=== NXT Cloud Chat - CRM, Inbox & OTP Login ===
Contributors: nxtwebsite
Tags: whatsapp, whatsapp cloud api, whatsapp business, whatsapp crm, whatsapp login
Requires at least: 6.4
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.1.0
License: GPL-2.0-or-later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

WhatsApp Cloud API plugin for WordPress with CRM inbox, sales pipelines, team access, broadcasts, automation, abandoned cart recovery & OTP login.

== Description ==

**[NXT Cloud Chat](https://nxtcloudchat.com/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-free "NXT Cloud Chat - WhatsApp CRM for WordPress")** is a powerful **WhatsApp Cloud API plugin for WordPress** that helps you manage WhatsApp conversations, CRM contacts, sales pipelines, teams, OTP login, WooCommerce communication, broadcasts, and automation directly from your WordPress admin.

It connects your WordPress site with the official **WhatsApp Business Platform / WhatsApp Cloud API** so you can send and receive WhatsApp messages, manage leads and customers, track deals, organise contacts with tags and lifecycle stages, and allow users to log in with a WhatsApp one-time password.

NXT Cloud Chat is built for **small, medium, and large businesses** that want a self-hosted WhatsApp CRM system without depending on expensive third-party SaaS inbox tools or Meta Business Partner platforms.

**Useful for:**

* WhatsApp CRM for WordPress.
* Shared WhatsApp inbox for sales and support teams.
* WhatsApp OTP login for WordPress and WooCommerce.
* WooCommerce customer communication and order updates.
* COD order verification using WhatsApp login or WhatsApp confirmation workflows.
* Sales pipeline and deal tracking inside WordPress.
* Customer segmentation with tags, groups, lifecycle stages, and dynamic segments.
* Abandoned cart recovery through WhatsApp automation (Pro).
* Bulk WhatsApp campaigns using approved templates (Pro).

**Important links**

* **Plugin website:** [NXT Cloud Chat](https://nxtcloudchat.com/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-free "NXT Cloud Chat - WhatsApp CRM for WordPress")
* **Setup guide:** [User Guide](https://nxtcloudchat.com/user-guide?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-docs "NXT Cloud Chat Documentation")
* **Upgrade to Pro:** [NXT Cloud Chat Pro](https://nxtwebsite.com/wordpress/nxt-cloud-chat/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-upgrade "Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro")

= Who Is NXT Cloud Chat For? =

NXT Cloud Chat is designed for businesses and teams of all sizes.

* **Small businesses** that want an affordable WhatsApp inbox and CRM inside WordPress.
* **Medium businesses** that need team access, contact ownership, sales pipelines, SLA tracking, and customer follow-up tools.
* **Large businesses and agencies** that need structured CRM workflows, role-based access, campaign segmentation, and extensible integration contracts.
* **WooCommerce stores** that want WhatsApp order updates, COD verification support, abandoned cart recovery, and customer re-engagement.
* **Sales teams** that want to track leads, deals, expected close dates, stage changes, follow-up tasks, and customer conversations in one place.
* **Support teams** that need shared inbox views, ticket ownership, priorities, internal notes, handoff notes, and SLA tracking.
* **WordPress membership, LMS, directory, service, and community websites** that want WhatsApp OTP login as a passwordless login option.
* **Developers and agencies** that want a user-friendly and developer-friendly WhatsApp Cloud API foundation for client projects.

= Why Choose NXT Cloud Chat? =

* **Official WhatsApp Cloud API** — connect directly with Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform.
* **Self-hosted WordPress CRM** — contacts, messages, deals, settings, and CRM records stay inside your own WordPress database.
* **No third-party SaaS dependency** — avoid paying monthly SaaS fees for basic inbox, CRM, team, and contact management features.
* **User-friendly and developer-friendly** — clean admin screens for business users, plus stable hooks, wrappers, and integration contracts for developers.
* **WhatsApp OTP login** — let users sign in with their WhatsApp number and a one-time password.
* **COD order verification support** — help verify customer phone numbers and reduce fake COD orders, failed delivery attempts, and avoidable returns.
* **Sales pipeline built in** — manage deals, stages, line items, owners, follow-up tasks, and activity history.
* **Team-ready inbox** — assign conversations, use queues, track SLA targets, add notes, and manage support or sales ownership.
* **WooCommerce-ready** — Pro unlocks order notifications, abandoned cart recovery, workflow automation, broadcast campaigns, and ecommerce segmentation.
* **Free support for all users** — setup help is available for both free and Pro users.

= Free vs Pro =

NXT Cloud Chat includes strong free CRM and WhatsApp login features. The optional Pro add-on adds advanced WooCommerce, campaign, template, segment, workflow, and automation capabilities.

