Summary
Looking to automate your WhatsApp messages using Google Sheets? The Google Sheet Message Sender & Automation Extension makes it easy to send scheduled messages or automate campaigns when your sheet updates. This guide will walk you through installing the extension, setting up your environment, and using both the WhatsApp Message Schedule and Sheet Automation modules.
Note: Broadcasts are now Campaigns – same powerful features, updated name!
Instructions
Step 1: Install the Extension
Open your browser and log in to your Google account.
Open a Google Sheets file - you can use an existing one or create a new file.
Click on the Extensions menu (or Add-ons, depending on your interface).
Select Get add-ons.
In the Google Workspace Marketplace, search for WhatsApp Message Sender Wati.
Click Install and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 2: Set Up Subscription and Usage
Before you can send messages, you'll need to log in and connect your Wati account.
Open the extension from your Google Sheet.
Click on Subscription and Usage.
Log in or sign up using one of the following options:
Trial Account
Automatically connects to app.wati.io using your active Google account email.
You'll get limited trial credits to test sending messages.
Live (Paid) Account
Go to your Wati dashboard.
Copy your API Endpoint URL and Access Token.
Paste them into the respective fields in the extension.
Click Test. You must see a “Success” message for it to work.
Click Save.
Once your login is complete, you can start using either of the two available modules.
Step 3: Use the Sheet Automation Module
This module lets you automatically send WhatsApp campaigns when your Google Sheet gets updated. Here’s how to set it up.
Create a New Rule
Launch the Sheet Automation module from the sidebar.
Click New Rule.
Give your rule a meaningful name.
Set the Trigger
Choose what should activate the campaign. You have three options:
Column is updated: Triggers when a specific column is updated (e.g.,
A).Row is updated: Triggers when any data is updated in a specific row (e.g.,
2).New row is added: Triggers when a new row is added and all necessary columns are filled in.
Add a Filter (Optional)
Filters help you control when a campaign should be sent, especially useful if your sheet updates often.
Choose to add a new condition using + AND or + OR.
Select between a Column condition or Range condition.
Choose the condition type from the dropdown:
Text (e.g., contains, equals)
Number (e.g., greater than, less than)
Date/Time
Exists / Does not exist
Enter the specific value to match.
Example: Only send a campaign if a cell in column B contains a number greater than 100.
Set the Action
This defines what will happen when the rule is triggered.
Set up the environment again by entering your API Endpoint URL and Access Token, then click Test.
Define where to find the phone numbers:
Use the WhatsApp Number field to auto-fill the contact number cell.
Choose a Template Name from your Wati account.
Link the template’s variables to spreadsheet cells:
Click on the cells containing the values to auto-fill.
If not fixed, use placeholders like
{column_A},{column_B}.
Important: The format {column_X} is necessary when using update triggers.
Click Save to finalize your rule.
Step 4: Trigger the Campaign
Once the rule is saved and your sheet meets the trigger conditions, the campaign will automatically be sent using the configured template and variables.
With the Google Sheet Message Sender & Automation Extension, staying in touch with your contacts via WhatsApp is seamless and automated - right from your spreadsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What is the Google Sheet Message Sender & Automation Extension?
It is a Google Sheets extension that lets you send or schedule WhatsApp messages and automatically trigger campaigns when your spreadsheet data is updated.
2. What can I automate using this extension?
You can automate WhatsApp campaigns based on sheet updates, such as column changes, row updates, or when a new row is added.
3. Do broadcasts and campaigns mean the same thing?
Yes. Broadcasts are now called Campaigns, with the same features and functionality.
Installation and access
4. How do I install the extension?
You can install it from the Google Workspace Marketplace by searching for “WhatsApp Message Sender Wati” and following the installation steps.
5. Can I use the extension with a trial Wati account?
Yes. Trial users can log in using their Google account and receive limited credits to test message sending.
6. How do I connect a paid Wati account to the extension?
You need to copy your API Endpoint URL and Access Token from your Wati dashboard, test the connection, and save it in the extension.
Sheet automation setup
7. What triggers can I use to send automated campaigns?
You can trigger campaigns when a specific column is updated, when a row is updated, or when a new row is added with all required data.
8. Are filters mandatory when creating automation rules?
No. Filters are optional, but they help control when campaigns are sent, especially if your sheet updates frequently.
9. What types of conditions can I use in filters?
You can use text, number, date/time, and existence-based conditions to decide when a campaign should trigger.
Templates and message sending
10. How are WhatsApp templates linked to spreadsheet data?
You map template variables to specific spreadsheet cells so values like names or amounts are filled automatically.
11. Why do I need to use the {column_X} format?
This format is required when using update-based triggers so the system knows which column values to use dynamically.
12. When is a campaign actually sent?
Once the rule is saved, the campaign is automatically sent as soon as the sheet meets the defined trigger and filter conditions.