GoHighLevel Features Compatibility

Comprehensive guide to WhatSnap SMS features and functionality within GoHighLevel. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to optimize your SMS setup.

Learn which GoHighLevel features work with WhatSnap SMS and how to optimize your setup for the best experience.

What features do and do not work with WhatSnap SMS?

WhatSnap SMS integrates seamlessly with GoHighLevel, providing near-complete functionality for SMS messaging. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of features and how they work.

Good News: Most GoHighLevel features work perfectly with WhatSnap SMS! In cases where native functionality doesn't work, we provide solutions through custom workflows.

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Should WhatSnap Gateway be set as Default SMS App?

Our Recommendation: No (for most users)

We recommend NOT setting the WhatSnap Gateway app as the default SMS provider on your Android device.

Why Keep Your Native SMS App as Default?

Benefits of NOT setting WhatSnap as default:

✅ Clients can use Lead Connector App

• If WhatSnap is not set as default, clients can use the Lead Connector app on their phone

• SMS conversations go straight to their native phone messaging app

• They can carry on conversations naturally without needing GHL

✅ Personal and Business Separation

• Keep your native SMS app functional for personal messages

• Business messages handled by WhatSnap in background

• Cleaner user experience

✅ Easier Troubleshooting

• Can send test SMS from native Messages app

• Verify SIM works independently of WhatSnap

• Better diagnostic capabilities

Important Limitation: Any messages sent directly from the native phone app will not appear in the GoHighLevel conversation box. Only messages sent through WhatSnap sync to GHL.

When to Set WhatSnap as Default: MMS Support

Set WhatSnap as default ONLY if you need MMS:

✅ MMS Requires Default Status

• Sending picture messages (images, photos)

• Sending video messages

• Group messaging (MMS-based)

• Receiving MMS into GoHighLevel

❌ Trade-off: Native SMS App Unusable

• Your phone's native SMS inbox becomes unavailable

• WhatSnap takes over all SMS/MMS handling

• Personal messaging becomes more complex

Configuration:

1. Open WhatSnap Gateway app

2. When prompted: "Make WhatSnap your default SMS app?"

3. Tap "Yes" if you need MMS support

4. Tap "No" if you only need SMS (recommended for most)

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Complete Feature Compatibility Table

The table below shows comprehensive feature compatibility with WhatSnap SMS:

Feature	Send	Receive	Notes
Basic SMS from Contact Page	✅ Success	✅ Success	Full send/receive from GoHighLevel universal inbox
Workflow Send Text	✅ Success	✅ Success	Fully compatible with workflow automation
Mass SMS / Campaigns	✅ Success	✅ Success	Use drip mode only. Max 1 SMS per 60 seconds, follow carrier fair use policy
Missed Call Text Back	✅ Success	✅ Success	Works through workflow (phone carrier must send missed call notification)
Chat Widget	✅ Success	✅ Success	Send and receive messages through chat widget
Send Emojis in Text	✅ Success	✅ Success	Full emoji support in manual messages
Send Emojis in Workflow	✅ Success	✅ Success	Full emoji support in workflow messages
Like or Heart Reactions	❌ N/A	✅ Success	Receiving reactions (👍 ❤️) works. Sending reactions not supported in any SMS system
Overseas Messaging	✅ Success	✅ Success	Works if carrier supports international SMS. See International SMS Guide
Queued Messages (Phone Off)	✅ Success	✅ Success	Messages queue when phone is off/offline and send when reconnected. Received messages can take up to 1 hour to sync
Google Review Requests	✅ Success	✅ Success	Use workflow automation (native review button may not work)
STOP / Unsubscribe	✅ Success	✅ Success	Auto-DND on "STOP" reply. Ensure compliance workflows are active
MMS - Send Image	✅ Success	⚠️ Partial	Can send (must be <800KB). Received MMS appears in phone inbox but may not sync to GHL
MMS - Send Video	✅ Success	⚠️ Partial	Can send (must be <800KB). Received MMS appears in phone inbox but may not sync to GHL
MMS in Workflow	✅ Success	⚠️ Partial	Can send images/videos. Received MMS appears in phone inbox but may not sync to GHL
AI Chatbot (GoHighLevel)	✅ Success	✅ Success	Built-in GHL chatbot works, but consider WhatSnap's AI capabilities
Internal SMS Notifications	✅ Success	✅ Success	Team notifications via SMS work perfectly
Two-Way Conversations	✅ Success	✅ Success	Full bidirectional messaging
Custom Fields / Personalization	✅ Success	✅ Success	{{first_name}}, {{company}}, etc. all work
Scheduled Messages	✅ Success	✅ Success	Schedule messages through workflows
A/B Testing	✅ Success	✅ Success	Test message variants through workflows
Contact Tagging	✅ Success	✅ Success	Automatic and manual tagging works
DND (Do Not Disturb)	✅ Success	✅ Success	DND contacts are automatically excluded