**Free plugin includes:**

* WhatsApp Cloud API connection settings.
* Chat Window / WhatsApp inbox.
* Contacts, Groups, Tags, and lifecycle stages.
* Sales pipelines, deals, deal stages, line items, and deal activity.
* Team Access permissions and record scopes.
* WhatsApp OTP login shortcode.
* WordPress login and WooCommerce My Account login buttons.
* Message history and webhook handling.
* Contact ownership, follow-up tasks, duplicate detection, and CRM activity timeline.
* Secure media proxy and webhook signature verification.

**Pro add-on includes:**

* WhatsApp template sync and template sending.
* CTA buttons, quick replies, image headers, coupons, and placeholders in templates.
* Bulk WhatsApp broadcasts using approved templates.
* Dynamic Segments for advanced targeting.
* WooCommerce order notifications.
* WooCommerce customer filters and ecommerce segmentation.
* Abandoned cart recovery workflows.
* Visual workflow automation builder.
* Conversation, deal, CRM, login, WooCommerce, and abandoned cart automation triggers.
* Workflow runs, automation logs, retries, and reporting.
* Pro Dashboard CRM and automation analytics.
* Selected-range CRM and automation CSV exports.

**Upgrade link:** [Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro](https://nxtwebsite.com/wordpress/nxt-cloud-chat/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-upgrade "Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro")

== External Services ==

This plugin connects to the official **WhatsApp Business Platform / WhatsApp Cloud API** provided by Meta Platforms, Inc. Using this plugin means data will be transmitted from your WordPress site to Meta's servers as described below.

= What It Is Used For =

* **1-to-1 WhatsApp messaging** — send and receive WhatsApp messages between your business number and your contacts from the WordPress Chat Window.
* **WhatsApp OTP login** — send one-time passwords to users' WhatsApp numbers for passwordless WordPress or WooCommerce login.
* **Template messaging** — sync approved WhatsApp message templates from your Meta Business account and send them for notifications, authentication, broadcasts, and automation (Pro).
* **Broadcast campaigns** — send bulk WhatsApp campaigns to selected contacts using approved templates (Pro).
* **Webhook event handling** — receive inbound messages, delivery status updates, read receipts, and message events from the WhatsApp Cloud API.
* **WooCommerce notifications** — send order and customer communication messages via WhatsApp (Pro).
* **COD verification workflows** — use WhatsApp login or automated WhatsApp confirmation messages to help verify COD orders and reduce fake orders or failed deliveries (Pro).
* **Abandoned cart recovery** — send WhatsApp reminders for abandoned WooCommerce carts (Pro).
* **Workflow-triggered messages** — send WhatsApp messages based on user login, WooCommerce events, CRM events, deal changes, conversation events, or custom triggers (Pro).
* **Connection diagnostics** — verify your API credentials and send test template messages to confirm that your WhatsApp Cloud API setup is working correctly.

= What Data Is Sent and When =

* **During setup** — your App ID, App Secret, Business Account ID, Phone Number ID, and Access Token are stored in your WordPress database and used server-side to authenticate API calls and verify incoming webhook signatures (`X-Hub-Signature-256`). These values are not printed into public pages or client-side JavaScript.
* **When sending or receiving WhatsApp messages** — the recipient phone number, message content, template name, template parameters, media attachments, and delivery metadata are sent to or received from the WhatsApp Cloud API.
* **During WhatsApp OTP login** — the user's phone number and OTP message template data are sent to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
* **During template sync** — your Business Account ID and Phone Number ID are used to fetch and synchronise approved templates from your Meta account.
* **During webhook delivery** — Meta sends inbound messages, delivery receipts, read events, and status payloads to your WordPress webhook endpoint. These are validated server-side using your App Secret before being stored.

= Service Provider =

WhatsApp Business Platform / WhatsApp Cloud API by Meta Platforms, Inc.

* [Meta Privacy Policy](https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/)
* [WhatsApp Privacy Policy](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/privacy-policy)
* [Meta Terms for WhatsApp Business](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/meta-terms-whatsapp-business)
* [WhatsApp Business Solution Terms](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-solution-terms)
* [WhatsApp Business Terms of Service](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-terms)
* [WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy](https://business.whatsapp.com/policy)
* [WhatsApp Messaging Guidelines](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/messaging-guidelines)
* [WhatsApp Business Data Processing Terms](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-data-processing-terms)
* [WhatsApp Business Data Transfer Addendum](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-data-transfer-addendum)
* [WhatsApp Business Data Security Terms](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-data-security-terms)
* [Intellectual Property Policy](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/ip-policy)
* [WhatsApp Business Terms for Service Providers](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-terms-for-service-providers)
* [WhatsApp Brand Guidelines](https://www.whatsappbrand.com/)
* [WhatsApp Cloud API Pricing](https://business.whatsapp.com/products/platform-pricing)

You are responsible for ensuring that your use of this plugin and the WhatsApp Cloud API complies with applicable laws, your privacy policy, Meta's platform rules, and WhatsApp Business policies.

