WhatsApp for n8n: a native node and a trigger
The n8n-nodes-flowapi community node adds a Flow API trigger and a Flow API action node to n8n. The trigger registers its own webhook when you activate the workflow, so there is nothing to copy and paste.
Install the node
- 1In n8n open Settings → Community nodes → Install.
- 2Enter n8n-nodes-flowapi and confirm.
- 3Create a Flow API credential with your Instance ID and API Token from the console.
What the node can do
- Trigger on incoming messages, messages sent from the phone, delivery statuses, connection changes and calls
- Send text, files by URL, locations and polls
- Read chat history and recent incoming messages
- Check whether a number has WhatsApp, get contact info, mark chats as read
No community nodes? Use HTTP Request
On n8n Cloud or locked-down instances, use the HTTP Request node: POST https://flowapi.pro/waInstance{idInstance}/sendMessage/{apiTokenInstance} with a JSON body. The console also offers ready workflows to import, filled in with your number.
Give an n8n AI Agent WhatsApp
Add an MCP Client Tool to your AI Agent node with the endpoint https://flowapi.pro/mcp/{idInstance}/{apiTokenInstance} and transport HTTP Streamable. The agent can then read and send WhatsApp messages on its own.
Questions
Does it need Meta approval or message templates?
No. Flow API links your existing WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app as a device, like WhatsApp Web.
Does the trigger work on n8n Cloud?
Community nodes run on self-hosted n8n. On n8n Cloud use the Webhook node plus HTTP Request until the node is verified by n8n.
7 days free, no credit card. Then $10 per number per month.