GoHighLevel WhatsApp Contact Guide

/ CRM, GHL / By

GoHighLevel WhatsApp Contact Guide

If you use ClickUp or other project tools to manage workflows, integrating WhatsApp messaging inside GoHighLevel can centralize client communication. This guide explains how to set up WhatsApp contact management, view and reply to messages, and build smartlists using WhatsApp data so you can work more efficiently inside GoHighLevel.

What is GoHighLevel WhatsApp Contact Management?

WhatsApp contact management in GoHighLevel lets you view, reply to, and segment WhatsApp conversations directly in the Conversations and Contacts areas. Once WhatsApp is enabled for your account, messages from your connected WhatsApp numbers automatically sync with contact records and can be used to build smartlists for targeted outreach.

From a high level, you can:

  • Connect and enable WhatsApp in your account.
  • View incoming and outgoing WhatsApp messages.
  • Reply directly from GoHighLevel Conversations.
  • Filter contacts who have WhatsApp activity.
  • Create smartlists based on WhatsApp message conditions.

Enable WhatsApp in GoHighLevel

Before you can manage WhatsApp contacts, you must enable the WhatsApp channel in your GoHighLevel account. This feature is available once your WhatsApp setup is complete in the main settings.

  1. Log in to your sub-account.
  2. Navigate to the WhatsApp or Phone/Numbers settings (depending on your configuration).
  3. Ensure that your WhatsApp number is properly connected and verified.
  4. Confirm that the number is active and can send and receive messages.

After activation, any WhatsApp message sent to your connected number will appear inside Conversations and will automatically be linked to a contact when a match is found.

View WhatsApp Conversations in GoHighLevel

Once WhatsApp is active, you can see all related messages in the Conversations view. GoHighLevel keeps WhatsApp, SMS, email, and other channels in one place so your team can easily respond.

How to Access WhatsApp Conversations in GoHighLevel

  1. Go to Conversations from the left-hand menu.
  2. Look for conversations that show the WhatsApp icon or channel type.
  3. Select a conversation to open the full history with that contact.

In the conversation view, you can:

  • See incoming and outgoing WhatsApp messages with timestamps.
  • View message direction (sent vs. received).
  • Identify the channel as WhatsApp so you know how the contact prefers to communicate.

Reply to WhatsApp Messages Inside GoHighLevel

You can respond to WhatsApp messages from inside the conversation thread without switching apps.

  1. Open the desired conversation in Conversations.
  2. Make sure the channel shows as WhatsApp.
  3. Type your reply in the message box.
  4. Click Send to deliver the message via WhatsApp.

All replies sent from GoHighLevel will appear in the same thread, giving you a unified history of interactions with that contact.

GoHighLevel WhatsApp Contact Profiles

Every WhatsApp message is associated with a contact record. GoHighLevel uses the phone number to match the conversation to an existing contact or create a new one if needed.

Open a Contact from a WhatsApp Conversation

  1. In Conversations, click on a WhatsApp thread.
  2. Look at the contact details panel on the right side.
  3. Click the contact name to open the full contact record.

Inside the contact profile you can:

  • Review personal details and custom fields.
  • See all communication channels associated with the contact.
  • Confirm that WhatsApp is one of the active channels.

Identify WhatsApp Contacts in GoHighLevel

For contacts who have interacted via WhatsApp, you will typically see:

  • Their WhatsApp phone number on the record.
  • WhatsApp messages listed in the activity or recent conversations.
  • WhatsApp as a selectable filter when creating smartlists.

This makes it simple to distinguish which contacts are reachable via WhatsApp and which primarily use other channels.

Create WhatsApp Smartlists in GoHighLevel

Smartlists let you dynamically segment contacts based on conditions such as WhatsApp activity, message direction, or reply status. GoHighLevel smartlists automatically update when contacts meet or stop meeting your defined criteria.

Access Smartlists in GoHighLevel

  1. Go to the Contacts section from the left-hand menu.
  2. At the top of the page, click the smartlists tab or filter area.
  3. Select an existing smartlist or click to create a new one.

Key WhatsApp Conditions for GoHighLevel Smartlists

When building a smartlist, you can add filters related to WhatsApp messaging. Depending on your setup, you may see conditions such as:

  • Channel is WhatsApp – Filters contacts who have WhatsApp conversations.
  • Message direction – Filter by messages sent or received via WhatsApp.
  • Last message type – Segment based on whether the most recent interaction was WhatsApp.
  • Message status – Target contacts with delivered or read WhatsApp messages (if available).

Use these conditions to build targeted lists for campaigns or follow-ups.

Example: Build a WhatsApp Re-Engagement Smartlist

To re-engage contacts who have previously messaged you but have not received a WhatsApp reply recently, you could set conditions like:

  1. Channel equals WhatsApp.
  2. Last message direction is received.
  3. Last reply date is more than a specified number of days ago.

After saving this smartlist, GoHighLevel will keep it updated as new contacts match these conditions, giving you a dynamic list for manual outreach or automated workflows.

Filter and Search WhatsApp Contacts in GoHighLevel

Beyond smartlists, you can use quick filters and search options to find specific WhatsApp contacts.

Filter Contacts by WhatsApp Channel

  1. Open the Contacts page.
  2. Use the filter options at the top of the list.
  3. Select channel- or message-related filters to narrow the list to WhatsApp contacts.

This is useful for fast lookups or one-time bulk actions without saving a smartlist.

Search for Specific WhatsApp Records

You can search by:

  • Contact name.
  • Phone number associated with WhatsApp.
  • Other identifying details stored in contact custom fields.

Combining search and filters gives you precise control over which WhatsApp contacts you want to manage or export.

Best Practices for GoHighLevel WhatsApp Management

To keep your account organized and compliant, follow these tips while working with WhatsApp in GoHighLevel:

  • Regularly review WhatsApp conversations in the Conversations section to avoid missed replies.
  • Use smartlists to track new WhatsApp leads, active conversations, and contacts needing follow-up.
  • Update contact fields so you can combine WhatsApp conditions with tags, pipelines, or lifecycle stages.
  • Ensure that your messaging complies with WhatsApp guidelines and local regulations.

Additional Resources

For more detailed, official documentation about WhatsApp contact management and smartlists in GoHighLevel, review the original help article here: WhatsApp Contact Management and Smartlist.

If you want strategic help implementing GoHighLevel workflows, automation, and messaging across your organization, consider working with experts at Consultevo.

By properly configuring WhatsApp, organizing contacts, and leveraging smartlists, you can turn GoHighLevel into a central hub for real-time customer communication and segmented follow-up.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.

Scale GoHighLevel

“`