== Features ==

= Dashboard =

View the health of your WhatsApp connection, CRM activity, and automation status from one central dashboard.

* Connection Health, Messaging Health, and Calling Health status cards.
* Live status indicators for WhatsApp Cloud API credentials and webhook configuration.
* Setup help links and support badge for guided onboarding.
* Pro Dashboard CRM and automation reporting with workload, SLA health, lifecycle distribution, tag analytics, deal values, and automation status (Pro).
* Indexed automation analytics for workflow events, workflow runs, broadcast runs, and abandoned carts (Pro).
* Secure selected-range CRM and automation CSV exports with permission checks (Pro).

= Deals — Sales Pipelines & Deal Tracking =

Manage your WhatsApp leads and sales opportunities directly inside WordPress.

* Create sales pipelines with custom stages, colours, and ordering.
* Manage deals with expected close dates, owners, priorities, values, and stage-transition reasons.
* Require stage movement reasons to improve sales accountability.
* Track immutable stage-transition history for every deal.
* Add manual or calculated deal values using line items.
* Source line items from manual entry, WooCommerce products, Houzez property listings, or external providers.
* Link deals to CRM contacts and review deal activity in the contact timeline.
* Duplicate, archive, or delete deals using guarded confirmation flows.
* Use stable pipeline, deal, lifecycle, and line-item provider wrappers for compatible integrations.

= Chat Window — WhatsApp Inbox =

A shared WhatsApp inbox for sales, support, and customer communication.

* Browse, filter, and reply to WhatsApp conversations from WordPress.
* Manage conversation tickets separately from contact ownership.
* Assign tickets to users, teams, or queues.
* Track ticket status, priority, subject, category, followers, internal notes, and handoff notes.
* Use saved inbox views: All, Mine, Team Queue, Unassigned, Overdue, and Recently Resolved.
* Auto-assign conversations using round-robin or least-busy routing.
* Track SLA targets for first response and resolution.
* Download WhatsApp media attachments through a secure server-side proxy.
* Store inbound and outbound message history with timestamps, delivery status, reply context, and reactions.
* View a read-only Contact Profile from inside the inbox.

= Contacts — CRM Contact Management =

A WordPress-native CRM contacts system built around WhatsApp customer communication.

* Store phone number, country, name, custom fields, subscription status, and unsubscribe reasons.
* Track lifecycle stages such as new lead, active prospect, customer, or closed customer.
* Create follow-up tasks with due dates and assigned owners.
* Detect and merge duplicate contacts with guarded confirmation flows.
* Assign contact ownership to users or roles.
* Use concurrency-safe round-robin assignment.
* Save personal tenant-scoped Contact views with allowlisted filters.
* Review the full CRM activity timeline per contact.
* Access Contact Profile from Contacts and Chat Window screens.
* Use shared contact upsert wrappers for safe integrations.

= Groups =

Organise contacts into groups for better targeting and messaging.

* Create groups such as Leads, Members, VIP Customers, COD Customers, or Repeat Buyers.
* Assign contacts manually or in bulk.
* Use groups for broadcast targeting and workflow logic.
* Verified-group protections help prevent accidental modification of important groups.

= Tags =

Label and segment contacts using flexible CRM tags.

* Create colour-coded CRM tags with descriptions.
* Assign tags manually, in bulk, during CSV import, or through compatible integrations.
* Filter contacts by any, all, or none of selected tags.
* Preserve tag names in exports.
* Use stable tag wrappers, hooks, and capabilities for integrations.

= Templates (Pro) =

Manage approved WhatsApp message templates from WordPress.

* Create and manage templates directly from WordPress, and sync with Meta.
* Browse templates by category such as marketing, utility, and authentication.
* Use image headers, CTA buttons, quick replies, coupon codes, and dynamic placeholders.
* Send individual template messages from Chat Window or Contacts.
* Use templates in broadcasts, workflows, WooCommerce notifications, and abandoned cart recovery.

= Send Broadcasts (Pro) =

Send official WhatsApp bulk campaigns using approved message templates.

* Build campaigns for selected groups, or Dynamic Segments.
* Personalise messages with placeholders.
* Use CTA buttons and approved template content.
* Target currently subscribed members of Dynamic Segments at queue time.
* Use idempotent broadcast-run creation to avoid duplicate campaigns.
* Schedule campaigns or send immediately.
* Track delivery and read status in message history.

= Abandoned Carts (Pro) =

Recover WooCommerce carts with WhatsApp reminders.

