> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.quickreply.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/conversations/start-a-new-chat.md).

# Start a new chat

## How to Start a New Chat on QuickReply

Agents can initiate conversations with customers across WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Live Chat.

### Go to the **Conversations** tab in QuickReply

Click on the **\[+]** icon (known as the Compose WhatsApp Message Button) next to the module heading.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FU23yxMZfgVcrHIAATT1E%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=d6d47cbc-6cff-4c12-9244-e37c9c93f2d4)

### Enter the **customer's phone number** and continue.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FdOJ0or0E5wuwRxOBVPqC%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=14e9230c-6fcd-4e95-b32a-d18118042940)

### Select a template

In Select Template, choose from the pre-approved [message templates](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/whatsapp-templates), check the preview, and click Next. Fill in the template variables and any button URL, choose the Bot to engage when the recipient replies, and click Send Template.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FmBcgmsS5uGjqaKX7UDXJ%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=ccaf9937-4ff9-4331-9926-37b40bbb4848)

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2Frg07ioUD8mRXjNwFDTkm%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=8ed26280-a1a7-46f4-b207-a9ad132d968a)

### Engage with the customer

After the customer responds, agents can:

* Send text messages, images, documents, and other media files
* Use [quick replies and saved responses](/product-modules/conversations/miscellaneous.md#canned-responses)

<figure><img src="https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-63461be3a8f66f6c44ade568ee3511bd535118ff%2FFrame%203.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Access customer conversation history

{% hint style="info" %}
The 24-hour window automatically resets when the customer sends a new message.
{% endhint %}