### Set the session timeouts with the API
[Edit Assistant](/api-reference/endpoint/assistant/edit-assistant) with `operation: "edit_chat_settings"`. Send both fields; one you leave out resets to its default.
| Field | Default | Allowed |
| - | - | - |
| `idle_timeout_minutes` | 180 | 5 to 1440 |
| `max_duration_minutes` | 1440 | 60 to 10080, at least `idle_timeout_minutes` |
```bash theme={null}
curl --request PATCH "https://prod-api.ringg.ai/ca/api/v0/agent/v1" \
--header "X-API-KEY: $RINGG_API_KEY" \
--header "Content-Type: application/json" \
--data '{
"operation": "edit_chat_settings",
"agent_id": "your-agent-id",
"chat_settings": {
"whatsapp_session": { "idle_timeout_minutes": 1440, "max_duration_minutes": 4320 }
}
}'
```
### End the chat
**End Chat** closes the chat straight away, so post-call tools and analysis run without waiting for the idle timeout. Mention it in the prompt as `@||end_chat||` where the conversation should end. Use it instead of `@||end_call||`: **End Call** and the other call tools don't run during a chat.
## Write a prompt for WhatsApp
* Keep replies short, one to three small paragraphs. WhatsApp folds long messages behind "Read more".
* Use WhatsApp formatting only: `*bold*`, `_italic_`, `~strike~`, and lines starting with `- ` or `1. ` for lists.
* Skip Markdown headings, tables and `[label](url)` links. Send the bare URL; WhatsApp makes it clickable.
* Don't mention calls, audio, holding or keypad input. The customer is typing.
* Mention every on-call tool and template with `@` where it should be used, and `@||end_chat||` where the chat ends.
```text theme={null}
You are Neha, a WhatsApp assistant for Acme Insurance. You help customers renew
their health policy.
- Greet the customer by name if {{name}} is available, and ask how you can help.
- Answer plan questions from the knowledge base. Keep each reply under 80 words.
- When the customer is ready to renew, send the renewal link with
@||send_renewal_reminder|| and tell them it has been sent.
- Use *bold* for plan names and prices. Never use headings or tables.
- When the customer says they're done, thank them and end the chat with
@||end_chat||.
```
## Send a template during a chat
A WhatsApp agent can send an approved template mid-chat: a brochure, a payment link, a quick-reply menu. Use **WhatsApp Templates** for this. The **Send WhatsApp Template** integration tool can't send templates in a chat; it is for voice agents and post-call sends.