* Track stale WooCommerce carts in a dedicated Abandoned Carts screen.
* Review cart value, time abandoned, recovery status, and customer context.
* Send WhatsApp recovery messages through workflows.
* Configure stale-cart thresholds, retention periods, and cleanup schedules.

= COD Order Verification =

NXT Cloud Chat can help WooCommerce stores verify COD customers and reduce avoidable returns.

* Use WhatsApp OTP login so customers verify their WhatsApp number before account access or checkout flows.
* Sync verified WordPress users into CRM Contacts.
* Use tags, lifecycle stages, or groups to identify verified COD customers.
* Use Pro workflows to send COD confirmation templates after order placement.
* Add follow-up tasks for unconfirmed or high-risk COD orders.
* Help reduce fake orders, unreachable customers, failed delivery attempts, and return-to-origin losses.

= Segments (Pro) =

Build dynamic contact audiences for campaigns and automation.

* Create tenant-scoped Dynamic Segments with a live rule builder.
* Segment by subscription status, tags, groups, lifecycle stages, ownership, conversation state, tasks, and dates.
* Add WooCommerce filters such as total order value, order count, purchased products, categories, coupons, refunds, statuses, and abandoned cart history.
* Preview audience size before sending.
* Use Dynamic Segments as broadcast audiences or workflow conditions.
* Register validated external segment properties using the bounded contact-query provider contract.

= Workflows (Pro) =

Automate WhatsApp messaging and CRM actions without coding.

**Workflow triggers include:**

* Incoming WhatsApp messages.
* User login events.
* WooCommerce order status changes.
* Abandoned cart events.
* Conversation opened, assigned, status changed, or SLA deadline exceeded.
* Deal created, stage changed, won, lost, reason recorded, value changed, or line items changed.
* Contact lifecycle stage changed.
* Follow-up task created or completed.
* Secure external triggers from compatible plugins.

**Workflow conditions include:**

* Contact subscription status.
* Contact tags, groups, lifecycle stages, and assignment.
* Contact in Dynamic Segment.
* Open or overdue follow-up tasks.
* Conversation assignment, status, priority, and SLA breach.
* Deal stage, previous stage, status, value mode, reason text, and line-item source.
* WooCommerce order value and abandoned cart context.

**Workflow actions include:**

* Send WhatsApp template message.
* Update contact subscription status or contact fields.
* Add or remove tags.
* Assign contact or conversation to a user, role, or queue.
* Auto-assign using round-robin routing.
* Update lifecycle stage.
* Create a follow-up task.
* Create or update deals.
* Append deal line items and recalculate deal value.
* Change conversation status, priority, notes, or escalation.

= Workflow Runs (Pro) =

Monitor every automation execution.

* View workflow run logs with trigger event, contact, status, and timestamps.
* Drill into individual runs to see step-by-step execution.
* Review or retry failed runs.
* Track workflow events, workflow runs, broadcast runs, and abandoned cart automation status.

= History =

Keep a complete record of WhatsApp messages.

* Review inbound and outbound messages.
* Filter by contact, direction, date range, or status.
* View delivery status, read receipts, timestamps, template names, and contact details.
* Use history for reporting, debugging, compliance review, and customer context.
* Store history in custom database tables for performance and portability.

= Authentication - WhatsApp OTP Login =

Offer passwordless login using WhatsApp OTP.

* Shortcode: `[nxtcc_login_whatsapp]`
* Users choose their country, enter their phone number, receive an OTP via WhatsApp, and verify.
* Verified users are linked to their WhatsApp number for future login.
* Optional WhatsApp login button for WordPress login page.
* Optional WhatsApp login button for WooCommerce My Account page.
* Optional force-migration page for moving existing users from password login to WhatsApp login.
* Verified WordPress users can be synced into CRM Contacts.
* Admin controls for OTP code length, resend cooldown, allowed countries, button text, colours, separator text, corner style, and branding visibility.

= Settings - WhatsApp Cloud API Configuration =

Configure WhatsApp Cloud API securely from WordPress.

* Save App ID, App Secret, Access Token, Phone Number ID, Business Account ID, and display phone number.
* Run connection diagnostics and test template sends.
* Generate Verify Token and copy Callback URL for Meta webhook setup.
* Verify webhook signatures with App Secret-based `X-Hub-Signature-256` validation.
* Manage cleanup and retention for messages, OTP records, workflow logs, and operational data.
* Enable or disable delete-all-data-on-uninstall.
* Manage Team Access permissions, module access, action levels, and record scopes.

= Team Access & Permissions =

Give users the right level of access for their role.

