Create and manage WhatsApp Connect native group chats

If the feature is enabled, Symphony Messaging users (advisors) entitled for WhatsApp Connect can create group chats based on WhatsApp native groups. This allows WhatsApp contacts to benefit from the improved native group experience, with more natural chat interactions, better visibility of group members and an easier way to identify the group chat by name.

Create a WhatsApp Connect native group chat

1. Access the new group screen:
   1. In the Symphony Messaging client app, select the (Create) icon, then select the Create WhatsApp group chat link under Federation.
   2. In the Symphony Messaging mobile app, tap + to access the New Chat screen, then tap Create group.

3. Add Symphony Messaging users (advisors) as needed and up to 8 WhatsApp Connect contacts.
   
   Note: Adding more than 8 contacts deselects the native groups option and creates a standard WhatsApp Connect group chat instead.
    
4. Add a name for your group chat. The WhatsApp group name will mirror the one you enter in Symphony Messaging.
5. Make sure the option to create as a native WhatsApp group is selected, otherwise you will create a standard WhatsApp Connect group chat.
6. Select Create in the Symphony Messaging client app, or tap the checkmark icon in the mobile app. Symphony Messaging users are added to the group chat, while each of the external (WhatsApp Connect) contacts receives an individual invitation link via a direct message in WhatsApp. Group invitations are sent to contacts securely via standard WhatsApp Connect one-to-one messages, to ensure the link is only used by the intended participant.
7. The WhatsApp Connect contact must tap the invitation link. They can see the names of Symphony Messaging users in the group description before tapping Request to join.

3. A confirmation is sent to the Symphony Messaging group chat. The request is automatically accepted and the contact is added to the chat. The contact also receives a confirmation message that they’ve joined the group chat.
4. Symphony Messaging users and WhatsApp Connect contacts can start exchanging messages in the new group chat.

Manage a WhatsApp Connect native group chat

After creating the group chat, Symphony Messaging users (advisors) can access its details from the Symphony Messaging chat window, for example, the name, creation date, members, attachments, and get a link to the chat. See the related help article for detailed information on native Federation chat room management from Symphony Messaging.

Chat room owners can add or remove members, as well as promote them as room owners or demote them, and update the name of the chat. Corresponding message templates are sent to the WhatsApp group chat whenever a change is made.

Note: If a Symphony Messaging user removes a WhatsApp contact from the native group, the removed contact won’t be able to ever join it again.

WhatsApp Connect native groups experience versus standard WhatsApp Connect group chats