Incoming SMS
Receive supported text events from Android, iPhone, Twilio or virtual-number channels.
Connect SMS and WhatsApp to n8n Automation
Send supported incoming SMS and WhatsApp messages to an n8n webhook, then classify enquiries, notify teams, update CRMs, create tickets, call business APIs or route approved replies through connected messaging channels.
SMS WebhooksWhatsApp AutomationAI AgentsReply API
Receive structured events
Send supported message data to an n8n webhook.
Build visual workflows
Branch, transform and connect business systems.
Control outbound actions
Authenticate replies and prevent duplicate sends.
One automation layer
Use n8n for Both SMS and WhatsApp Workflows
Normalize communication from several supported sources, then use n8n to apply your own business logic and connect the systems that should act next.
Incoming WhatsApp
Forward supported QR or Meta Cloud message events into an n8n webhook.
Workflow Routing
Branch by sender, keyword, source, schedule, intent or data returned by another service.
Controlled Replies
Use supported reply endpoints or SMS sending channels with explicit authentication.
Inbound webhookExplore Webhooks & APIs
Start an n8n Workflow Whenever a Supported Message Arrives
Create a production webhook in n8n and add its HTTPS URL as the appropriate AutoForward Text destination. A successful inbound event can then trigger any nodes and credentials authorized in that workflow.
✓ Capture available sender, message, source and timing data.
✓ Normalize phone numbers and classify the message.
✓ Route leads, support requests, alerts or appointment enquiries.
✓ Acknowledge the webhook quickly and handle longer work downstream.
WhatsApp reply API
Let n8n Reply Through a Message-Specific Endpoint
For supported WhatsApp automation, the incoming payload can include a reply endpoint tied to that conversation. Send an authenticated POST request to that URL rather than storing provider credentials throughout the workflow.
Important: use the reply endpoint supplied by the event, an API key with the required permission, and a unique idempotency key for each logical reply.
Authorization: Bearer API key
Idempotency-Key: unique for one intended response
JSON body: reply text in the supported request format
Setup
Connect AutoForward Text to n8n in Five Steps
Build and test with n8n’s test URL if needed, then switch to the active production webhook before relying on the workflow.
1
Connect Sources
Add the Android, iPhone, WhatsApp, Twilio or virtual channels you need.
2
Create Webhook
Add an n8n Webhook node and configure the intended method and path.
3
Add Destination
Paste the webhook URL into the relevant AutoForward Text forwarding settings.
4
Build Logic
Validate fields, branch safely and connect only authorized service credentials.
5
Activate and Test
Enable the production workflow and send fresh real messages from external sources.
Automation ideas
Turn Messages Into Useful Business Actions
Use deterministic routing for simple work and add AI only where it contributes meaningful classification, extraction or drafting.
Lead capture
Create or update HubSpot, GoHighLevel or Pipedrive records from supported enquiries.
Support triage
Classify topic and urgency, then create a ticket or notify the correct support queue.
Appointment workflows
Extract requested dates and prepare a booking action for verification.
Order operations
Match order references and alert fulfillment or delivery teams.
Slack notifications
Post focused message alerts into sales, support or operations channels.
Database logging
Write approved message fields into a database, sheet or internal reporting system.
Sentiment and intent
Use an AI model to categorize communication while retaining human oversight.
Drafted replies
Generate a proposed answer, validate it, then send through a supported controlled reply path.
SMS versus WhatsApp replies
Receiving a Webhook Does Not Automatically Authorize Sending
Treat inbound processing and outbound messaging as separate capabilities. Each reply path needs its own supported source, authorization, recipient context and platform compliance.
WhatsApp replies
Use the supported event reply endpoint and account for Meta conversation-window or template requirements.
SMS replies
Require an outbound-capable Android gateway, Twilio, virtual number or another supported sending configuration.
Avoid loops
Mark automated output and ensure sent replies cannot re-trigger the same workflow indefinitely.
Use human approval
Require review for refunds, medical, legal, financial, safety or other high-impact responses.
Production safety
Secure Credentials, Validate Inputs and Design for Retries
Protect secrets
Keep API keys, webhook URLs and third-party credentials out of public workflow exports and screenshots.
Validate every event
Treat webhook payload fields as untrusted input before using them in queries, prompts or outbound calls.
Use idempotency
Generate one stable key per logical outbound reply so retries do not duplicate customer messages.
Limit AI authority
Restrict tools, destinations, spend and data access; log decisions and add human review where needed.
Troubleshooting
If an n8n Workflow Does Not Receive or Reply
Test the source, inbound webhook and outbound action independently before debugging the entire workflow.
No execution appears
Confirm the production workflow is active and AutoForward Text uses the current production URL.
Event fails before n8n
Verify the source channel is connected and the message appears in AutoForward Text logs.
Reply is unauthorized
Check the Bearer API key, required permission and exact event reply endpoint.
Duplicate replies occur
Use a unique idempotency key per intended reply and keep it stable across retries.
n8n FAQ
SMS, WhatsApp and n8n Questions
Channel capabilities and outbound requirements depend on the connected provider and configuration.
Read the n8n GuideCan AutoForward Text send incoming SMS to n8n?+
Yes. Supported SMS from connected Android phones, iPhone workflows, Twilio numbers and virtual numbers can be sent to an n8n webhook for routing and automation.
Can AutoForward Text send WhatsApp messages to n8n?+
Yes. Supported incoming messages from connected WhatsApp accounts can be forwarded as webhook payloads to an n8n workflow.
Can an n8n workflow reply to an incoming WhatsApp message?+
For supported WhatsApp workflows, an incoming payload can include a message-specific reply endpoint. n8n can send an authenticated POST request to that endpoint using an AutoForward Text API key and a unique idempotency key.
Why is an idempotency key required for replies?+
Automation platforms may retry failed or delayed requests. A unique idempotency key identifies one logical reply and helps prevent the same customer message from being sent more than once.
Can n8n send an SMS reply?+
SMS sending or replies require a supported outbound SMS channel and the necessary permissions or provider configuration. Receiving an inbound webhook alone does not automatically authorize outbound SMS.
Can I connect an AI agent in n8n?+
Yes. n8n can pass supported message content to an AI model or agent, but businesses should validate outputs, protect personal data, restrict tool access and require human review for sensitive or high-impact actions.
What should my n8n workflow return to AutoForward Text?+
For basic inbound delivery, acknowledge the webhook quickly with a successful response and perform slower work afterward where possible. Reply calls are separate authenticated requests to the supported reply endpoint.
How do I secure an AutoForward Text and n8n workflow?+
Use HTTPS, protect webhook and API credentials, grant the minimum scopes, validate input, keep secrets outside workflow nodes where possible, restrict execution access and avoid logging unnecessary message content.
Connect messages with n8n
Turn SMS and WhatsApp Conversations Into Automated Workflows.
Receive supported messages through webhooks, add business logic and build carefully controlled team, CRM and AI-agent actions.