* Create tenant Access Teams for WordPress users.
* Set view-only or manage permission per module.
* Control access for Dashboard, Deals, Chat Window, Contacts, Groups, Tags, Templates, Send Broadcasts, Abandoned Carts, Segments, Workflows, Workflow Runs, History, Authentication, and Settings.
* Set record scopes such as assigned records, team queue, or all records.
* Control assignment eligibility for routing pools.
* Apply CRM access-policy enforcement across inbox, contacts, imports, exports, media downloads, and forwarding.

= User-Friendly & Developer-Friendly =

NXT Cloud Chat is designed for everyday WordPress users, business teams, agencies, and developers.

**For users and teams:**

* Clean WordPress admin screens.
* Guided setup links and support badge.
* Simple contact, group, tag, and deal management.
* WhatsApp inbox, CRM, sales pipeline, and OTP login in one place.
* Team access controls without custom coding.
* Useful for support, sales, ecommerce, COD order verification, and customer follow-up.

**For developers and agencies:**

* Free plugin and Pro add-on are separate and extensible.
* Database schema installed via `dbDelta()` with proper indices.
* DAO and DB helper classes with safe cached SQL access patterns.
* Filters and actions for integration points.
* Runtime discovery contracts for compatible add-ons.
* Bounded aggregate CRM analytics wrappers.
* Stable wrappers, capabilities, and hooks for contacts, tags, pipelines, deals, lifecycle stages, tasks, duplicate detection, contact merging, contact views, tickets, assignment routing, SLA, and contact upsert.
* Documented integration contracts for extension development.

== WhatsApp Login (Authentication) ==

NXT Cloud Chat includes a complete **WhatsApp OTP login system** for WordPress.

**Shortcode:** `[nxtcc_login_whatsapp]`

When added to a page, the login widget guides users through three simple steps:

1. Select country code and enter phone number.
2. Receive a one-time verification code via WhatsApp.
3. Enter the code to verify and log in.

After verification, the WordPress user account is linked to the WhatsApp number. On future visits, the user can log in again using WhatsApp OTP instead of a password.

This is also useful for WooCommerce stores that want to verify customer phone numbers, especially for COD orders. A verified WhatsApp number can help reduce fake orders, unreachable customers, failed delivery attempts, and avoidable returns.

**Admin settings include:**

* OTP code length.
* Resend cooldown timer.
* Allowed country codes.
* WordPress login-page button placement.
* WooCommerce My Account login button placement.
* Custom button text, colours, separator text, and corner style.
* Branding visibility controls.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the `nxt-cloud-chat` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`, or install it from **Plugins → Add New** in your WordPress admin.
2. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** menu.
3. Go to **NXT Cloud Chat → Settings**.
4. Enter your WhatsApp Cloud API credentials:
   * App ID
   * App Secret
   * Access Token
   * Phone Number ID
   * Business Account ID
   * Optional display phone number
5. Click **Save Settings**.
6. Run the connection diagnostic to confirm that your WhatsApp Cloud API connection is working.

=== WhatsApp Webhook Setup ===

1. Go to **NXT Cloud Chat → Settings**.
2. Open the Webhook section and enable incoming message handling.
3. Copy the **Callback URL** and **Verify Token** from the settings screen.
4. In your Meta developer dashboard, go to **WhatsApp → Configuration**.
5. Paste the Callback URL.
6. Paste the Verify Token.
7. Subscribe to the `messages` webhook field.
8. Complete Meta's verification request.

After verification, inbound messages, delivery receipts, read events, and status updates will flow into your WordPress WhatsApp inbox.

**Note:** Keep the same App Secret in plugin settings so `X-Hub-Signature-256` webhook signature verification works correctly.

=== WhatsApp Login Setup ===

1. Go to **NXT Cloud Chat → Authentication**.
2. Configure OTP length, resend cooldown, and allowed country codes.
3. Create a WordPress page such as **WhatsApp Login**.
4. Add this shortcode: `[nxtcc_login_whatsapp]`
5. Publish the page.
6. Optionally enable the WhatsApp login button on the WordPress login page and WooCommerce My Account page.
7. Optionally configure a force-migration URL for existing users.

== Support & Documentation ==

NXT Cloud Chat includes free setup support for both free and Pro users.

* **Plugin website:** [NXT Cloud Chat](https://nxtcloudchat.com/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-free "NXT Cloud Chat - WhatsApp CRM for WordPress")
* **Documentation:** [User Guide](https://nxtcloudchat.com/user-guide?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-docs "NXT Cloud Chat Documentation")
* **Upgrade to Pro:** [NXT Cloud Chat Pro](https://nxtwebsite.com/wordpress/nxt-cloud-chat/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-upgrade "Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro")
* **WordPress.org Support Forum:** Use the plugin support tab for questions, bug reports, and feature requests.

