WhatsApp for Shopify
WhatsApp for Shopify turns the events your store already fires — a checkout completed, an order paid, a shipment on its way — into clean, on-brand WhatsApp messages your customers actually read. Install the WAGate app on your Shopify store, map each event to a Meta-approved template, and go live in minutes.
Overview
WAGate connects your Shopify store to the official WhatsApp Cloud API so the moments that matter in an order's life — placed, paid, fulfilled, cancelled, refunded — reach your customer on the channel they check first. Instead of hoping a transactional email survives the spam folder, you send a WhatsApp message that lands in seconds, on a number your customer already trusts.
The model is simple and the same one WAGate uses everywhere: you connect a WhatsApp number once via Embedded Signup, you create message templates that Meta approves, and the integration maps a Shopify event to one of your approved templates, filling its {{1}} variables from the order and customer data. No glue code, no developer account, no Business Manager wrangling.
WhatsApp matters here because it closes the loop between your storefront and the conversation. Open and read rates dwarf email, replies come back into your WAGate Inbox, and every send is recorded in the signed Log Explorer — so order confirmations, shipping updates, and recovery nudges become a measurable channel rather than a hopeful one.
Why WhatsApp for Shopify
Four reasons stores connect Shopify to WhatsApp through WAGate:
How to connect Shopify to WhatsApp
- Connect a WhatsApp number
In WAGate, run Embedded Signup to connect the WhatsApp number you'll send from. WAGate registers the webhook and stores your token encrypted — you never touch the Meta developer console.
- Open Integrations and add your store
Go to Integrations → Add store in the dashboard and choose Shopify from the list of connectors.
- Install and authorize on Shopify
Install the WAGate app on your Shopify store and approve the OAuth permission prompt. Your store connects and appears in WAGate, ready to send events.
- Approve your templates
In Template Hub, create the templates you want to send — order confirmation, shipping update, refund notice — and submit them for Meta approval. WAGate syncs their status back automatically.
- Map events to templates
For each Shopify event (order created, order paid, fulfilled, cancelled, refunded, abandoned checkout), pick an approved template and map its variables to Shopify fields — order number, total, tracking link, customer first name, and more.
- Test, then flip it live
Use per-store Test mode to send to a test number and confirm the wording, then turn the per-store master switch on to start messaging real customers.
Events you can automate
WAGate listens to your Shopify store and fires the WhatsApp template you mapped, populating its variables from the order and customer:
| Shopify event | Typical WhatsApp message | Variables you can map |
|---|---|---|
| Order created (checkout completed) | Order confirmation | Order name/number, order total, currency, customer first name, store name |
| Order paid | Payment received | Order number, order total, currency, customer first name |
| Order fulfilled / shipped | Shipping update with tracking | Tracking URL, tracking number, order number, customer first name |
| Order cancelled | Cancellation notice | Order number, customer first name, store name |
| Refund issued | Refund confirmation | Order number, refund/order total, currency, customer first name |
| Abandoned checkout | Cart recovery / win-back | Cart recovery link, customer first name, store name |
Plans & pricing
The Shopify integration is available on every plan, starting with Starter ($14/mo) — which also includes the WhatsApp Inbox, Template Hub, and the sibling WooCommerce integration. Step up to Growth or Scale when you want automations, chat flows, AI assist, and the Developer API with webhooks. You'll need a connected WhatsApp number and approved templates to start sending. See full pricing or create your account to connect Shopify today.
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect my Shopify store to WAGate?
In the WAGate dashboard, open Integrations → Add store and choose Shopify. You'll be sent to install the WAGate app on your Shopify store and approve the OAuth permission prompt. Once authorized, the store connects and appears in WAGate, ready to fire events to your approved WhatsApp templates.
Do I need a Meta developer account or Business Manager?
No. WAGate's Embedded Signup connects your WhatsApp number in minutes and handles the token storage, webhook registration, and template approval for you. You install the app on Shopify, authorize once, and start mapping events.
Which Shopify events can trigger a WhatsApp message?
Order created (checkout completed), order paid, order fulfilled / shipped (with tracking URL and number), order cancelled, refund issued, and abandoned checkout. Each event maps to one of your Meta-approved templates with variables pulled from the order and customer.
What order data can I put into a template?
You can map fields such as the order name/number, order total, currency, customer first name, fulfillment tracking URL and tracking number, store name, and the cart recovery link — into your template's {{1}} style variables.
Can I send abandoned-checkout or win-back messages?
Yes, with a connected number and an approved template. Because abandoned-checkout and win-back messages are Marketing-category, they require customer opt-in before you send. Review the acceptable use policy for the opt-in rules.
Can I test before sending to real customers?
Yes. Every connected store has a per-store master on/off switch and a Test mode that routes sends to a test number. Confirm the wording and variables in Test mode, then flip the store live.
Do I need approved templates first?
Yes. WhatsApp business-initiated messages use templates that Meta approves. Create them in Template Hub and submit for approval; WAGate syncs their status back automatically, and you map them to Shopify events once approved.
Is there an integration for other stores?
Yes — WooCommerce works the same way. See the WhatsApp for WooCommerce integration, the sibling commerce connector that maps store events to your approved templates.
Related integrations
Start a free trial, connect your number, and begin sending automated WhatsApp messages in minutes.