What are WhatsApp ice breakers and can a restaurant use them?
Updated 6 October 2026
Ice breakers are tappable text suggestions, such as “See the menu” or “Opening hours”, shown the first time a customer chats with your number. They are a WhatsApp Business API feature.
- Ice breakers: up to 4, each up to 80 characters, with no emojis. They appear the first time a customer chats with your business number.
- Examples: “See the menu” or “Opening hours”. They help a first-time customer know what to ask.
- Commands: up to 30 shortcuts a customer opens by typing a slash. Each is up to 32 characters, with a hint of up to 256.
- API only: both features belong to the WhatsApp Business API, not the free Business app.
Give customers a quick way to order
Customers send Hi to your own WhatsApp number and get an Order Now button that opens your Menuthere menu already signed in. Orders land in your dashboard and the partner app that rings.
Next questions
Sources (1)
- Conversational components, Meta for Developers, read 6 October 2026