Support covers WhatsApp Cloud API setup, Meta developer app configuration, webhook registration, webhook verification, OTP login setup, template management, inbox usage, contact management, CRM features, team access, WooCommerce integration, abandoned carts, workflows, broadcasts, and general troubleshooting.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

=== Is NXT Cloud Chat an official WhatsApp Cloud API plugin for WordPress? ===

NXT Cloud Chat connects WordPress with the official WhatsApp Business Platform / WhatsApp Cloud API provided by Meta.

=== Do I need a Meta developer account? ===

Yes. You need a Meta developer account and a WhatsApp Cloud API app to get your App ID, App Secret, Business Account ID, Phone Number ID, and Access Token. The documentation explains the setup process.

=== Do I need to pay NXT Cloud Chat per WhatsApp message? ===

No. NXT Cloud Chat does not charge per message. WhatsApp Cloud API conversation or messaging charges, if applicable, are charged by Meta according to Meta's pricing policy.

=== Is my data stored on a third-party SaaS server? ===

No. Your plugin data, contacts, messages, CRM records, deals, tags, groups, settings, and activity history are stored inside your own WordPress database. WhatsApp messages are still sent through Meta's official WhatsApp Cloud API because that is required to deliver WhatsApp messages.

=== Can I use NXT Cloud Chat for small, medium, and large businesses? ===

Yes. NXT Cloud Chat is suitable for small businesses, growing teams, medium businesses, agencies, and larger organisations that want a WordPress-native WhatsApp CRM, shared inbox, team access, and automation system.

=== Can WhatsApp verification help reduce returns or RTO? ===

Yes, it can help reduce avoidable returns and return-to-origin risk by verifying the customer's WhatsApp number, improving customer reachability, and enabling COD confirmation messages. Results depend on your store process, shipping workflow, and customer communication policy.

=== Can I use only WhatsApp OTP login without using the CRM inbox? ===

Yes. You can configure WhatsApp Cloud API credentials, create a login page with `[nxtcc_login_whatsapp]`, and use WhatsApp OTP login without actively using the inbox, deals, or CRM modules.

=== Does the plugin support WooCommerce My Account login? ===

Yes. You can enable a WhatsApp login button on the WooCommerce My Account login page from the Authentication settings screen.

=== Can customers log in without a password? ===

Yes. Customers can log in using a WhatsApp one-time password. After verification, their WordPress user account is linked to their WhatsApp number.

=== Can I manage WhatsApp messages from WordPress admin? ===

Yes. The Chat Window works as a WordPress admin WhatsApp inbox where you can view conversations, reply to messages, manage tickets, assign conversations, view contact profiles, and check message history.

=== Does NXT Cloud Chat include a CRM? ===

Yes. It includes CRM contacts, lifecycle stages, tags, groups, contact ownership, follow-up tasks, duplicate detection, contact profile, activity timeline, deals, pipelines, and team access controls.

=== Can I track sales pipelines and deals in the free plugin? ===

Yes. Sales pipelines, deal stages, deal management, line items, deal values, stage-transition history, and CRM activity history are included in the free plugin. Some advanced reporting and external line-item sources may require Pro or compatible integrations.

=== Can I send bulk WhatsApp messages? ===

Yes, with Pro broadcasts using approved WhatsApp templates. You must follow Meta's WhatsApp Business policies and only message contacts where you have proper permission or opt-in.

=== Can I use WhatsApp templates with buttons and placeholders? ===

Yes. Pro supports approved WhatsApp templates with dynamic placeholders, CTA buttons, quick replies, image headers, and coupon codes where supported by Meta template rules.

=== Does NXT Cloud Chat support team members? ===

Yes. Team Access lets you assign module permissions, action levels, record scopes, and assignment eligibility for different WordPress users.

=== Can I assign chats and contacts to team members? ===

Yes. Contacts and conversation tickets can be assigned manually or through routing systems such as round-robin and least-busy assignment.

=== Does the plugin support SLA tracking? ===

Yes. Conversation tickets can track priority-based first-response and resolution SLA targets, and overdue tickets can be filtered in the inbox.

=== Can developers extend NXT Cloud Chat? ===

Yes. The plugin includes hooks, filters, DAO helpers, runtime wrappers, integration contracts, and extension points for developers and compatible add-ons.

=== Will my WhatsApp access token be exposed to visitors? ===

No. API credentials are used server-side and are not printed into public JavaScript or public pages.

=== Does the plugin verify webhook signatures? ===

Yes. Incoming webhook payloads can be verified using App Secret-based `X-Hub-Signature-256` validation.

=== Where are WhatsApp messages stored? ===

Inbound and outbound WhatsApp messages, statuses, reactions, reply context, and related history are stored in custom database tables inside your WordPress installation.

=== What happens when I uninstall the plugin? ===

If you enable **Delete all data on uninstall** before uninstalling, the plugin removes its custom database tables, options, transients, scheduled events, and upload directories. This action is irreversible, so use it carefully.

