ChatGPT MCP connector for WhatsApp and Instagram DMs.
ChatGPT can reach InstantReply through the remote MCP connector at api.instantreply.co/mcp, or through a Custom GPT with REST Actions. The connector signs in with OAuth. Free is read-only.
Custom GPT → Configure → Actions → Add schema manually
https://api.instantreply.co/mcp
# Add it as a custom connector in ChatGPT (developer mode), then sign in to InstantReply.No key needed to start. Ask ChatGPT to connect InstantReply and approve the code in your browser.
Set up ChatGPT
Install the InstantReply server in ChatGPT
Config paths for ChatGPT come from OpenAI's public docs and can change between releases. If a step does not match your version, check the ChatGPT MCP docs.
- 01
Pick the path
Use the remote connector when you want the full MCP tool set. Use a Custom GPT with Actions when you want a small, fixed set of REST calls for a team.
- 02
Add the connector or the Action
For the connector, add the URL as a custom connector and sign in to InstantReply. For Actions, paste the route schema you need from the API catalog and set the Authorization header to a Bearer key. OpenAI renames these menus often, so follow its current connector docs.
- 03
Approve and test
The connector shows an InstantReply consent screen listing who is asking. Approve it, then ask: list my active conversations.
Config options
Remote connector URL
https://api.instantreply.co/mcp
# Add it as a custom connector in ChatGPT (developer mode), then sign in to InstantReply.Custom GPT Actions
Production OpenAPI import is not exposed publicly.
Use https://www.instantreply.co/api-docs to copy the route schema you need.
# Auth: API Key
# Auth Type: Custom
# Custom Header Name: Authorization
# Value: Bearer ir_live_YOUR_KEY_HEREWhat is specific to ChatGPT
- The remote endpoint is stateless Streamable HTTP and needs a Bearer token on every call. It does not use cookies.
- Connector sign-in uses OAuth with PKCE (S256). The key it issues expires after 90 days, so reconnect to renew.
- Connector keys cannot approve Barq's proposed actions. They can list pending approvals, but the approval has to be decided in the dashboard.
- The production API does not serve a public OpenAPI file, which is why Actions use route schemas copied from the API catalog.
What you can ask
Three workflows in ChatGPT
- 01
Ask who messaged today
Once the connector is on, ask for today's active conversations across your channels. ChatGPT lists them with the last message, and you can open any thread for the full history.
list_conversationsget_conversation - 02
Propose a change, approve it yourself
Ask Barq to propose a knowledge entry or a follow-up rule. It lands as a pending approval. You review it in the dashboard, because connector keys cannot decide approvals.
propose_knowledge_entrypropose_follow_up_rulelist_pending_approvals - 03
Give a team a small Custom GPT
Build a Custom GPT with only the read routes your team needs, and a key scoped to match. It cannot send or change anything the key does not allow.
list_contactsget_analytics_summary
What the server exposes
60 tools and 11 prompts, gated by plan
Free workspaces get read-only access. Creator does not include MCP. The MCP plans (MCP Starter, MCP Growth and MCP Pro) are built for bringing your own agent and model: they include the MCP tools but no InstantReply-hosted AI replies. Starter, Growth, Pro, and the three Developer plans include the full tool set. WhatsApp automation needs Growth or Pro, or the 7-day Pro trial that every new workspace starts with. See pricing for the plan table.
- Conversations and messages (7)
list_conversationsget_conversationlist_messagessend_messagereact_to_messageassign_conversationclose_conversation- Contacts (3)
list_contactsget_contactupdate_contact- Channels and per-channel AI (13)
list_channelslist_channel_groupsconnect_channelcreate_channel_groupupdate_channel_groupassign_channel_grouplist_channel_group_knowledgeadd_channel_group_knowledgedelete_channel_group_knowledgelist_channel_ai_providersset_channel_ai_providerdelete_channel_ai_providerset_channel_ai_replies- Comments and keyword automations (11)
list_keyword_automationscreate_keyword_automationupdate_keyword_automationdelete_keyword_automationlist_commentsget_commentreply_to_commentset_channel_comment_ai_repliesset_comment_ai_repliesget_comment_automation_settingsset_comment_keyword_rules- WhatsApp templates and journeys (13)
list_templatesget_templatevalidate_template_draftvalidate_templatesubmit_templatesubmit_stored_templatedelete_templatesend_whatsapp_templatetrigger_journeyvalidate_journey_triggercheck_journey_statuslist_journey_historytrigger_journey_batch- Analytics, limits, and diagnostics (7)
get_analytics_summaryget_usageget_developer_capabilitiesget_developer_onboardingget_developer_limitsrecommend_planexplain_delivery_failure- Barq and approvals (5)
ask_barqpropose_knowledge_entrypropose_follow_up_rulelist_pending_approvalsdecide_approval
Last verified: October 2, 2026, against the MCP server source and the plan table.
ChatGPT MCP questions
Should I use the connector or a Custom GPT with Actions?
Use the connector for the full tool set and OAuth sign-in. Use Actions when you want a narrow set of REST calls and a key you scope yourself. Both go through the same API, so plan limits and key scopes apply either way.
Why can't ChatGPT approve Barq's actions?
Keys issued through the connector sign-in leave out the approvals:write scope. A prompt-injected page cannot approve its own proposal that way. Decide approvals in the InstantReply dashboard.
How long does the connector sign-in last?
The key it issues expires after 90 days. Reconnect the connector to get a new one. You can revoke it earlier from the API keys page in your dashboard settings.
Can ChatGPT send messages?
Only if the workspace is on a plan with write access. Free keys are read-only. Starter, Growth, Pro, and the Developer plans include write tools. ChatGPT asks before it acts, and WhatsApp free-form sends still need an open 24-hour window.
More: MCP overview, developer quickstart, API reference, MCP inbox guide, WhatsApp API Python tutorial.
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Give ChatGPT an inbox to work with.
Connect Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, then let ChatGPT read threads and draft replies while you work. Writes need a paid plan.