What features and limits apply to WhatsApp Live Chat?

What features and limits apply to WhatsApp Live Chat?

Quick Answer: This FAQ lists every supported capability, file limit and known constraint of the Live Chat module so you know exactly what is possible today and what is planned.


1. Supported Message & File Types

TypeSendReceiveNotes
TextUp to 4 000 characters.
Image≤ 5 MB JPEG/JPG/PNG.
Video≤ 10 MB MP4/3GPP.
Document≤ 10 MB PDF/DOCX with inline preview.
AudioAgents cannot send audio yet.
StickerDisplayed inline automatically.
Template MessageUsed outside 23-hour window or proactively.
Quick Reply ButtonsDisplay onlyHandled automatically on click.

2. File Upload Validations (Summary)

File TypeMax SizeAllowed Formats
Image5 MBJPEG, JPG, PNG
Video10 MBMP4, 3GPP
Document10 MBPDF, DOCX

Template variables support only Name and Media types, and Media must respect the same size/format limits (Images ≤ 5 MB, Video ≤ 16 MB, Document ≤ 100 MB).


3. Platform Limitations & Known Constraints

  • Assignment: Phase 1 supports manual “pick & assign” only; rule-based and sticky agents planned for Phase 2.
  • Message Reactions: Agents can view customer reactions but cannot add reactions (Phase 2).
  • Throughput Cap: 80 messages/second across all WABA numbers (dynamic limits coming).
  • Campaign Visibility: Outbound campaign messages are hidden from Live Chat; only customer replies appear.
  • Mobile App: The native MyOperator app has no Live Chat push support; use mobile browser.
  • Email/SMS Alerts: Out of scope for Live Chat.
  • Chat History: UI shows last 6 months max (configurable).
  • Outbound International: India-only in Phase 1.
  • Audio Sending: Not supported yet.
  • Contact Name Auto-Update: After campaign reply, requires page refresh (MW-5631 Backlog).
  • Keyboard Shortcut Panel (MW-5651) and Rich Media Retry (MW-6220) are in Backlog.

4. Notification-Specific Limitations

  • Business Hours cache: up to 2 min delay.
  • Notifications dropped if > 5 s old when processed.
  • Safari push notifications may be inconsistent.
  • OS-level Focus / Do Not Disturb silences all notifications.
  • Browser-blocked permission guidance banner (MW-4955) is still in backlog.

5. Non-Functional Requirements (Overall)

AreaRequirement
Chat Message Latency< 1 s under normal conditions
ScalabilityLarge conversation volumes without UI degradation
Real-Time SyncContact updates, status, assignments reflect without refresh
SecurityInherits existing platform data policies
Message Limit80 msgs/s across WABA numbers (current)

6. Feature Summary for Sales

CapabilityAvailable?Notes
Multi-agent inboxOPEN visible to all; ASSIGNED defaults to self.
Real-time assignmentPick & Assign. Rules in Phase 2.
Template sendingSingle-modal with live preview.
Bot handover to agentBypasses sound throttle.
48-hour auto-closeConfigurable variable.
Agent notification preferencesSound, Push, Business Hours override.
Admin control over prefsPer role permission toggle.
Desktop pushRequires one-time OS + browser setup.
Mobile web pushUse Chrome/Edge/Firefox, not native app.
Multi-WABA number support4-char code distinguishes.
In-chat document previewNo download needed.
Message reactionsView only in Phase 1.
Rule-based assignmentPhase 2 roadmap.
Email/SMS notificationsOut of scope.
Mobile app pushUse mobile browser.
International numbersIndia only now.

7. Common Customer Questions & Answers

  • Q: Why isn’t my agent receiving notifications?
    A: Check browser permissions first, then browser type (Chrome/Edge/Firefox), notification toggles, correct BAN focus and OS Do Not Disturb.
  • Q: Only one chime plays despite many messages—why?
    A: Sounds for Unassigned are throttled to once per 30 s; push toasts still fire every message. Bot handover bypasses the throttle.
  • Q: Can admins force agents to enable notifications?
    A: Admins can lock the UI so toggles can’t be turned off, but browser permission must be granted by the agent.
  • Q: Push disabled turned off Sound—why?
    A: Sound depends on Push; disabling Push auto-disables Sound by design.
  • Q: Will duplicate notifications appear if logged into two browsers?
    A: No—each session only receives events for its active BAN.
  • Q: Do agents get flooded after downtime?
    A: No—messages older than 5 s are dropped on recovery.
  • Q: Can agents receive alerts on phone?
    A: Yes via mobile browser; grant permission. Native app unsupported.
  • Q: What is the 23-hour window?
    A: 23 h after the last customer message during which free-form replies are allowed.
  • Q: Two agents replied at the same time—who owns the chat?
    A: System randomly assigns to one; the other sees the chat move and their Send button disables.
  • Q: Are campaign messages visible?
    A: Outbound campaign sends are hidden; customer replies appear as OPEN chats.

Keywords

limits, constraints, file size, supported messages, throughput, roadmap, FAQ, Live Chat, MyOperator