=== Where can I upgrade to Pro? ===

You can upgrade from the plugin website: [Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro](https://nxtwebsite.com/wordpress/nxt-cloud-chat/?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-upgrade "Upgrade to NXT Cloud Chat Pro").

=== Where can I find documentation? ===

The full documentation is available at [NXT Cloud Chat User Guide](https://nxtcloudchat.com/user-guide?utm_source=wp&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=nxt-cloud-chat-docs "NXT Cloud Chat Documentation").

== Screenshots ==

1. **Chat Window** - Shared WhatsApp inbox with tickets, assignees, inbox filters, SLA indicators, contact profile, and full message history.
2. **Deals** - Sales pipeline board with custom stages, deal cards, expected close dates, stage reasons, stage-transition history, and deal modals.
3. **Dashboard** - WhatsApp connection health, messaging and calling status cards, CRM workload summary, and setup help links.
4. **Contacts** - CRM contacts list with lifecycle stages, tags, ownership, follow-up tasks, saved views, duplicate detection, and bulk actions.
5. **Groups** - Contact group management for leads, members, customers, COD buyers, and custom audiences.
6. **Tags** - CRM tag management with colours, descriptions, bulk assignment, contact filtering, and export support.
7. **Templates** - WhatsApp template list with sync, category badges, CTA buttons, image headers, and per-contact send actions (Pro).
8. **Send Broadcasts** - Bulk WhatsApp campaign builder for approved template messages and segmented audiences (Pro).
9. **Abandoned Carts** - WooCommerce abandoned cart recovery table with cart value, time abandoned, and recovery status (Pro).
10. **Segments** - Dynamic segment builder with rule conditions, live membership preview, and WooCommerce filters (Pro).
11. **Workflows** - Visual WhatsApp automation builder with CRM, deal, conversation, login, WooCommerce, and abandoned cart triggers (Pro).
12. **Workflow Runs** - Workflow execution log with trigger events, matched contacts, step results, status, and retry controls (Pro).
13. **History** - WhatsApp message history with delivery status, read receipts, timestamps, template names, and contact details.
14. **Authentication** - WhatsApp OTP login settings with OTP length, cooldown, allowed countries, force-migration URL, and login button appearance.
15. **WhatsApp login widget** - WhatsApp login widget embedded on a WordPress page.
16. **WhatsApp login buttons** - WhatsApp login buttons for the default WordPress login page and WooCommerce My Account login page.
17. **Settings** - WhatsApp Cloud API credentials, connection diagnostics, webhook URL, verify token, team access, and retention tools.

== Changelog ==

= 1.1.0 =
* Added a secure Pro Dashboard aggregate CRM and automation CSV export powered by the shared Free-owned analytics contract.
* Added personal tenant-scoped saved Contact views with a compact selector, default views, secure allowlisted filters, and stable integration wrappers.
* Added a Free-owned aggregate CRM analytics contract for contact health, current workload, tasks, response and resolution time, SLA compliance, lifecycle and tag distributions, and currency-safe deal reporting.
* Redesigned Deals with route-backed Pipelines and Deals views, compact scrollable management modals, live external-source line-item search, integer quantities, deal deletion, stage preview/reordering, duplication, and guarded archive/delete behavior.
* Added configurable per-stage reason requirements and authoritative deal stage-transition history.
* Added manual and calculated deal values plus extensible line items with Manual, WooCommerce, Houzez, and external provider support.
* Added a bounded Free-owned line-item provider contract with stable discovery, search, resolve, pipeline lifecycle, and management wrappers.
* Added Free-owned sales pipelines, stages, manual deal management, contact and line-item links, ownership, expected close dates, stage reasons, and deal activity history.
* Added stable tenant-scoped pipeline/deal wrappers, hooks, capabilities, and CRM deal access-policy checks for Pro and external integrations.
* Added a shared allowlisted, tenant-scoped contact query runtime for secure dynamic segment and external integration use.
* Added a locked Segments Pro menu entry and documented the shared contact-query and Pro segment integration contracts.
* Added a bounded contact-query provider contract so Pro and compatible external plugins can register validated, indexed segment properties.
* Added tenant-scoped CRM lifecycle stages, follow-up tasks, strong duplicate suggestions, and guarded contact merging.
* Added stable lifecycle, task, duplicate-reader, and contact-merge runtime wrappers for Pro and external integrations.
* Expanded the shared Contact Profile with lifecycle controls, follow-up tasks, and confirmed duplicate merging.
* Added tenant-scoped contact tags with a dedicated Tags screen, contact filters, manual and bulk assignment, import defaults, and export support.
* Added stable Free runtime wrappers, capabilities, and hooks for secure external contact-tag integrations.
* Added tenant-scoped contact and chat ownership assignments with manual Contacts and Inbox controls, filtering, bulk updates, and audit history.
* Added stable assignment wrappers and capability discovery for compatible add-ons and external plugin integrations.
* Added concurrency-safe round-robin contact assignment with tenant-role pools, stable route keys, and existing-owner protection.
* Added a tenant-scoped CRM activity timeline foundation with bounded readers, secure writers, automatic contact audit entries, and retention cleanup controls.
* Added a tenant-safe read-only Contact Profile available from Contacts and the Chat Window, including contact details, ownership, message context, and permission-checked CRM activity history.
* Added tenant-editable Access Teams with view-only/manage action levels, assigned/team/all record scopes, and assignment eligibility.
* Added centralized CRM access-policy enforcement across Contacts, Inbox, bulk actions, imports, exports, forwarding, and secure media access.
* Added stable CRM access-policy wrappers and Access Teams discovery for Pro modules and external plugin integrations.
* Added independent conversation ticket management with saved Inbox views, status, priority, subject, category, snoozing, followers, internal notes, and required-note handoffs.
* Added tenant-scoped conversation, assignment-history, and watcher tables with bulk Inbox loading and permanent-contact cleanup.
* Added stable conversation ticket wrappers, activity readers, access checks, lifecycle hooks, and detailed secure integration documentation.
* Added a stable conversation auto-assignment wrapper with tenant-safe round-robin and least-busy routing through existing assignment pools.
* Added a bounded tenant-scoped SLA candidate reader for efficient Pro deadline catch-up scheduling.
* Added priority-based first-response and resolution SLA targets with WordPress-timezone due dates, overdue Inbox filtering, and a developer customization filter.
* Fixed Deals stage-history timestamps and release-facing admin timestamp fallbacks to display in the WordPress site timezone.
* Confirmed the uninstall cleanup catalog covers all Free and Pro 1.1.0 database tables.

