Duplicate messages from a WhatsApp bot can disrupt user experience and undermine your automation efforts. This issue is common, especially when using multiple phone numbers across different Facebook apps. Fortunately, the root cause is easy to identify—and the fix is straightforward.
Why Do Duplicate Replies Occur?
The problem often arises when businesses create multiple Facebook apps for different WhatsApp Business numbers, each configured with the same webhook URL. When a customer message is received, all apps with the identical webhook are triggered simultaneously, resulting in multiple replies from the bot.
Key Cause: Multiple Facebook apps sharing the same webhook URL.
How to Avoid Duplicate Replies
The most effective solution is to use a single Facebook app to manage all WhatsApp Business numbers. Here’s why:
- WhatsApp Business API allows multiple numbers under one Facebook app.
- You only need one webhook URL, avoiding simultaneous triggers.
Steps to Set Up Multiple Numbers in One Facebook App
- Log in to your Facebook Developer account.
- Open the WhatsApp application you’ve already set up.
- In the WhatsApp settings, add all your business numbers under this app.
- Configure a single webhook URL for the app.
This setup ensures only one webhook is active, eliminating duplication.
Already Facing the Issue? Here’s What to Do
If you’re experiencing this issue now, take the following steps to resolve it:
- Review Existing Facebook Apps
- Go to your Developer Dashboard and check if multiple apps are set up with the same webhook.
- Remove Redundant Webhooks
- Choose one primary app.
- Delete the webhook URLs from all others.
- Test Your Bot
- Send a test message and confirm that duplicate replies are no longer sent.
Still Having Trouble?
If the problem persists, you may be dealing with a misconfiguration. We recommend contacting the support team of your WhatsApp API provider or automation platform for assistance.
Conclusion
Avoiding duplicate replies in WhatsApp bots is essential for smooth customer interaction. By consolidating your WhatsApp numbers under one Facebook app and managing a single webhook URL, you can prevent this issue entirely. Keep your setup streamlined to maintain efficiency and deliver a professional experience to your users.
Need help setting up your WhatsApp automation the right way? Contact Rash Technologies for expert guidance on deploying seamless, scalable solutions.