> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/hub/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

Selecting the right integration path depends on technical resources, team requirements, and the desired level of automation. 

There are five primary categories available in the 360dialog Hub:

* [Direct API Access](#direct-api-access)
* [Workflow Builders](#workflow-builders)
* [Inbox](#inbox)
* [WhatsApp MCP](#whatsapp-mcp)
* [Meta Business Agent](#meta-business-agent)

<figure><img src="/files/U3s98MEYrmkHRM86oLFN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Direct API Access

In this section, you can send the first message to confirm everything works.&#x20;

#### How to send the first message

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Generate the API Key.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set up your webhook URL.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Send a message. This will open the conversation window, so in the next step you can send the free-form message.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Send a first message via WhatsApp API.&#x20;
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<figure><img src="/files/i5jJ27LRi9hSxY5Fn2Xy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Workflow Builders

Workflow builders allow automated triggers and conversational flows to be established with popular third-party services. The 360dialog Hub integrates with the following workflow automation tools:

* **Zapier** (Automate repetitive tasks by connecting WhatsApp to thousands of applications.)
* **Make** (Design complex, multi-branch automation scenarios using a visual editor.)
* **n8n** (Build powerful, customizable node-based workflows.)

<figure><img src="/files/9ks9JhWewvtevmn0fM8l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How to connect Zapier

Connect Zapier to send and receive WhatsApp messages by following these steps:

<figure><img src="/files/hn4vW32cuaqokLZbLnfb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Create the API Key.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Open Zapier. You can use our pre-built template and authenticate with your API Key.

<figure><img src="/files/3HjCx01u2Nj8CGKYjMEd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Initiate a conversation.&#x20;

Send a message from your phone to open the 24-hour conversation window. Zapier will catch it and automatically reply.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### How to connect Make

Connect Make to send and receive WhatsApp messages by following these steps:&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/NHus2WqoQbGA3VA9e91g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Create the API Key.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Open Make and use our pre-built scenario. Authenticate with your API Key.

<figure><img src="/files/dr56tqHCEh2whsj4aWR8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/0EZNr9uUAyNJoydAf76H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Initiate a conversation.&#x20;

Send a message from your phone to open the 24-hour conversation window. Make will catch it and automatically reply.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### How to connect n8n

Connect n8n to send and receive WhatsApp messages by following these steps:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/DkMvSCVMkS8uZwcgkQon" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Create the API Key.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set up the 360Dialog community node by following the video.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Initiate a conversation.&#x20;

Send a message from your phone to open the 24-hour conversation window. n8n will catch it and automatically reply.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Inbox

The shared inbox provides teams with a centralized interface to view, assign, and respond to WhatsApp conversations collaboratively. Alternatively, developers can utilize the Inbox API to programmatically integrate messaging into an existing custom service.

Inbox is available only for **360dialog direct clients** with the **premium plan** without any extra charges.&#x20;

Depending on the integration approach, you can learn more and test the following:&#x20;

* Inbox UI
* Inbox API
* Inbox MCP

<figure><img src="/files/EH4P7QWhsE1WoIFxHPtZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The inbox is powered by GetChat, and the detailed documentation can be found [**here**](https://docs.getchat.360dialog.io/?_gl=1*1tgg074*_gcl_au*ODk2NTI3ODk3LjE3ODQwMTkwODA.*_ga*NjgzMjE4MDQ4LjE3NTQzODM5NTA.*_ga_LGL7QN1GCJ*czE3ODUzMDg2NDIkbzEwNiRnMSR0MTc4NTMxMjQ0MiRqNTkkbDAkaDA.#).&#x20;

## WhatsApp MCP

This page describes how to connect custom AI agents to the WhatsApp Business Platform using the Model Context Protocol.

<figure><img src="/files/8F5KX4QuzMfZeTknh4cL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Follow these steps to connect to MCP

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Use this MCP endpoint: <https://mcp.360dialog.com/mcp>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Authorize. Use the same email and password as to log in to the 360Dialog Hub. &#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Test the MCP and discover the available tools.&#x20;
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

More detailed info can be found [**here**](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/get-started/mcp).&#x20;

## Meta Business Agent

The Meta Business Agent (currently in Beta) delivers automated, conversational flows powered directly by Meta AI, fully integrated with internal business systems and customer tools.

<figure><img src="/files/Yp1V7cf9S9fDUKJvam3S" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

At this moment, it is possible to onboard to it via API following these steps:&#x20;

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Check Eligibility
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enable your Agent
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Configure your Agent
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Test your Agent
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Go live
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Roll out to everyone
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

More detailed info can be found [**here**](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/mba/meta-business-agent/onboarding-options).&#x20;


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/hub/getting-started.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.