently lapse — or the webhook URL is failing. Sends succeed while nothing arrives, which is the tell.
Does a webhook carry the message content?
Yes, for inbound messages: the sender's number, the text or media reference, the timestamp, and any referral such as a Click-to-WhatsApp ad's ID. Delivery receipts carry the message ID and its status.
Do I need to build webhooks myself?
Only if you are integrating the API directly. A provider receives the webhooks for your account and turns them into the inbox, the assistant's turn and the receipts you see.
Read next
Nearby terms
See it in a product. Linkubit answers, qualifies and quotes on WhatsApp from your catalogue, and adds nothing to Meta’s per-message price. Start free — fourteen days of Pro, no card — or read the pricing.
Ready to put your sales on autopilot?
Start freeNo coding required. No credit card required.