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Phone Calls Compatibility

WhatSnap SMS uses your Android device, which also supports phone calls:

Call Feature	Android Phone	Notes
Inbound Calls	✅ Success	Receive calls on your SIM
Outbound Calls	✅ Success	Make calls from your SIM
Call Tracking in GHL	❌ Not Supported	Phone calls don't sync to GoHighLevel
Call Recording	❌ Not Supported	Use Twilio or Lead Connector for call features

Alternative for Calls:

• Integrate Twilio or Lead Connector for phone call functionality in GHL

• Use WhatSnap exclusively for SMS

• Keep calls separate from SMS channel

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MMS (Picture & Video Messages) - Important Details

Sending MMS

Requirements:

• ✅ WhatSnap Gateway must be set as default SMS app on Android

• ✅ Image/video must be under 800 KB (compress if needed)

• ✅ Strong signal strength (MMS requires more bandwidth than SMS)

• ✅ MMS must be enabled in your carrier plan

Supported:

• Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF)

• Videos (MP4, 3GP)

• File size: Maximum 800 KB

How to Send:

1. In GoHighLevel conversation, click attachment icon

2. Select image or video (ensure under 800 KB)

3. Add optional message text

4. Send

Receiving MMS

Current Limitation:

• ⚠️ Received MMS appears in your Android phone's native inbox

• ⚠️ MMS may not sync to GoHighLevel conversation

• ✅ Text portion of MMS syncs to GHL

• ❌ Media attachment may not sync

Workaround:

• Monitor your Android device for received MMS

• Manually mention received media in GHL conversation

• Or have client resend via email/WhatsApp if media is critical

MMS Development: We're continuously improving MMS support. Check for updates in the WhatSnap dashboard for enhanced MMS functionality.

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Mass SMS / Campaign Features

What Works

✅ Send to large contact lists

• Supports campaigns to thousands of contacts

• Distributes across multiple devices if configured

✅ Drip Mode

• Gradual message sending (1 msg per 60-90 seconds recommended)

• Prevents carrier blocks

• Sustainable long-term operation

✅ Personalization

• Use custom fields ({{first_name}}, {{company}}, etc.)

• Vary message content

• A/B testing capabilities

What Doesn't Work

❌ Instant Bulk Send

• You cannot send thousands of messages instantly

• Doing so will get your SIM blocked by carrier

• Always use drip mode

❌ More than 1 SMS per 60 seconds

• Sustained sending faster than 1/minute risks carrier blocks

• Exceptions: Occasional bursts may be OK, but not sustained

❌ Unlimited Volume on Single SIM

• Carrier fair use policies limit daily sends (typically 100-250/day)

• Scale by adding more devices/SIMs

Campaign Best Practices:

• See Database Reactivations Guide

• See Campaign Overview

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Workflow Automation Features

Fully Supported

✅ Trigger Types:

• Tag added/removed

• Contact created

• Custom field changed

• Date/time based

• Inbound message received

• Form submission

✅ Actions:

• Send SMS

• Wait/delay

• Add/remove tags

• Update custom fields

• Create opportunity

• Send internal notification

• Conditional logic (IF/THEN)

• A/B split testing

✅ Advanced Features:

• Multi-step sequences

• Response detection

• Time-based delays

• Randomization (for drip campaigns)

