Short answer: If you just want to open a WhatsApp chat with a customer from Odoo, you don’t need the WhatsApp Business API. The free WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Button by Vayasoft adds a WhatsApp button to every Contact, Lead and Opportunity that has a phone number. One click opens WhatsApp with the number filled in. There’s no Meta account to register, no API key and no per-message cost.
Click-to-chat or the WhatsApp Business API?
They solve different problems. Pick based on what you need.
| You need to… | Free click-to-chat button | WhatsApp Business API integration |
|---|---|---|
| Open a chat with a customer in one click | Yes | Yes |
| Send messages automatically (reminders, order updates) | No | Yes |
| Use approved message templates | No | Yes |
| See read receipts in Odoo | No | Yes |
| Register a Meta business account | No | Yes |
| Pay per message or conversation | No | Yes, to Meta |
| Set up time | About a minute | Days, including Meta approval |
For sales reps who message customers by hand, click-to-chat is usually enough. For automated or high-volume messaging, you need the API.
How do I add a WhatsApp button to Odoo?
- Install the free WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Button. The CRM app installs with it if it isn’t there already; CRM is free in Odoo Community.
- That’s it. A WhatsApp button appears next to the other smart buttons on every Contact, Lead and Opportunity with a phone or mobile number.
- Optional: if some numbers are saved without a country code, set a default country code once in Settings > General Settings > Contacts.
Contacts with no phone number simply don’t show the button, so there are no dead links.
How does it work?
The button builds a wa.me link from the number on the record. That’s the same free click-to-chat link WhatsApp publishes for any phone number. Clicking it opens WhatsApp (desktop, web or phone) with a new chat to that number. You still type and send the message yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does this use the WhatsApp Business API?
No. It opens a free wa.me click-to-chat link. There’s no Business API account, no API key and no per-message cost.
Does it send messages automatically?
No. It opens a chat window with the number filled in; you type and send the message.
What if a contact has no phone number?
The button doesn’t appear.
Will it work with numbers in any format?
Numbers with a country code (+91… or 0044…) are used as entered. Numbers without one use your default country code, if you’ve set it. The number has to be on WhatsApp for the chat to open.
Is it really free?
Yes. There’s no trial, no premium tier and no usage limit.
Talk to Vayasoft
Need automated WhatsApp messages from Odoo, such as order confirmations, payment reminders or delivery updates? Vayasoft integrates the WhatsApp Business API with Odoo Sales, CRM and Inventory. Book a free 30-minute call.
Links: WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Button on the Odoo App Store · WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Button product page
About Vayasoft: Vayasoft is an official Odoo Ready Partner based in India. We build Odoo apps and implement, upgrade and support Odoo for trading, manufacturing, solar EPC, retail and healthcare businesses.