WhatsApp group bot: what it is, what it does and how to add it to your group
Everything to know before you put a bot in your group: what it automates, which number it uses, how to add it, WhatsApp's rules and what it costs.
Direct answer: A WhatsApp group bot is a WhatsApp number connected to software that reads the group and acts on its own: it welcomes new members, deletes links and spam, applies strikes, answers commands and sends scheduled messages. To use one, you connect a number to the bot (in 9bot, with a pairing code or QR code), add that number to the group and make it an admin.
What is a WhatsApp group bot?
WhatsApp has no "bot store" inside groups. A bot is a regular participant: a WhatsApp number linked to software that follows the conversation and runs the rules you set. The group sees a contact; you configure it from a dashboard.
That means two things in practice: someone has to add the bot number to the group, and it has to be an admin to do what only admins can, like deleting other members' messages, removing people and approving join requests.
What a bot does in a WhatsApp group
These are the tasks that eat most of a group admin's time, and how 9bot handles each one:
| Task | What the bot does | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting new members | Sends a welcome with the person's name and the rules | Welcome message and rules |
| Blocking links and files | Deletes invites to other groups, suspicious links and risky files, with an allowlist of domains | Anti-link |
| Stopping spam and flooding | Detects repeated messages, applies strikes and a punishment ladder | Anti-spam |
| Controlling who joins | Approves join requests with filters and daily limits | Approve members |
| Sending announcements on time | Scheduled and recurring messages (daily, weekly, monthly) | Schedule messages |
| Publishing content | Posts news from RSS feeds and live alerts (Twitch, YouTube, Kick) | RSS to WhatsApp |
| Connecting your systems | REST API and an MCP server for AI assistants | Groups API |
Everyday how-tos: create a group, invite link, group names, tag everyone (@all), create a poll, best time to post, hide your number and delete a group.
What is the bot number and how do you add the bot to a group?
This is the most common question: there is no public 9bot number to add. The bot number is a WhatsApp number that you connect to the dashboard. That way the bot speaks as your project and you stay in control of the number. Ideally, use a number dedicated to the bot that isn't open on another device at the same time.
- Create your 9bot account and, during onboarding, connect the number with a pairing code or QR code (on the phone: WhatsApp > Linked devices > Link a device).
- Save the bot number in an admin's contacts and add it to the group via Add members, or open the group invite link on the bot's phone.
- In the group, tap the bot number and choose Make group admin.
- Type
.menuin the group. If the bot replies, you're set. Now turn on that group's automations in the Dashboard.
Bot not replying? Check that the number is still connected, isn't open on another device, and that the group isn't set so only admins can send messages. The full walkthrough with fixes is in how to add a bot to a WhatsApp group.
Free bot, paid service or GitHub project?
| Option | Real cost | Who maintains it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-source project (GitHub) | Free, but you pay for a server and spend hours on maintenance | You: setup, updates and fixes | Developers who want full control |
| APK or modified WhatsApp | Free | Nobody guarantees it | Nobody: WhatsApp says unofficial apps can get you banned |
| Managed service (like 9bot) | Monthly fee | The provider: servers, updates and support | People who want results without code |
The full comparison, with ban risk and security, is in Free vs Paid WhatsApp Group Bot: Ban Risk, Security and Cost.
Are bots allowed? What WhatsApp doesn't accept
Use the bot to run groups that want the service: moderation, welcoming members and agreed announcements. What WhatsApp fights is bulk, unsolicited messaging, and that applies to any bot, free or paid. Avoid adding lots of people at once or blasting the same message to dozens of groups.
If your group or number has already been restricted, see what to do when a group is suspended or banned.
How much does a WhatsApp group bot cost?
9bot has a single plan, Basic Pro, with every feature: a 7-day free trial, then US$35/month for the first 3 months (50% off) and US$70/month from month 4. No setup fee, cancel anytime.
Read also
FAQ
What is the 9bot number to add to my group?
Does the bot need to be a group admin?
Is there a free WhatsApp group bot?
How much does 9bot cost?
Can a bot get my number banned?
Can the bot work in several groups at once?
