[Extension] How to use the WhatsApp Flows extension in Blip

1. Introduction

2. Features

3. Installation and configuration

4. Create a flow

5. Validate the JSON

6. Configure the data endpoint

7. Preview and test the flow

8. Publish the flow

9. Send the flow to the customer through Builder

10. Best practices

11. Support

Brief description: Create, validate, and publish forms and interactive screens inside WhatsApp directly from Blip, without redirecting the customer to external pages.

Introduction

The WhatsApp Flows extension lets you create, edit, test, and publish interactive screens that open within the WhatsApp conversation. Customers fill out forms, choose options from menus, and complete their journey without leaving the chat or being taken to an external page.

For example, you can create an appointment scheduling form that opens in WhatsApp: the customer selects a date and time, confirms it, and the data is sent back to the bot flow in Builder. The entire process, from editing the flow JSON to validation, preview, testing, and publishing, takes place in the extension portal.

Features

• Create flows from scratch and edit JSON in the integrated editor

• Schema validation while you edit, with a panel that lists the errors found

• Preview the flow before publishing

• Test the flow directly in WhatsApp by sending a message to a number

• Configure the flow data endpoint for dynamically exchanging data with your server

• Encryption keys (public, private, and password) generated automatically to protect data exchange with WhatsApp

• Control the flow status (Draft, Published, and Deprecated), with options to publish, deprecate, and delete

Supported on the WhatsApp channel.

Installation and configuration

The extension depends on the WhatsApp number connected to the bot because flows are sent through the Meta API. Install it on the Router that has the WhatsApp channel active, and use only one bot per number.

Attention: if the bot does not have the WhatsApp channel active, the extension displays the message "Publish your bot on WhatsApp to use this extension" and does not load the list of flows.

1. Go to WhatsApp Flows in Blip Store or search for WhatsApp Flows in Blip Store.

2. Select the extension and click Start free trial.

3. Choose the Router that has the WhatsApp channel active and complete the installation.

4. Open the extension from the bot menu. The extension displays the bot's list of flows.

5. Optional: click View keys to see the public key, private key, and password. The extension generates this key pair during installation and automatically registers the public key in WhatsApp. You need them when the flow exchanges data with an external endpoint.

Create a flow

1. Click Create new flow and then Create from scratch. The extension creates a flow with Draft status and opens the editor.

2. Rename the flow in the name field at the top of the editor.

3. Write or paste the flow JSON into the editor. Changes are saved automatically. While the flow is in Draft status, you can edit it as needed.

For ready-made screen templates, such as forms, NPS surveys, and login screens, see Meta's example documentation.

Validate the JSON

The extension validates the flow schema while you edit. The panel next to the editor lists the errors found or confirms "No schema errors found," along with the flow ID and status. Fix all errors before publishing.

Configure the data endpoint

If the flow exchanges dynamic data with your server, click Change endpoint in the editor's options menu and enter the endpoint URL. The extension uses the keys generated during installation to protect this data exchange with WhatsApp. See Meta's flow JSON reference for the accepted fields.

Preview and test the flow

Click Preview to open the flow and check the screens, text, fields, and navigation before publishing.

To test directly in WhatsApp, open the editor's options menu and click Test flow in WhatsApp. Enter the phone number, header text, body text, and button text, and send the test message. The conversation window with this number must be open to receive it. While the flow is in Draft status, WhatsApp identifies the message as a simulation environment, and message customization only applies after publication.

Publish the flow

1. Open the editor's options menu and click Publish flow.

2. Wait for the status to change to Published.

Attention: after it is published, the flow cannot be edited or deleted. To change a published flow, create a new one with the updated JSON. A published flow can only be marked as Deprecated using the Deprecate flow option; a flow in Draft status can be removed using the Delete flow option.

Send the flow to the customer through Builder

After publishing, send the flow to the customer from a block in Builder for the same bot.

1. Copy the flow ID from the extension list or editor.

2. In Builder, click +, create a new block, and give it a clear name, such as "Send WhatsApp Flow."

3. Open the block and add content of type WhatsApp Flow.

4. Edit the dynamic content. In the body, write the message that accompanies the flow. Use fixed text without braces or a variable in braces, such as {{variable}}.

5. In the FlowID field, paste the flow ID without braces.

6. In the Flow CTA field, enter the button title that the customer sees to open the flow.

7. In the Mode field, enter published for published flows or draft for tests, without braces.

8. Save the fields.

9. In the block's Actions, configure the requests that prepare the flow context (Reset context and Create Flow context), using the bot's key (Key). These requests ensure that the flow opens with the correct context and store the flow variables for later use.

10. Enable the Router context and publish the bot in Builder.

To validate the complete journey, send a message to the bot's WhatsApp number that triggers the block, open the flow, fill in the fields, and confirm that the response reaches Builder with the variables populated.

Best practices

• Test the flow in a staging bot before publishing it to production.

• Request only the data needed in the flow and tell the customer why you are requesting each piece of information.

• When collecting data on WhatsApp, comply with the LGPD and Meta's policies.

Support

Need help with a specific flow? In the editor, click Contact Wiv to speak with the team of experts. For questions or issues with the extension, write to support@wiv.com.br.

Need more help? Explore our content on Blip Academy or Blip Community, watch tutorials on our YouTube channel or get answers to your questions through our support channel 😃