• Contact assignment

Recommended Workflow Setup

Example: Database Reactivation Workflow

Trigger: Tag added → "DBR-Campaign-2025"
↓
Wait: Random 1-60 minutes
↓
Send SMS: Initial message variant
↓
IF Response received → Tag "Engaged" → Move to sales
IF No response → Wait 3 days → Send follow-up

See: Workflow Automation Guide

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Special Features Setup

Missed Call Text Back

How It Works:

1. Contact calls your Android device SIM number

2. Carrier sends missed call notification to your phone

3. Workflow detects missed call

4. Workflow sends automatic SMS response

Requirements:

• Carrier must send missed call notifications (most do)

• Workflow configured to detect missed call trigger

• Response template created

Recommended Workflow:

Trigger: Missed call detected
↓
Wait: 2 minutes
↓
Send SMS: "Hi {{first_name}}, I missed your call. How can I help you today?"

Google Review Requests

How It Works:

• Native "Send Review" button may not work

• Use workflow automation instead

• Craft custom SMS with review link

Workflow Setup:

Trigger: Appointment completed or service finished
↓
Wait: 1 hour
↓
Send SMS: "Hi {{first_name}}, thanks for choosing us! We'd love your feedback. Please leave us a review: [Google Review Link]"

STOP / Opt-Out Handling

Auto-DND (Automatic):

• WhatSnap automatically adds contacts who reply "STOP" to DND

• No configuration needed

• Compliant with regulations

Enhanced Workflow (Recommended):

Trigger: SMS received contains "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE"
↓
Add to DND
↓
Remove all campaign tags
↓
Tag "Opted-Out"
↓
Send SMS: "You've been unsubscribed. Reply START to opt back in."

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Features That Don't Work (And Alternatives)

❌ SMS Reactions (Sending)

Limitation:

• Cannot send message reactions (👍, ❤️, etc.) from GoHighLevel

• This is a limitation of SMS in general, not WhatSnap-specific

Alternative:

• Reply with emoji text: "👍 Got it!"

• Use quick response templates

❌ Receiving MMS Reliably in GHL

Limitation:

• MMS received on phone may not sync to GoHighLevel

• Media attachments appear in phone but not GHL

Alternative:

• Monitor phone inbox for MMS

• Ask clients to send media via email or WhatsApp if critical

• Use WhatsApp instead (full MMS support with WhatSnap)

❌ Phone Call Integration

Limitation:

• Calls on Android device don't sync to GoHighLevel

• No call recording or tracking

Alternative:

• Use Twilio or Lead Connector for phone calls

• Keep WhatSnap SMS separate from call functionality

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Optimization Tips

For Best Performance

1. Use SMS Channel Override

• Seamless integration with existing GHL workflows

• No need to specify custom channel

• All SMS features work automatically

2. Implement Device Tags

• Tag contacts with device-specific tags (e.g., whatsnap-account-android-1)

• Route messages to appropriate devices

• Manage multiple SIMs effectively

3. Configure Drip Mode

• Never send faster than 1 message per 60 seconds sustained

• Use GHL workflow delays

• Prevent carrier blocks

4. Monitor Deliverability

• Check delivery rates weekly

• Target: >95% delivery success

• Adjust send rate if issues arise

5. Follow Warm-Up Process

• New SIMs: Start slow (20 msgs/day)

• Gradually increase over 2 weeks

• See SIM Warm-Up Guide

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Summary

What Works Great:

• ✅ Basic SMS sending/receiving

• ✅ Workflow automation

• ✅ Mass campaigns (with drip mode)

• ✅ Personalization and custom fields

• ✅ Two-way conversations

• ✅ Emoji support

• ✅ International SMS (if carrier supports)

What Has Limitations:

• ⚠️ MMS receiving (works on phone, may not sync to GHL)

• ⚠️ Message reactions (receiving works, sending doesn't)

• ❌ Phone call integration (not supported)

Best Practices:

• Don't set WhatSnap as default SMS app (unless you need MMS)

• Use drip mode for campaigns

• Follow carrier fair use policies

• Warm up new SIMs gradually

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Related Guides

• SMS Installation & Setup

• Workflow Automation

• Database Reactivations

• Troubleshooting

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Questions about specific features? Contact support at [e-mail] with your use case.