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Session Window Rules per Channel (FB Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp)

This article summarizes how message session windows work across WhatsApp, Instagram Direct Messages, and Facebook Messenger, and how Darwin AI currently handles each one.

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Written by Support Team
Updated this week

Key concept: what is a session window

A session window is the period during which we can freely reply to a user after their last incoming message. When the window closes:

  • We can only resume messaging if the user sends a new message, or

  • On channels that allow it, if we send an approved template/message.

How Darwin AI handles it by channel

WhatsApp

  • Session duration: 24 hours from the user’s last message.

  • Renewal: each new user message resets the 24-hour timer.

  • Darwin support: fully supported.

  • Post-session rule: after 24 hours, you can only send using approved templates (HSM).

Instagram Direct Messages

  • Current status in Darwin: restricted to 24 hours.

  • Behavior: after 24 hours, the conversation locks on Darwin’s side; it continues only if the user writes again.

  • Meta window: up to 7 days from the user’s last message (pending implementation in Darwin).

Facebook Messenger

  • Current status in Darwin: restricted to 24 hours (same as Instagram).

  • Behavior: after 24 hours, replies are blocked until the user sends a message.

  • Meta window: up to 7 days from the user’s last message (pending implementation in Darwin).

Comparison table

Channel

Darwin AI Current Behavior

Meta Session Window

After Session Closes

WhatsApp

24 hours (fully supported)

24 hours

Can be reopened with a user message or approved template

Instagram DM

24 hours (current limitation)

7 days

Must wait for user to send a new message

Facebook Messenger

24 hours (current limitation)

7 days

Must wait for user to send a new message

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