How to Connect Hermes Agent to WhatsApp

The short answer

Use Baileys to link a device, or use Cloud API for Meta's business platform.

The Baileys option links a WhatsApp device but is not an official WhatsApp API. The Cloud API uses Meta's business platform and needs more account setup plus a public webhook. Meta also limits when you may send a regular reply. Neither option uses VoidFix.

Two ways to connect Hermes

They reach WhatsApp in different ways.

Compare the setup work

Choose based on the account and message job.

Read the Hermes guide:Hermes Cloud API limits

When customers will use the setup, decide who owns it, how permission is recorded, how people can stop messages, and where they can get human help.

Setup one

Hermes Baileys setup uses a QR code.

1. 01

   Prepare the device. Install Node.js version 18 or newer. Also install npm, the tool that installs Node.js packages. Keep a phone with WhatsApp ready for the QR scan.

2. 02

   Run the Hermes wizard. Run hermes whatsapp and choose Baileys for the WhatsApp account you prepared.

3. 03

   Scan the QR code. Open Linked Devices in WhatsApp and scan the live code shown in the terminal.

4. 04

   Check the allowed users. Keep the sender list small. Do not allow every sender just to make a test work.

5. 05

   Run the Gateway. Start the Hermes Gateway and test with one approved phone number.

Hermes warns that the unofficial bridge can face account restrictions. It can also stop working when WhatsApp changes its WhatsApp Web system.

Read the Hermes guide:Hermes Baileys setup guide

Setup two

Hermes Cloud API setup uses a business app and webhook.

1. 01

   Create the Meta app. In Meta's App Dashboard, choose Create App, select Connect with customers through WhatsApp, and open WhatsApp → API Setup.

2. 02

   Run the Hermes wizard. Run hermes whatsapp-cloud. The wizard asks for four private values. The Phone Number ID is the internal number shown by Meta. The Access Token is a code that grants access. The App Secret is the app's private key. The Verify Token is a private value that must match in Hermes and Meta.

3. 03

   Create a protected public web address. Point it to Hermes on port 8090, then add /whatsapp/webhook to the end.

4. 04

   Verify the webhook in Meta. Open WhatsApp → Configuration, edit the Webhook, enter the callback URL and matching Verify Token, then subscribe to messages.

5. 05

   Limit who may reach the agent. Add approved phone numbers to the Hermes allowlist, a fixed list of allowed senders. Test with those recipients before opening access.

The phone number ID is not the visible phone number. Read the live Hermes and Meta instructions before moving a test setup into real use.

Read the Hermes guide:Hermes Cloud API setup guide

Both ways to connect need controls

Protect the connection and respect the person.

1. 01

   Get clear opt-in permission. WhatsApp Business says a person must give their number and agree to later messages.

2. 02

   Honor every opt-out. Stop future messages when a person asks to block, stop, or leave.

3. 03

   Keep QR codes and sessions private. A linked device session can give access to the WhatsApp account.

4. 04

   Keep Cloud secrets out of screenshots. Protect the access token, app secret, and verify token.

5. 05

   Use a small sender allowlist first. Test the agent's replies and tool limits before more people can use it.

Also follow local privacy and messaging law. WhatsApp's rules do not replace the laws that apply to your company or recipients.

Do not mix the setup steps

VoidFix is a separate connection.

Baileys and Cloud API are part of the Hermes messaging setup. VoidFix is a separate service with its own account and support. It also has its own path for your data. Only add VoidFix steps when you are using it as a separate connection.

Next step:See three ways to connect WhatsApp

What supports this setup

Read these guides before you start.

Next step:Compare SMS and WhatsApp

Straight answers

Hermes Agent WhatsApp questions.