Facebook Messenger
Connect a Facebook Page and the chatbot replies to messages users send the page on Messenger. Like WhatsApp, this routes through Meta — same encryption, same compliance model.
In this guide:
- Prerequisites (Facebook Page admin)
- Connect via Meta
- Pick which page to connect
- Test a message
- Multi-page setups
- Disconnect
Prerequisites
- A Facebook Page (your business’s page).
- Admin or editor rights on that page.
- The page must allow messaging (default for most pages).
Step 1: Connect
On your chatbot detail page, go to Actions → Facebook, then click Connect.
You’re redirected to Meta’s OAuth. Sign in, pick the page(s) Hilal Chatbot should manage, approve permissions:
pages_messaging— receive and send Messenger messages on behalf of the page.pages_show_list— list your pages.pages_messaging_subscriptions— handle webhook subscriptions.
Click Allow. You’re redirected back.
Screenshot: The Facebook page picker after Meta OAuth.
Step 2: Pick a page
If you have multiple pages, pick the one this chatbot should respond on. Each chatbot can be connected to one page. For multiple pages, use multiple chatbots.
Step 3: Test a message
From your personal Facebook account, navigate to your business page → click Send Message → type a question. The chatbot replies within seconds.
Messenger 24-hour window
Facebook Messenger has a 24-hour messaging window similar to WhatsApp:
- Within 24 hours of a user message → the bot can reply freely.
- Outside 24 hours → outbound messages require a Meta-approved tag (e.g.,
CONFIRMED_EVENT_UPDATE,POST_PURCHASE_UPDATE) and a use-case justification.
Most support flows fit comfortably inside the window. For automated reactivation campaigns, consult Meta’s policies first.
Step 4: Disconnect
In Actions → Facebook, click Disconnect. The page access token is revoked. The Hilal Chatbot app is removed from the page’s connected apps in your Meta Business dashboard.
Multi-page setups
Larger businesses often run multiple pages — one per region, brand, or product line. Set up:
- One chatbot per page, each trained on the relevant content.
- Or one chatbot connected to one page, and use page-specific notifications.
For high-volume multi-region setups, contact support — there are advanced routing options on Enterprise plans.
Limitations
- Comments: the bot replies to Messenger DMs, not page comments.
- Reactions: the bot can’t react with emoji.
- Voice messages: text only — voice messages from users are not transcribed.
Troubleshooting
- OAuth completes but no pages listed. You may not be an admin of any pages. Check Facebook → Pages → Page roles.
- Bot doesn’t reply. Page may have messaging disabled. Check Page Settings → General → Messaging.
- Webhook errors in Meta logs. Likely a transient issue — Meta retries. Check Hilal Chatbot’s Activity logs for matching events.
What’s next
You’ve connected every channel. Next up: integrations — third-party tools the bot can call to do things.