Send a prepared file from Automation

Use Send prepared file to send the file returned by a successful earlier Google Drive import in the same Automation run. This step does not accept an arbitrary URL or replace the Developer API's media message format.

Prepare the connection and conversation

• Connect Google Drive and select the permitted file.
• Choose a connected WhatsApp number available to the flow.
• Identify a workspace customer with an active conversation and an open 24-hour reply window.
• Confirm that contact restrictions and conversation ownership permit the send.

An imported file is not permission to message the customer. Current sender, ownership and messaging eligibility checks still apply.

Import and send

1. Add Use connected app and choose the Google Drive file-import action offered by the catalog.
2. Choose the connected account, selected file and WhatsApp number that will use the prepared file.
3. Connect the successful import outcome to Send prepared file.
4. Select the same WhatsApp number in the send step.
5. Map Customer to the workspace contact identifier from an appropriate trigger, variable, prior result or loop item.
6. Map Prepared file to the successful earlier import's file result. Keep the import earlier on every path that reaches the send.
7. Add a caption if appropriate. Audio files do not support captions.
8. Connect the offered outcomes, validate and test with a permitted customer conversation.

Select the earlier import step’s Prepared file result directly. Do not paste a file ID into a text field. The result carries the import information and WhatsApp number access that the send step needs.

Check the actual result

The queued outcome confirms that the send was accepted for processing. Open Inbox to check sending and delivery state. Do not report the file as delivered solely because the Automation step completed.

If the service window has closed, the customer is restricted, ownership has changed or the number differs from the import, correct the underlying condition. Do not repeatedly retry or switch numbers to evade a restriction. For an uncertain result, inspect the conversation before creating another send.

Next: Monitor Automation runs.