Overview
What WhatsApp is
WhatsApp is one of the world's most widely used messaging services, letting businesses reach customers in a conversation they already check every day. Courier connects to it through Twilio.
Courier sits in front of it as one API, so you keep WhatsApp for chat messaging and add push, an in-app inbox, design, and journeys on top.
You need a Courier account and a Twilio account with WhatsApp enabled (Twilio Account SID, Auth Token, and a WhatsApp-enabled From number).
Why Courier
What you get with WhatsApp + Courier
Add push in the same send
Reach mobile and web with push alongside WhatsApp from one notification, no new integration in your code.
Add an in-app inbox for web and mobile
Give your app an in-product notification center (SDKs for web, React, iOS, Android, Flutter, React Native), so users see more than just chat messages.
Automate multi-step flows
Trigger reminders, verification, and lifecycle sequences with delays and branching, all delivered through WhatsApp.
Write once, edit without code
Compose and localize WhatsApp copy in Courier's editor. Product and support change messaging without a deploy.
Send to lists and audiences
Broadcast a one-off or recurring message to an entire list through WhatsApp, alongside your transactional messages.
Localize a message in seconds
Pick a language and let Courier translate your message with AI, then tweak any string.
Use cases
What teams build with it
Setup
Connect it in minutes
An admin adds WhatsApp once on the Integrations page in Courier. Once connected, anyone on your team can send WhatsApp messages and add push or an in-app inbox whenever they need them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WhatsApp with Courier?
Yes. Courier delivers WhatsApp Business messages through the Twilio API for WhatsApp, letting you add WhatsApp as a channel in your notification stack alongside email, SMS, push, and Courier Inbox from one Send API call.
Do I still need my own WhatsApp account?
Yes. Courier sends WhatsApp through Twilio, so you bring a Twilio account with a WhatsApp-enabled sender. Courier stores your Twilio Account SID and Auth Token and routes messages through it; it does not resell WhatsApp access.
What do I need to connect WhatsApp to Courier?
Three values on Courier's WhatsApp integration page: your Twilio Account SID, Auth Token, and a WhatsApp-enabled "From" number. Save them and Courier can route WhatsApp sends through your Twilio number.
How does Courier know which WhatsApp number to message?
It reads the recipient profile's phone_number field. Provide an SMS-compatible number in E.164 format (for example +15555555555), and Courier sends the WhatsApp message to that number through Twilio.
Do WhatsApp messages need approved templates?
Yes. WhatsApp requires templates approved through Twilio, each assigned a Content SID. You reference that Content SID in your Courier WhatsApp channel. Templates fall under Marketing, Authentication, or Utility categories, with approval taking minutes up to 24 hours.
Can I change the Twilio sender or template per send?
Yes. Courier supports config overrides, so you can swap the Twilio credentials and "From" number at send time, and set the Content SID dynamically through body overrides for a specific message.
Is Courier a replacement for WhatsApp?
No. The Twilio API for WhatsApp still delivers the message; Courier orchestrates it as one channel among many, handling routing, template selection, and content while you keep your existing WhatsApp Business sender.
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