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Full Messaging Components entry
How-to guide

How to set up Messaging Components in Salesforce

Messaging Components are reusable building blocks for Service Cloud Messaging conversations — buttons, lists, forms, suggested replies. They make agent + customer messaging interactions interactive, not just text. Built once, reused across messaging channels.

By Dipojjal Chakrabarti · Editor, Salesforce DictionaryLast updated Apr 20, 2026

Messaging Components are reusable building blocks for Service Cloud Messaging conversations — buttons, lists, forms, suggested replies. They make agent + customer messaging interactions interactive, not just text. Built once, reused across messaging channels.

  1. Confirm Messaging is licensed and configured

    Setup → Messaging Settings → confirm at least one channel is set up (SMS / WhatsApp / etc.).

  2. Open Setup → Messaging Components

    Setup gear → Quick Find: Messaging Components → Messaging Components.

  3. Click New Component

    Pick a component type: Quick Reply / Choices / Form / etc.

  4. Configure the component

    Quick Reply: pre-canned button labels. Choices: list of selectable options. Form: structured input fields.

  5. Save

    Component is now usable. Reference it from a Bot dialog, Flow, or Apex action that runs in the messaging channel.

  6. Test in a sample conversation

    Use the Bot Builder's Preview or send a test message to confirm the component renders correctly.

Key options
Component Typeremember

Quick Reply / Choices / Form / Carousel / Time Selector.

Channelsremember

Some component types only work in specific channels. WhatsApp: list-message buttons. Apple Business Chat: rich Picker.

Localizationremember

Messaging Components can be localized per language.

Gotchas
  • Component support varies by channel. A component that works in SMS may not render in WhatsApp the same way — test in each channel.
  • WhatsApp has strict template approval. Messaging Components used in WhatsApp may need pre-approval from Meta — coordinate with the WhatsApp Business Account admin.
  • Embedded Service Chat supports rich components that traditional SMS doesn't. Don't assume a component portfolio works in all channels.

See the full Messaging Components entry

Messaging Components includes the definition, worked example, deep dive, related terms, and a quiz.