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.

      Create. Review. Publish.

      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

      Get Started Now


        Access your files securely from anywhere

          Zoho CRM Training Programs

          Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

          Zoho CRM Training
            Redefine the way you work
            with Zoho Workplace

              Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

              If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

              Zoho CRM Training

                Create, share, and deliver

                beautiful slides from anywhere.

                Get Started Now


                  Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                  BOOK A SESSION







                              Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                              Web FormsRetailOnline Data Collection Tool
                              Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                              Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                              CRM FormsCustomer ServiceForms for Solopreneurs
                              Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                              HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                              Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                              Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                              Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                              No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                              Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                              Prefill FormsNon-Profit
                              Forms for Government
                              Intake FormsLegal
                              Mobile App
                              Form DesignerHR
                              Mobile Forms
                              Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                              Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                              Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                              Electronic FormsInsurance
                              Drag & drop form builder

                              Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                              Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                              Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                              Email FormsWufoo alternativeEncrypted Forms
                              Accessible FormsTypeform alternativeSecure Forms

                              WCAG

                                          Create. Review. Publish.

                                          Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                          Get Started Now






                                                            You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                                Manage your brands on social media

                                                                  Use cases

                                                                  Make the most of Zoho Desk with the use cases.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  eBooks

                                                                  Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Videos

                                                                  Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Webinar

                                                                  Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho Desk basics, from customization to automation and more

                                                                   
                                                                    
                                                                  • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                                  • Meetups


                                                                  • Ask the Experts


                                                                  • Kbase


                                                                  • Resources


                                                                  • Glossary


                                                                  • Desk Marketplace


                                                                  • MVP Corner



                                                                    Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                     

                                                                        Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                          Secure your business
                                                                          communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                          Mail on the move with
                                                                          Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                            Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                            at all times


                                                                            Carry your calendar with you
                                                                            Anytime, anywhere




                                                                                  Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                    Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                    Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                    Get Started Now




                                                                                            Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                      Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                      Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                      REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                        Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                        Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                        Get Started Now










                                                                                                                            • Related Articles

                                                                                                                            • Introduction to Zoho Desk

                                                                                                                              Help Desk is a department in an organization that is in charge of providing the support needed by customers while using the company's product or a service. Customers contact the help desk when they have a question or a problem and a product expert ...
                                                                                                                            • How to add a Chatbot to your WhatsApp channel

                                                                                                                              Explore ways to leverage the Bots in IM feature (conversational intelligence) for spontaneous customer support. Let's create a bot that will help you attend to your customers around the clock. Bots work all day every day to provide your customers ...
                                                                                                                            • Zoho Desk's IM migration to the WhatsApp Cloud API

                                                                                                                              The WhatsApp Cloud API can be implemented by businesses of any size, for free-of-cost messaging. In the past, Desk supported fewer than 30 messages per second. But with the migration to the WhatsApp Cloud API, we can now support up to 80 messages per ...
                                                                                                                            • Integrating WhatsApp with Zoho Desk

                                                                                                                              WhatsApp is the world's most widely used instant messaging (IM) service app, with over 2 billion users. The ubiquity of this app is reason enough for businesses of all sizes to look at it as a channel for customer support. If your customers ...
                                                                                                                            • FAQs: WhatsApp Business

                                                                                                                              How to configure a Phone Number for the WhatsApp Embedded Sign-up. The business phone number must be configured manually by adding the number on the Facebook Business Manager console and verifying it. Login here Once WhatsApp approves the phone ...
                                                                                                                              Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                              your workplace

                                                                                                                                Resources

                                                                                                                                Videos

                                                                                                                                Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                eBooks

                                                                                                                                Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                Webinars

                                                                                                                                Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                                CRM Tips

                                                                                                                                Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                                  Zoho Show Resources