Add Apple Messages entry points
An entry point gives a customer a way to open your business in Apple's Messages app. Choose the placement to match the request: a product-page button can carry product context, while a support number can offer messaging alongside a call.
Before publishing, complete registration and a test conversation. Use Apple's approved branding and account configuration for public placements.
Create a conversation link
Open your business in Apple Messages > Businesses and copy Apple Business ID. Use that Apple UUID in the link, rather than the Bird record ID.
https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:APPLE_BUSINESS_ID?biz-intent-id=store_visit&biz-group-id=customer_care&body=I%20would%20like%20to%20arrange%20a%20visit| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
APPLE_BUSINESS_ID | Identifies the business that receives the conversation. |
biz-intent-id | Describes the request, such as store_visit or order_support. |
biz-group-id | Carries a grouping value agreed with your service team. |
body | Prefills editable text; the customer still sends the message. |
Use stable intent and group values across placements. URL-encode text and avoid putting secrets, account credentials, or sensitive customer details into the URL. Links can be copied and recorded in browsing history.
These values give the operator context about the request. Agree on who will handle each intent and group, then assign incoming conversations to the appropriate person.
Choose the placement
Website or app button
Place an approved Apple Messages button beside the task it supports, such as getting help with a product. Link it to the business URL and give it a specific, approved action label. Keep another contact route available for customers who cannot use Messages on their device.
Follow Apple's entry-point and button guidance for assets, wording, and placement. Test the button on the actual page, including its mobile layout; a correct URL in a document does not verify your site's button.
Apple Maps and business cards
In Apple Business Register, enable Show Message buttons for iOS and macOS when your account is eligible. Check the correct brand and locations. Apple's native-entry-point configuration governs Maps, business cards, and the phone number activated for Message Suggest.
Find the business on an Apple device and open its message action. Confirm the identity displayed before sending a test request.
Message Suggest
Message Suggest offers messaging when a customer taps a registered business phone number. Apple's Message Suggest instructions provide the submission form and current process.
Prepare the business numbers, contact hours, proposed title and subtitle, translations, intent and body values, call volume, and staffing information. Coordinate the submission with the person managing your Apple account. Test the published, tappable number after Apple has applied the configuration.
QR codes and other links
A QR code can encode the same business URL for a store sign or package. Make the purpose visible beside the code, such as arranging a store visit. Scan the final printed artwork; cropping or a poor print can break an otherwise valid code.
Email, SMS, social profiles, NFC tags, and Wallet passes can also link to the business. The rules and permissions for sending an email or SMS still apply to that separate channel.
Record and verify the entry point
In the business's Channel settings, record the entry point and Save changes. This records your configuration in Bird; it does not install a button on your website or activate Apple's Maps placement.
For each placement, verify that:
- The expected business opens and the prefilled message is understandable.
- A sent customer message reaches the correct Bird business.
- The conversation's intent and group reflect the link you used.
- An operator can reply and the customer has a usable alternative if a native interaction is unavailable.
If a link opens the wrong business, compare its UUID with Apple Business ID. If it opens correctly but nothing appears in Bird, check that the tester sent the message, then follow missing-conversation troubleshooting.