Importing Contacts in Bulk - WhatATalk Docs

Accessing the Import Tool

Navigate to Dashboard > Import Contacts (or look for an "Import" button on the main Contacts page, often near "Add Contact").

Preparing Your Import File

Before uploading, you must ensure your data is formatted correctly. This is the most common source of import errors.

Supported File Formats

.csv (Comma Separated Values): The most universally supported format.
.xlsx (Microsoft Excel): Often easier to work with if you have complex data or formatting.

Required Column: Mobile Number

The only strictly required piece of information for a WhatsApp contact is their phone number.

Column Header: You must name it exactly as required by the template (e.g., "Mobile Number").
Format is Critical:
- Must include the Country Code. (e.g., 1 for US/Canada, 44 for UK, 91 for India).
- Must NOT include the + symbol. (e.g., 15551234567, not +15551234567).
- Must NOT include spaces, dashes, or parentheses. Clean your data in Excel/Sheets before importing.

Optional (But Recommended) Columns

To maximize the value of WhataTalk, include as much data as possible:

First Name
Last Name

Downloadable Template

Most import tools provide a sample file. Click "Download Sample File" on the import page. This provides a pre-formatted spreadsheet that you can simply paste your data into, ensuring your file meets all the structural requirements.

The Import Process

Your file must strictly follow the required structure. You can download the sample file to ensure your data is correctly formatted before uploading.

The process is as follows:

Upload the file: Upload your prepared .csv or .xlsx file containing your contacts.
File Process and Validation: The system will process and validate the uploaded file in the backend.
Import Contacts: If the file is successfully validated, the button to import contacts will be enabled. Click it to proceed with the import.
Receive Report: Post-import, you will receive a response with a detailed report of the operation results.