Skip to main content

How to Start a New Chat in Wati

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Summary

Starting a new chat in Wati is easy - whether you're messaging an existing contact or reaching out to someone new. This guide walks you through each step, from opening the chat window to sending a pre-approved WhatsApp message using a template.

Instructions

Steps to start a new chat

Follow these steps to begin a new conversation in Wati:

Step 1: Log in to your Wati account.

Step 2: Go to the Team Inbox.

Step 3: Click the WhatsApp icon to open your WhatsApp channel.

Note: It is important to click on the WhatsApp icon to start a new WhatsApp chat. If you are on the All chats tab then you would not see the “+” button to start a new chat.

Step 4: Click the “+” button to start a new chat.

Step 5: Choose how you want to send the message:

  • Enter a contact number manually, or

  • Select an existing contact from your list.

If you enter a number that isn't already saved, Wati will automatically add it as a new contact after the message is sent.

Step 6: Click Next.

Step 7: Select a pre-approved template message from the list.

You can scroll through available templates, search for a specific one, or click + New Template to create a new template.

Step 8: Fill in any required variables within the template (e.g., name, order ID, etc.).

Step 9: Review the message to ensure all details are accurate and complete.

Step 10: Click Send.

Once the message is sent, the conversation will appear in Broadcast status, and you can continue engaging with the contact from there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Starting a new chat

1. Who can I message using Wati's new chat feature?

→ You can message both existing contacts and new phone numbers. If the number isn’t saved, Wati will automatically create a new contact after the message is sent.

2. Where do I go to start a new WhatsApp chat in Wati?

→ Go to the Team Inbox and click the WhatsApp icon. This ensures the option to start a new chat is available.

3. Why don’t I see the “+” button to start a new chat?

→ The “+” button only appears when you're inside the WhatsApp channel. If you're on the All chats tab, it won’t be visible.

4. How do I send a message to a new contact?

→ Click the “+” button in the WhatsApp channel, enter the phone number manually, and proceed with sending a template message. Wati will save the number as a new contact after the message is sent.

Message templates

5. What kind of message can I send in a new chat?

→ You can only send a pre-approved template message when starting a new WhatsApp chat.

6. How do I choose a message template?

→ After entering the contact information, click Next to view available templates. You can scroll, search for a specific template, or create a new one by clicking + New Template.

7. What should I do if the template has variables?

→ Fill in the required variables (like name or order ID) before sending. Review the message to make sure all details are accurate.

After sending a message

8. Where can I find the conversation after sending a message?

→ The conversation will appear in Broadcast status in your Team Inbox. You can continue chatting with the contact from there.

Did this answer your question?