Skip to main content

WhatsApp & Text Message Contact Options for Google Business Profile (GBP)

Kyrios allows you to add WhatsApp and Text Message contact options to a Google Business Profile (GBP), enabling customers to message a business directly from its GBP listing.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

  • Agencies or admins managing Google Business Profiles through Kyrios

  • Businesses that want customers to message instead of calling

  • Use this when optimizing GBP listings for higher engagement and accessibility


Overview of WhatsApp & Text Message Options

Kyrios supports two messaging contact methods for GBP listings:

  • Text Message (SMS)

  • WhatsApp

These options appear directly on the public Google Business Profile once configured and saved.

Important behavior rule:
If both Text Message and WhatsApp are added, Text Message takes priority and will appear as the primary chat option on the GBP listing.


Where to Find the Messaging Settings

  1. Navigate to Reputation → GBP Optimization.

  2. Select the correct business from the dropdown (top-right).

  3. Scroll to the section directly below the Phone Number field.

  4. Locate Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message).


Adding a Text Message (SMS) Number

Use this when the business wants customers to send SMS messages from GBP.

Steps

  1. In Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message), enable Text Message.

  2. Select an existing phone number or type a custom number.

  3. Confirm the number selection.

  4. Click Save.

Result:
“Text Message” will appear as a contact option on the public Google Business Profile.


Adding a WhatsApp Number

Use this when the business prefers WhatsApp as the messaging channel.

Steps

  1. In Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message), enable WhatsApp.

  2. Enter a valid WhatsApp-enabled phone number.

  3. Click Save.

Result:
“WhatsApp” will appear as a contact option on the public Google Business Profile.

NOTE: If Text Message is also enabled, WhatsApp will not be shown publicly.


Using Both WhatsApp and Text Message Together

Kyrios allows both options to be configured at the same time.

  • Both numbers are stored in GBP Optimization.

  • Text Message always overrides WhatsApp for public display.

  • WhatsApp remains saved but hidden unless Text Message is removed.


Removing Chat Options

You can remove all messaging options from the GBP listing.

Steps

  1. Click the edit icon next to Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message).

  2. Disable all chat options.

  3. Confirm removal when prompted.

  4. Click Save.

Result:
Customers will no longer see messaging options on the Google Business Profile.


Common Issues and Fixes

Messaging option not showing on GBP

  • Ensure Save was clicked after editing.

  • Confirm the business is the correct GBP location.

  • Remember that Text Message hides WhatsApp when both are enabled.

Wrong messaging option appearing

  • Check if Text Message is enabled.

  • Disable Text Message if WhatsApp should be the visible option.


FAQ

Why does WhatsApp not appear on the GBP listing?

If Text Message is enabled, Google displays Text Message instead of WhatsApp. This is expected behavior.

Can I add both WhatsApp and Text Message?

Yes. Both can be configured, but only Text Message will display publicly if both exist.

Do customers message inside Kyrios?

Messages initiated from GBP route through the connected messaging channel and appear in Kyrios conversations if configured.

Can I remove messaging later?

Yes. You can remove all chat options at any time from Reputation → GBP Optimization.

Did this answer your question?