Looking for a free WhatsApp chatbot? The honest answer is that some parts are free and some are not. The WhatsApp Business app includes free auto-replies, a few chatbot builders have limited free plans, and a chatbot that understands free-text questions through the official WhatsApp API usually needs a paid plan or a trial. This guide shows what is free, what costs money (including Meta's own message fees), and how to build a WhatsApp chatbot step by step.
Last updated: October 2026. WhatsApp pricing and vendor plans change often, so check the linked sources before you budget.
Is There a Free WhatsApp Chatbot?
Partly. There are three ways to get a chatbot on WhatsApp, and only the first one is fully free:
| Option | Cost | What you get | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Business app auto-replies | Free | Greeting message, away message, quick replies | No AI, no conversation flows, no CRM sync |
| Free tier of a chatbot builder | Free, with caps | A basic bot, depending on the vendor | Caps on contacts or conversations. WhatsApp access or AI replies are often reserved for paid plans |
| Paid platform + WhatsApp API | Platform fee + Meta message fees | AI replies, conversation flows, human handover, integrations | Monthly subscription. Meta charges for some message types |
If you only need to greet customers and say "we are closed right now", the Business app is enough. If you want a bot that answers open-ended questions, qualifies leads, or hands over to a person, you need the WhatsApp Business API through a platform, and that is where costs start.
Where FlowGent fits: FlowGent does not have a free plan. WhatsApp is available on paid plans, starting at $19/month for flow-based automation, and AI-agent plans (which add AI replies) start at $49/month. There is a 7-day trial so you can build and test before you pay. See the FlowGent pricing page for current plans.
Want people to start WhatsApp chats from your website or bio before you automate anything? The free WhatsApp link generator creates a click-to-chat link with a pre-filled message, and the WhatsApp QR code generator turns it into a scannable code.
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What Does Meta Charge for WhatsApp Chatbot Messages?
Even when the chatbot software is free, Meta charges for some messages sent through the WhatsApp Business API. Based on Meta's pricing documentation (updated September 30, 2026):
- Messages from customers to your business are not charged.
- Replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are called service messages. Each business phone number gets 1,000 free service messages per month. From October 1, 2026, Meta charges per delivered message after that.
- Template messages (marketing, utility, authentication) are charged per delivered message. The rate depends on the message category and the recipient's country.
- Click to WhatsApp ads open a free entry point window of up to 7 days, during which Meta does not charge for marketing, utility, authentication or service messages.
- Meta charges only for messages that are delivered, not for messages that are sent.
If your account has no payment method on file, Meta delivers service messages inside the free monthly tier but stops delivering them once it is used up. Add a payment method in Meta's Billing Hub before you go live. For the full pricing breakdown, see our WhatsApp Business API guide and our WhatsApp Business API costs page.
What Is a WhatsApp Chatbot?
A WhatsApp chatbot is software that replies to WhatsApp messages automatically. It can answer FAQs, share product details, collect contact information or book appointments, and pass the chat to a person when needed. For more on AI in WhatsApp Business, see WhatsApp Business AI. There are two main types:
- Rule-based chatbots follow predefined scripts and menus. They are simple, predictable and limited to the scenarios you build.
- AI-powered chatbots use language models to understand free-text questions and answer from your business knowledge, such as your FAQs and website content.
Why Use a WhatsApp Chatbot for Your Business?
A chatbot will not replace your team, but it can take repetitive work off them:
- Faster first replies: Customers get an answer to common questions without waiting for someone to be at their desk.
- Handles volume: The same bot can talk to many customers at the same time, which is hard to do by hand.
- Fewer repetitive questions for your team: Opening hours, shipping times and pricing questions can be answered automatically, so people spend their time on the complicated conversations.
- Lead capture: The bot can ask qualifying questions and collect contact details before a person steps in.
How to Automate WhatsApp Messages for Free
The free route is the WhatsApp Business app (iOS and Android). Open Settings > Business tools and you can set up:
- Greeting messages: sent when a customer messages you for the first time or after a period of inactivity.
- Away messages: sent when you are outside business hours or unavailable.
- Quick replies: saved messages you trigger with a shortcut, for example typing "/thanks". To style the text with bold, italics or strikethrough before you save it, try the free WhatsApp text formatter.
This works for solo operators and very small teams. It does not support AI answers, multi-step flows or CRM integration. When you outgrow it, move to a chatbot platform connected to the WhatsApp Business API (next section). If you need a message to go out at a set time instead, see how to schedule a WhatsApp message.
Tip: put a click-to-chat link on your website, email signature or Instagram bio so customers can start the conversation easily. You can create one with our free WhatsApp link generator.
