How to Use WhatsApp in GoHighLevel: Step-by-Step FAQ Guide
If you use tools like ClickUp to organize your business and want to connect WhatsApp with GoHighLevel, this guide will walk you through the most important rules, limitations, and steps you must follow. It is based on the official WhatsApp FAQs for GoHighLevel so you can set up messaging correctly and avoid common mistakes.
This article explains how WhatsApp works inside GoHighLevel, including pricing, number limits, templates, automation, and approval requirements.
Understanding WhatsApp in GoHighLevel
WhatsApp inside GoHighLevel runs through a WhatsApp Business API connection. This means that messaging follows Meta’s business policies and has stricter rules than the personal WhatsApp app on your phone.
Before you start, keep in mind that:
- You must use a dedicated WhatsApp Business number.
- Conversations are billed based on Meta’s WhatsApp pricing.
- Template messages must be approved before you can send them.
WhatsApp Pricing and Credits in GoHighLevel
When you send WhatsApp messages from GoHighLevel, you pay based on Meta’s WhatsApp Business pricing model. The platform passes through these costs, and charges depend on the country and conversation type.
How billing works in GoHighLevel
WhatsApp costs are usually billed per conversation, not per message. A conversation is a 24-hour window that starts when a template message is delivered or when a user sends you a message, depending on the category.
To understand exact pricing, you should always review Meta’s current WhatsApp Business API pricing documentation because charges can change. GoHighLevel reflects those rules and does not control WhatsApp rates itself.
Types of WhatsApp conversations
Within GoHighLevel, you will see different types of WhatsApp conversations defined by Meta, such as:
- Marketing conversations
- Utility conversations
- Authentication conversations
- Service (user-initiated) conversations
Each conversation type can have its own pricing and policies. Make sure you send the right type of template from GoHighLevel to avoid policy issues.
WhatsApp Numbers and Limits in GoHighLevel
To use WhatsApp in GoHighLevel, you must connect a valid phone number that Meta approves for WhatsApp Business API use.
Number requirements in GoHighLevel
Some important rules include:
- The number must be able to receive a call or SMS during the initial WhatsApp verification.
- It cannot already be registered with the WhatsApp personal app unless you remove it from that app first.
- The number must belong to the same business that is being verified under Meta’s Business Manager.
Messaging and sending limits
WhatsApp gradually increases sending limits after you start using it. In GoHighLevel, these limits are controlled by WhatsApp itself, not by the CRM. As Meta increases your business’s trust, the number of unique users you can message in a rolling 24-hour period rises.
If you try to send more messages than WhatsApp allows, messages from GoHighLevel can fail or be delayed until your limits are raised.
WhatsApp Templates in GoHighLevel
WhatsApp template messages are pre-approved messages that you send to users who have opted in. GoHighLevel lets you create, submit, and use these templates, but Meta must approve them before they can be sent.
Template approval process in GoHighLevel
- Create a new WhatsApp template inside your GoHighLevel WhatsApp settings.
- Choose the template category (for example, marketing, utility, or authentication).
- Write your message content and add placeholders if needed.
- Submit the template for Meta approval through GoHighLevel.
- Wait for the approval status to update before using the template in campaigns or workflows.
If a template is rejected, you must revise the content to comply with WhatsApp Business policies and then resubmit from GoHighLevel.
Best practices for templates in GoHighLevel
- Keep messages clear and concise.
- Avoid spammy language or misleading claims.
- Include personalization where possible using variables.
- Respect opt-in rules and user expectations.
24-Hour Messaging Rule in GoHighLevel
WhatsApp uses a 24-hour customer service window. GoHighLevel follows this same rule for user-initiated conversations.
How the 24-hour window works
When a user sends your business a message, a 24-hour clock starts. Within this window, you can reply freely with session messages from GoHighLevel without using a template.
After the 24 hours expire, you can only send approved template messages to restart a conversation. Any non-template messages sent outside that window can be rejected by WhatsApp, even if you send them from GoHighLevel.
Using automation with the 24-hour rule
Workflows and automations in GoHighLevel must respect the 24-hour policy. If a workflow is configured to send a WhatsApp message after a delay, make sure one of the following is true:
- The delay still keeps the message within 24 hours of the user’s last reply, or
- You are using a pre-approved WhatsApp template message to re-engage after 24 hours.
Automation and Workflows for WhatsApp in GoHighLevel
WhatsApp can be added to your GoHighLevel automations to create follow-ups, reminders, and notifications. However, these flows must always stay within WhatsApp’s official compliance requirements.
Common automation use cases
You can build automations in GoHighLevel that:
- Send a WhatsApp template after a form submission.
- Trigger a reminder message when an appointment is coming up.
- Follow up with leads who have opted in but stopped replying.
Always remember that any message sent after 24 hours must be an approved template. This applies even if the automation is configured correctly inside GoHighLevel.
Testing automations safely
- Set up a test contact with your own number.
- Build a small workflow with a single WhatsApp step in GoHighLevel.
- Use a short delay and trigger it using a form, pipeline stage, or tag.
- Check message delivery and timing against the 24-hour rule.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting in GoHighLevel WhatsApp
When using WhatsApp inside GoHighLevel, you might run into issues that originate from WhatsApp Business API restrictions or from configuration problems.
Message not delivered
Typical reasons include:
- The number is not correctly verified for WhatsApp Business API.
- You attempted to send a non-template message outside the 24-hour window.
- Your business has reached its sending limit defined by WhatsApp.
- The contact has blocked your number or revoked permission.
Template not approved or rejected
If a WhatsApp template in GoHighLevel shows as rejected or stuck in review:
- Verify that the content follows Meta’s policy guidelines.
- Avoid promotional claims that are overly aggressive or misleading.
- Check for disallowed content such as sensitive financial, political, or health claims depending on policy updates.
Once you adjust the content, resubmit the template in GoHighLevel and wait for the updated result from Meta.
Compliance and Best Practices for GoHighLevel WhatsApp
To keep your WhatsApp integration healthy in GoHighLevel, focus on compliance and user experience.
Key compliance points
- Collect clear opt-in from users before messaging them on WhatsApp.
- Provide an easy way for users to opt out or stop receiving messages.
- Store and manage consent records inside GoHighLevel or your main CRM process.
- Review WhatsApp Business Policy regularly to stay updated.
Improving performance in GoHighLevel
To get the best results from your WhatsApp campaigns in GoHighLevel:
- Test different templates and monitor reply rates.
- Segment your audiences and send relevant content only.
- Combine WhatsApp with email and SMS for an omnichannel approach.
- Use reporting features to track which workflows and templates perform best.
Where to Learn More About GoHighLevel WhatsApp
For deeper technical details on WhatsApp behavior, pricing, and conversation rules inside GoHighLevel, you can review the official WhatsApp FAQs published by the platform here: GoHighLevel WhatsApp FAQs.
If you need strategic help implementing WhatsApp, funnels, or automation systems around GoHighLevel, you can also consult specialists at Consultevo for more structured support.
By following the policies and steps described in this how-to guide, you can safely use WhatsApp in GoHighLevel, automate compliant campaigns, and maintain healthy engagement with your audience.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.
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