Connect WhatsApp to Codex
To use WhatsApp in Codex, connect your WhatsApp account in Manyplug and add Manyplug to Codex once. Codex then gets 9 WhatsApp tools, for example: “List chats”, “Search messages”, and “Read a chat”. It takes about 4 minutes and works on the free plan.
Connect WhatsApp Free plan, no card
1. Connect WhatsApp in Manyplug
Click “Connect WhatsApp” and paste the key or app password into Manyplug’s form:
A Meta app with the WhatsApp product and a permanent token. About 15 minutes.
- Create a Business type app and add the WhatsApp product to it.Open Meta for Developers
- In WhatsApp → API Setup copy the Phone number ID and the WhatsApp Business Account ID.
- In Business Settings create a system user, give it whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management and generate a permanent token.Open Business Settings
- In the app: Settings → Basic → App Secret. Paste all values into the form.
- More than 24 hours after the customer last wrote, WhatsApp only allows template messages.
- With the WhatsApp Business Account ID set, the hub subscribes the webhook itself.
2. Add Manyplug to Codex
Codex CLI and the IDE extension.
- Add the server to ~/.codex/config.toml.
[mcp_servers.manyplug] url = "https://manyplug.com/mcp" - Run codex mcp login manyplug and sign in in the browser.
3. Ask Codex
- Which customers wrote on WhatsApp today and still wait for an answer?
- Find messages about refunds from this week.
- Tell Ivan the delivery comes tomorrow.
What Codex can do in WhatsApp
Each action can be turned off per account, and changes can wait for your OK.
| Action | Access |
|---|---|
| List chats WhatsApp chats, most recent first, with unread counters. | Reads |
| Search messages Searches all chats or one chat by words, sender and dates. | Reads |
| Read a chat Latest messages of a chat; page back for older ones. | Reads |
| What's new New messages since the last check, without repeats. | Reads |
| Send a message Writes to a chat through a queue: human-like pauses and typing, never twice. Files can be attached by link. A first message to someone new needs your OK. | Risky |
| Mark as read Marks every message of a chat as read. | Makes changes |
| Attachment Downloads a file from a message; the AI can look at photos and listen to voice messages. | Reads |
| Message templates Approved templates of the number and their variables. | Reads |
| Send a template Writes with a template when 24 hours have passed or the person has not written yet. Same queue; to someone new only with your approval. | Risky |
Questions
Can I connect two WhatsApp accounts to Codex?
Yes. Connect each one in Manyplug under its own name, for example Work and Personal. Codex can use one of them or all at once.
Will Codex change anything in WhatsApp without asking?
By default these actions wait for your approval before they run: “Send a message” and “Send a template”. Other changes follow your rules, which you can make stricter per account.
Do I need an official WhatsApp MCP server for this?
No. Manyplug connects to WhatsApp itself with a key or app password you paste into its form, and gives Codex the tools through one MCP address, together with your other services.
Is it free to connect Codex to Manyplug?
Yes. New workspaces get 14 days of Pro free, then the free plan keeps going with 150 actions a month and up to 3 connected accounts. No card needed. Paid plans start at $5 a month.
Does Codex see my passwords or API keys?
No. Keys are entered on Manyplug’s own pages, stored encrypted with a separate key per account, and the AI only receives tool results.