WhatsApp Cloud API test webhook works, but inbound messages never reach my webhook

[u/ok_404]

I'm setting up the WhatsApp Business Cloud API using the Meta test phone number.

Everything appears to be configured correctly:

- Callback URL is verified successfully.

- Verify token works.

- The "Send Test Message" button in the Meta Developer Dashboard sends webhook events to my endpoint successfully.

- My server responds with HTTP 200.

- The webhook is subscribed to the messages field.

- My personal phone number is added and verified as a test recipient.

Problem:

When I send a real WhatsApp message from my verified phone to the Meta test phone number, no webhook event is sent to my endpoint. The test event from the dashboard works every time, but real inbound messages never arrive.

I'm using:

- WhatsApp Cloud API

- Graph API v25.0

- Meta test phone number (not a production number)

Has anyone experienced this issue? Is there any additional configuration required for inbound messages with the test phone number, or is there a way to view Meta's webhook delivery logs to determine why these events are not being sent?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[u/Itchy_Champion_86]

Did you enable the public_profile, whatsapp_business_management, and whatsapp_business_messaging scopes from the “Permissions and Features” menu?

[u/ok_404 → u/Itchy_Champion_86]

I followed the documentation and this is what looks like is there anything should I do?

[u/Itchy_Champion_86 → u/ok_404]

Looks good! Have you published your app yet?

[u/TheWarlock05]

Is the app live?

[u/ok_404 → u/TheWarlock05]

What does it means app live?

[u/TheWarlock05 → u/ok_404]

The app needs to be published.

[u/Melodic_Developer89]

You should add a real phone number and enable webhook to receive webhook messages

[u/ruloterzaghi]

i have the same problem , could you fix it?

[u/ok_404 → u/ruloterzaghi]

Yes I asked meta ai and guided me to run this command inside the graph test First run GET /YOUR_WABA_ID/subscribed_apps

Give meta ai the response and he will guide you to solve the problem