= 1.0.9 =
* Redesigned the Free dashboard with compact Pro-style cards for Connection, Messaging and Calling Health Status, and setup help links.
* Added dashboard setup-help links from the existing support badge helper.
* Improved the Messaging and Calling Health Status UI by hiding internal Meta node IDs while preserving the backend health payload.
* Cleaned unused dashboard response fields and UI code after the dashboard redesign.

= 1.0.8 =
* Added a shared contact upsert runtime wrapper for compatible integrations and add-ons.
* Added the contact integration writer capability to the Free runtime contract.
* Added Pro feature menu entries with compact Pro badges that open the existing upgrade page when Pro is not installed or the Pro license is inactive.
* Updated Free plugin documentation for Pro abandoned cart recovery, workflow subscription-status checks, and Pro upgrade entry points.

= 1.0.7 =
* Added a shared runtime wrapper so compatible add-ons can update contact subscription status safely.
* Routed contact bulk subscribe and unsubscribe actions through the shared tenant-scoped subscription runtime.

= 1.0.6 =
* Officially tested and validated compatibility with WordPress 7.0.

= 1.0.5 =
* Added a floating Support Portal badge across eligible NXT Cloud Chat admin pages in Free and Pro contexts.
* Improved the support badge UX with expandable and icon-only collapsed states.

= 1.0.4 =
* Improved WordPress 6.7+ compatibility by refining translation-loading timing and cleanup catalog text handling.
* Cleaned up i18n and PCP-related warnings in the Free plugin codebase for a more release-ready build.
* Updated the dashboard upgrade call-to-action to point directly to the NXT Cloud Chat product page.

= 1.0.3 =
* Added Team Access management for tenant-owner controlled staff permissions inside the plugin.
* Redesigned the Connection settings tab with a more compact branded layout while keeping the existing functionality intact.
* Added cleanup and retention controls for operational data from the plugin.
* Refined Contacts, Groups, History, and Chat Window behavior, including verified-group protections and improved live chat handling.
* Removed development-only debug traces from Contacts admin scripts for a cleaner production build.

= 1.0.2 =
* Added the stable runtime compatibility contract and bridge wrappers used by the Pro workflow engine.
* Added additive inbound-message, message-status, and authentication lifecycle hooks for internal integrations.
* Improved release compatibility for the Pro add-on workflow runtime.

= 1.0.1 =
* Added WhatsApp login button support for the default WordPress login page and WooCommerce login page.
* Added customizable login button appearance controls.
* Improved dedicated login page and login widget behavior.
* Refined readme content and listing metadata.

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial public release of NXT Cloud Chat.
* Core WhatsApp Cloud API integration.
* Chat Window, Contacts, Groups, Message History, and Dashboard.
* Webhook handling with verify-token helper.
* WhatsApp-based login/authentication widget for WordPress users.