Getting started with WhatsApp Sandbox

Getting started with WhatsApp Sandbox


Zoho Desk's WhatsApp Sandbox enables you to prototype both sending and receiving messages in a test environment. You can start testing Sandbox with test numbers even before WhatsApp approves your business number and verifies your WABA. WhatsApp Sandbox is an easy way to test the functionality of WhatsApp Business Messaging APIs.


How Sandbox works

The Sandbox comes with a pre-configured WhatsApp phone number that will be shared across all the opted-in Sandbox users. You can map any of your WhatsApp test numbers with the Sandbox environment and start testing.

Kickstart the mapping process by following these three simple steps.



Step 1: Enable Sandbox Testing

    •    Click the Setup icon ( ) in the top bar.
    •    Click Instant Messaging under the Channel's options.
    •    Click WhatsApp in the menu options.
    •    Select the Sandbox tab in the WhatsApp page
    •    Click on Sandbox Testing and you can switch on Sandbox by agreeing to the WhatsApp Sandbox Service Agreement.




Note:
1. Once you have agreed to the WhatsApp Sandbox service agreement, a new channel will be created and associated with the 'Default' department.
2. You will have access to only 200 messages per day.

What is a Test Number?
A test number can be any default WhatsApp phone number of yours which can be used for testing integrations within the sandbox environment.

Step 2: Connect your WhatsApp Test Number

You will have to connect your test number to Sandbox. You can do this with the following three options.

2.1 Add Test Number

You can connect your test number by clicking on Add Test Number in the top right and entering the number manually under Test Number as shown below. Then click on Save. Follow the same steps to add more than one test number.



2.2 Scan Code

As illustrated below, you can also Scan the QR Code in the top right corner placed below the 'Update Test Number' button as highlighted in the screenshot. Open the scanner or the phone camera and focus it on the QR Code to open WhatsApp Sandbox.


2.3 Send Text

Lastly, you can also send a message "Hi" to the official Zoho's WhatsApp Sandbox Number (region-specific) to connect to the Sandbox environment.

Note:
There are a few conditions that you need to comply with in order to enter a valid Test number and start testing.
    1. The test number cannot be empty. It should at least have one entry.
    2. A test number must have a minimum of four digits and should not exceed a maximum of 20 digits.
    3. A test number must start with a plus sign '+' followed by the country code and then the number. (Ex: +1 331 204 0199)
    4. You can associate the test number with any of the available channels and start testing.


Step 3: Send a Test Message

The final step is to send a test message from the Sandbox environment and to respond back from your test number. In this step, you will be responding to a user-initiated conversation through WhatsApp.

So easy, right!
Let's start a conversation by sending a message from your test number.
Happy Testing!

How to Update an existing Test Number?

Select the Sandbox tab on the WhatsApp Integrations page. Then, click on the horizontal ellipsis at the right of your test number entry, followed by Update Test Number. Make the necessary modifications and click Save on the Update Test Number screen.
Tip: You can update one or all the sandbox numbers in one shot.



 

Sandbox Preferences Settings

You can also customize your preferences settings to specify things like who can respond to your messages and when to convert conversations into tickets in the Sandbox environment. Click here for more details on preferences settings.