Forwarding Mode

Forwarding mode sends incoming WhatsApp messages to a URL you specify - your CRM, helpdesk, custom application, or any system that accepts webhooks.

When to use Forwarding mode

• You have an existing system that needs to receive WhatsApp messages
• You're building a custom integration with your own backend
• You want real-time message delivery to external applications

How it works

1. A message arrives from WhatsApp
2. Bouncer packages the message as JSON
3. Bouncer sends an HTTP POST request to your destination URL
4. Your system processes the message and responds

Setting up Forwarding mode

1. Go to Webhook Endpoints in the sidebar
2. Click on your endpoint (or create a new one)
3. Select Forwarding mode
4. Enter your destination URL
5. Add any custom headers (optional)
6. Click Save

Destination URL

Your destination URL must:

• Be publicly accessible (not localhost)
• Accept HTTP POST requests
• Respond within 30 seconds
• Return a 2xx status code on success

Example: https://your-app.com/webhooks/whatsapp

Custom headers

Add headers to authenticate requests to your system:

Message batching

Instead of sending messages one-by-one, Bouncer can batch multiple messages from the same sender:

1. Open your endpoint settings
2. Go to the Batching tab
3. Enable batching
4. Set the wait time (5-10 seconds recommended)

Batching reduces the number of requests to your system when someone sends multiple messages quickly.

Retry configuration

If your system is temporarily unavailable, Bouncer can retry failed deliveries:

1. Open your endpoint settings
2. Go to the Retry tab
3. Configure max attempts and backoff

Failed messages after all retries go to the dead letter queue for manual review.

Monitoring deliveries

Check the Activity tab on your endpoint to see:

• Recent deliveries with timestamps
• Success/failure status
• Response times
• Error messages for failed deliveries

Troubleshooting

Messages not arriving - Verify your URL is correct and publicly accessible. Check your server logs for incoming requests.

401/403 errors - Your authentication headers may be incorrect. Verify the header names and values.

Timeouts - Your endpoint must respond within 30 seconds. If processing takes longer, accept the webhook immediately and process asynchronously.

5xx errors - Your server is returning errors. Check your application logs for exceptions.

API reference

For detailed information on the webhook payload format and available API endpoints, see the Bouncer API documentation.