How to Create a WhatsApp Chatbot Step by Step
Whatever platform you pick, building a WhatsApp chatbot follows the same five steps:
- Get a WhatsApp Business phone number. Use a number that is not already active on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app.
- Set up and verify a Meta Business portfolio. Add your business details, Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
- Choose a chatbot platform with WhatsApp API access. Platforms that connect through Meta's official sign-up flow save you from applying for API access yourself.
- Connect your number. Authorize the platform through Meta, pick your Business portfolio and link the number.
- Add your knowledge, build the conversation, test and go live.
Below is the full walkthrough using FlowGent. If you want the technical side (direct API, providers and webhooks), read our WhatsApp chatbot integration guide.
Before You Begin
- A verified Facebook Business Portfolio: Needed for the WhatsApp connection. Don't have one? Follow this guide to set it up.
- A phone number not linked to WhatsApp: The number can't be active on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app. If it is, delete the account first:
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Select Delete my account and follow the prompts.
- Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: These must be on your website, or Meta may reject your verification.
Meta also offers a coexistence option that lets some businesses use the Business app and the API on the same number. Whether it is available depends on your platform and country, so the steps below assume a number that is not in use on either app.
Pro tip: Need a new number? A service like OpenPhone lets you buy an online number. Make sure it can receive a call or text for verification.
Step-by-Step Integration Process
Here is how to connect a FlowGent AI agent to WhatsApp:
Step 1: Access the FlowGent Dashboard
- Log into your FlowGent account and open the Agent Overview section.
Step 2: Select Your Agent
- Pick the agent you want to connect to WhatsApp and click Edit.
Step 3: Go to the WhatsApp Trigger
- In the agent settings, go to Trigger > WhatsApp.
Step 4: Add a Connection
- If you haven't set up a WhatsApp connection yet, click Add a Connection.
Step 5: Connect with Facebook
- Click Connect with Facebook and read the instructions before you continue.
Step 6: Start the Integration
- Click Get Started.
Step 7: Choose Your Business Portfolio
- Select the verified Facebook Business Portfolio you want to link.
Step 8: Set Up a WhatsApp Business Account
- Create a new WhatsApp Business Account and profile, or choose an existing one.
Step 9: Fill in Profile Details
- Complete the WhatsApp Business Profile fields. Important: your display name must match your legal business or trade name, or it may be rejected.
Step 10: Add Your Phone Number
- Enter a phone number that is not currently tied to WhatsApp.
Step 11: Verify the Number
- Click Next and complete the verification (you may receive a call or text).
Step 12: Finalize Setup
- Click Finish, then add a payment method to your WhatsApp Business account in Meta's Billing Hub so Meta can bill any charged messages.
Customizing Your WhatsApp Chatbot Profile
Update the profile picture and display name so the bot looks like your brand:
- Go to Facebook Business > Settings.
- Open WhatsApp Accounts > WhatsApp Manager.
- Select your phone number, then go to Settings > Profile.
- Update the picture and name. Display name changes need Meta's re-approval.
How to Use Chatbots in WhatsApp
From the customer's side, using a WhatsApp chatbot is simple:
- A customer messages your WhatsApp number. They find it on your website, social media, a QR code or a Click to WhatsApp ad.
- The chatbot replies with a welcome message, menu options or a direct answer.
- The conversation continues. The bot can answer FAQs, share product details, collect contact information or book appointments.
- If needed, the chat goes to a person for complex or sensitive questions.
If you run Click to WhatsApp ads, Adbase is handy for checking competitors' ads when you need ideas for your next campaign.
Common uses are customer support, lead qualification, order updates and appointment booking. If you also want to log those chats in a CRM, read our WhatsApp CRM integration guide.
Best WhatsApp Chatbot Tools in 2026
Free plans change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm limits on each vendor's pricing page. Based on vendor pages and search listings checked in October 2026:
| Tool | Free option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FlowGent | No free plan. 7-day trial | WhatsApp on paid plans from $19/month (flows). AI-agent plans add AI replies. Also automates Instagram DMs |
| SendPulse | Advertises a free plan for its WhatsApp chatbot builder | No-code builder. Limits and features change, check its pricing page |
| BotPenguin | Free plan with limits | Chatbot builder across several channels. Check what the free plan includes for WhatsApp |
| Wati | 7-day free trial | WhatsApp-focused platform |
| Kommo | Free trial | CRM-first, with a WhatsApp chatbot builder |
See our Wati alternatives and BotPenguin alternative pages for how those two compare with FlowGent.
What to Look for in a Free WhatsApp Chatbot Tool
- Is WhatsApp included on the free plan? Many free plans cover a website widget but not WhatsApp. Check before you build.
