whatsapp_list_chats

List recent WhatsApp chats with last message preview and profile pictures. Returns chat IDs, names, profile picture URLs, and a preview of the last message. Use the chat ID from results to read messages with whatsapp_read_messages. Args: - limit: Number of chats to return (1-100, default 20) - of...

Server Waha @marcos-heidemann/waha-mcp-server
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What whatsapp_list_chats does on Waha

AI agents call whatsapp_list_chats to retrieve information from Waha without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why whatsapp_list_chats needs a policy

This tool queries and returns existing data (chat history, contact names, profile pictures, message previews) without modifying, deleting, or executing operations. The pagination parameters (limit, offset) confirm it is a simple data retrieval interface.

From the tool's definition Tool retrieves chat metadata and message previews with 'List recent WhatsApp chats' and 'Returns chat IDs, names, profile picture URLs, and a preview of the last message.' No mutation, deletion, or execution of external operations occurs.

Questions about whatsapp_list_chats

What does the whatsapp_list_chats tool do? +

List recent WhatsApp chats with last message preview and profile pictures. Returns chat IDs, names, profile picture URLs, and a preview of the last message. Use the chat ID from results to read messages with whatsapp_read_messages. Args: - limit: Number of chats to return (1-100, default 20) - offset: Pagination offset (default 0) Returns array of chats with: - id: Chat ID (use this in other tools) - name: Contact or group name - picture: Profile picture URL (may expire) - lastMessage: Preview with body, from, fromMe, hasMedia, timestamp - lastMessageAt: ISO timestamp of last message. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Waha MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on whatsapp_list_chats? +

Register the Waha MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for whatsapp_list_chats: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Waha. Nothing to install.

What risk level is whatsapp_list_chats? +

whatsapp_list_chats is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit whatsapp_list_chats? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the whatsapp_list_chats rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block whatsapp_list_chats completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for whatsapp_list_chats. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides whatsapp_list_chats? +

whatsapp_list_chats is provided by the Waha MCP server (@marcos-heidemann/waha-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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