How to Use WhatsApp AI Chatbot (Complete Setup Guide)

If you’re searching for how to use a WhatsApp AI chatbot, you’re likely trying to automate customer conversations, reduce response time, and scale support or sales without adding more staff.

In 2026, WhatsApp is no longer just a chat app — it’s a primary business channel. Shopify and ecommerce brands now rely on WhatsApp AI chatbots to handle FAQs, order tracking, refunds, product queries, and lead qualification automatically.

To use a WhatsApp AI chatbot, connect your WhatsApp Business API to an AI chatbot platform, sync it with your store or website, train it on FAQs and order data, and enable automation for common queries. Platforms like AeroChat make this process simple by offering native WhatsApp and Shopify integration with built-in automation.

This setup is part of automated customer support for ecommerce, not basic WhatsApp auto-replies.

What Is a WhatsApp AI Chatbot?

A WhatsApp AI chatbot is an automated conversational system that uses artificial intelligence to respond to customer messages on WhatsApp instantly.

Unlike basic auto-reply tools, WhatsApp AI chatbots can:

• Understand customer intent

• Access order and product data

• Provide personalised replies

• Work 24/7 without human agents

This is why brands move beyond simple buttons and links after testing a WhatsApp chat button for websites and upgrading to full AI automation.

WhatsApp Auto-Reply vs WhatsApp AI Chatbot

Before setting up, it’s important to understand the difference.

If your goal is automation at scale, you need an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, not static replies.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a WhatsApp AI Chatbot

Step 1: Set Up WhatsApp Business API

AI chatbots require WhatsApp Business API, not the regular WhatsApp app.

You’ll need:

• A verified business phone number

• Facebook Business Manager access

• WhatsApp Business API approval

Most modern chatbot platforms, including AeroChat, handle this onboarding for you.

This step is essential before moving to WhatsApp automation for Shopify stores.

Step 2: Choose the Right WhatsApp AI Chatbot Platform

Not all WhatsApp chatbot tools are built for ecommerce.

Choose a platform that:

• Supports WhatsApp Business API

• Integrates with Shopify or your website

• Uses conversational AI (not rules only)

• Supports omnichannel messaging

This is why many merchants compare options in the best WhatsApp AI chatbot guide before selecting a platform.

AeroChat is built specifically for ecommerce and Shopify automation.

Step 3: Connect WhatsApp to Shopify or Your Website

To use a WhatsApp AI chatbot effectively, it must connect to:

• Your Shopify store (orders, products, policies)

• Your website (FAQs and content)

This enables automation for:

• Order tracking

• Delivery timelines

• Product availability

• Returns and refunds

The same data connection powers Shopify order tracking automation, which removes “Where is my order?” messages instantly.

Step 4: Train the Chatbot With Your Business Data

Training is what makes the chatbot useful.

You should train it on:

• FAQs

• Shipping and return policies

• Product details

• Store rules

Well-trained chatbots reduce repetitive tickets and help reduce support workload on Shopify.

Step 5: Enable Inventory-Aware Replies (Critical)

Wrong orders often happen because WhatsApp replies are outdated.

Your chatbot should:

• Check live inventory

• Understand variants (size, colour)

• Recommend only in-stock items

This is achieved through inventory sync with a Shopify chatbot, which prevents refunds caused by misinformation.

Step 6: Automate High-Volume WhatsApp Queries

Start with the most common WhatsApp questions:

• “Where is my order?”

• “When will it arrive?”

• “Can I return this?”

• “Is this available?”

Automating these creates instant replies on WhatsApp, helping stores achieve zero waiting time.

Step 7: Enable 24/7 and Weekend Support

Customers message outside business hours.

AI chatbots provide:

• 24/7 availability

• Weekend and holiday coverage

• No extra staffing cost

This is why brands adopt weekend chatbot support for Shopify.

Step 8: Add Omnichannel Messaging (Optional but Powerful)

Customers don’t use WhatsApp alone.

Advanced setups connect:

• WhatsApp

• Website chat

• Instagram

• Facebook Messenger

This creates a unified experience using omnichannel chatbot automation.

Why AeroChat Is Ideal for WhatsApp AI Chatbot Setup

AeroChat is designed to run WhatsApp support automatically, not just assist agents.

It:

• Integrates WhatsApp with Shopify

• Automates FAQs, orders, refunds, and delivery

• Syncs inventory and variants

• Supports omnichannel messaging

• Reduces ticket volume and agent costs

That’s why it’s frequently listed among the best Shopify chatbot apps.

You can explore it on the AeroChat AI chatbot platform or install it via the Shopify app listing.

Who Should Use a WhatsApp AI Chatbot?

This setup is ideal for:

• Shopify ecommerce stores

• Brands using WhatsApp for support or sales

• High-volume customer messaging

• Businesses scaling without hiring

If you’re just starting, test automation with a free website chatbot, then expand into WhatsApp.

Final Takeaway

Manual WhatsApp support doesn’t scale.

By setting up a WhatsApp AI chatbot, businesses can:

• Deliver instant replies

• Reduce waiting time

• Lower support costs

• Improve customer satisfaction

• Scale support and sales automatically

For 2026, AeroChat is one of the most practical ways to set up and use a WhatsApp AI chatbot, especially for Shopify and ecommerce brands.