- Message and contact limits: Free plans cap conversations or contacts. Find out what happens when you hit the cap.
- AI or only buttons? Some free bots are menus of buttons. If you want free-text answers, check that AI replies are included.
- Meta fees on top: The software price is not the whole cost. Meta charges for some messages regardless of the tool.
- Integrations and handover: If you need a CRM or want a person to take over chats, check that the plan supports it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Business Portfolio Verification Rejected
- Why? Missing contact details, or no Privacy Policy and Terms of Service on your site.
- Fix: Add the required information and resubmit for verification.
Display Name Rejected
- Why? The name doesn't match your legal business or trade name.
- Fix: Check the status in WhatsApp Manager > Phone Number Settings > Profile, then edit and resubmit.
Phone Number Already in Use
- Why? The number is linked to another WhatsApp account or provider.
- Fix: Disconnect it:
- Go to Facebook Business > Settings > WhatsApp Accounts.
- Click Remove, then retry the connection.
The Bot Stops Replying After a While
- Why? Meta stops delivering service messages once a number's free monthly tier is used up if no payment method is on file.
- Fix: Add a payment method in Meta's Billing Hub.
FAQ
Is a WhatsApp chatbot really free?
Only partly. The WhatsApp Business app gives you free automated greeting, away and quick-reply messages, and a few chatbot builders have limited free plans. A chatbot that answers free-text questions through the WhatsApp Business API usually needs a paid plan or a trial, and Meta charges for some message types on top of the software price. FlowGent has no free plan, but it offers a 7-day trial.
Can I create a WhatsApp chatbot without coding?
Yes. No-code platforms such as FlowGent, SendPulse and Wati let you build conversation flows visually. You connect your WhatsApp number through Meta, add your business knowledge, and publish. No programming is required.
What is the difference between the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API?
The Business app is a free mobile app for small businesses with basic automation (greeting, away and quick replies). The WhatsApp Business API is built for software: chatbots, CRM integrations, multiple agents and higher volumes. You need the API for an AI chatbot. Read the WhatsApp Business API guide for the full comparison.
How many messages can a free WhatsApp chatbot send?
It depends on the platform, and free plans usually cap contacts or conversations. On the WhatsApp side, each business phone number gets 1,000 free service messages (replies inside the 24-hour window) per month. From October 1, 2026, Meta charges for service messages after that, and template messages are charged from the first one.
Does Meta charge for chatbot replies?
Replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are free for the first 1,000 per business phone number each month, then charged. Template messages sent outside the window are charged by category and country. Messages sent by customers are not charged. See the pricing section above for details.
Can a WhatsApp chatbot work with my CRM?
Yes. Platforms that use the WhatsApp Business API can usually connect to a CRM through native integrations or webhooks. In FlowGent, custom tools (available on Standard and higher plans) let an agent send data to other apps. See our WhatsApp CRM integration guide.
Can you add an AI chatbot to WhatsApp?
Yes. You connect a chatbot platform to your WhatsApp Business number through the WhatsApp Business API, and the platform handles the AI replies. WhatsApp's business terms were updated on January 15, 2026 to restrict general-purpose AI assistants on the Business Platform, so build the bot around your own business conversations such as support, orders and bookings.
How do I integrate a chatbot with WhatsApp without coding?
Use a no-code platform that connects to the WhatsApp Business API through Meta's sign-up flow. You authorize the platform, link your number, add your knowledge and publish. For the technical options, including direct API integration, read the WhatsApp chatbot integration guide.
Do I need the WhatsApp Business API to run a chatbot?
For an AI chatbot that replies to open-ended questions, yes. The free Business app only supports basic automated messages. Platforms like FlowGent include the API connection so you do not have to apply for access yourself.
Does WhatsApp allow chatbots?
Yes, for businesses. WhatsApp supports chatbots through the WhatsApp Business Platform. Meta restricts providers of general-purpose AI assistants from using the platform, but chatbots that handle your own customer conversations are a standard use case.
Conclusion
A free WhatsApp chatbot in 2026 means one of two things: the basic auto-replies in the WhatsApp Business app, or a limited free plan from a chatbot builder. Anything that understands free-text questions, hands over to your team or connects to your CRM runs on the WhatsApp Business API, which means a paid plan plus Meta's message fees. Start with the free tools to see what your customers ask, then move to a platform when volume justifies it.
Ready to try it? Start a FlowGent trial and connect your WhatsApp number, or create a free WhatsApp link first to see how many customers want to chat. If many of your customers also message you on Instagram, see FlowGent's Instagram automation.