Integrate WhatsApp with n8n Using Chat ON Desk

Q: What can I automate using n8n + Chat ON Desk?

You can automate auto-replies on WhatsApp, CRM integrations, lead assignment, AI workflows, Google Sheets logging, backend API calls, and notifications.

Q: What format does Chat ON Desk send the webhook payload in?

The payload is structured JSON containing details like user number, message text, channel, timestamp, and message type.

Introduction

If you’re looking to automate your WhatsApp or omnichannel communication workflows, Chat ON Desk and n8n make a perfect combination.
With this integration, you can receive incoming messages, run your business logic inside n8n, and send automated replies back through Chat ON Desk—without writing a single line of code.

This guide explains how to integrate Chat ON Desk with n8n, step-by-step, in the simplest possible way.

1. Why Integrate Chat ON Desk with n8n?

Integrating Chat ON Desk with n8n allows you to:

Receive WhatsApp/SMS messages directly into n8n
Trigger automated workflows whenever a message arrives
Build custom logic like CRMs, notifications, ticket systems, automations
Send replies back to your users in real-time

(This setup is perfect for businesses using Chat ON Desk’s powerful messaging API and wanting full automation control inside n8n.)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Connect Chat ON Desk with n8n

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Create a Webhook Trigger in n8n

Open n8n and create a new workflow.
Add a new node → search for Webhook.
Select Trigger → Webhook.

Copy the Test URL provided by n8n.
Click “Listen for Test Events” in n8n.

Step 2: Create Webhook Integration in Chat ON Desk

Log in to Chat ON Desk.
Navigate to Integrations → Webhook Integrations.
Click Create New Integration.

Paste the n8n Test URL you copied.
Adjust parameters if required (optional)
Save the integration.

Step 3: Send a Test Message to Capture Data

Send a message from any phone number to your Chat ON Desk registered number.
n8n will immediately capture the payload.

You should now see something like:

{
  "query": {
    "number": "9198xxxxxxx",
    "message": "Hello",
    ...
  }
}

Step 4: Copy Production URL From n8n

After the test event succeeds:

In your Webhook node, switch to Production URL.
Copy the Production Webhook URL.
Go back to Chat ON Desk → Edit your webhook integration.
Replace the test URL with the Production URL.
Save.

Your integration is now LIVE.

Step 5: Add Your Business Logic in n8n

You can now add any number of nodes such as:

Database (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
Google Sheets
CRM API calls
Conditional logic (IF, Switch)
AI responses
Ticket creation
Notifications

This is where your automation truly becomes powerful.

Step 6: Send a Reply Back Using Chat ON Desk

To reply back from n8n:

Add a new node → Core → HTTP Request.
Configure it exactly as below:

HTTP Request Node Configuration
Method: POST
URL: https://app.chatondesk.com/api/structuredpush.json
Authentication: None
Content Type: JSON
Send Body as JSON: Yes

Body Fields to Add

Key	Value
phone	{{$json.query.number}}
channel	whatsapp
type	message
message	hello from n8n
apikey	your Chat ON Desk API key

This ensures the message is returned to the exact user who contacted you.

Your Integration Is Now Complete!

You have successfully connected Chat ON Desk → n8n → Chat ON Desk (reply). Now you can automate:

Lead qualification workflows
Support ticket routing
CRM updates
Auto-replies
Order/tracking updates
Chatbots

Marketing workflows The possibilities are unlimited.

FAQs

What is Chat ON Desk?

Chat ON Desk is a Meta-approved omnichannel communication platform offering WhatsApp API, SMS, RCS, email, and more. It helps businesses automate conversations, send campaigns, and manage customer communication.

Can I integrate Chat ON Desk with n8n without coding?

Yes. The integration is completely no-code. You only need to configure webhooks and simple nodes in n8n.

What can I automate using n8n + Chat ON Desk?

You can automate: