Why it matters
Import Data settings help teams bring existing data into Whippy when a manual CSV upload is the right fit. These tools are useful for migration, cleanup, and one-time data loads, while integrations are better for live syncing.
Key Concepts
Import data: The Settings page for manual uploads. It replaces the older Onboarding label in the current Whippy sidebar.
Opted-in contacts: A contact upload used when contacts should be marked as opted in for selected communication channels.
Opted-out contacts: A contact upload used when contacts should be marked as opted out from selected communication channels.
Past conversations: A conversation import used to add historical message context from another system.
Integration: A live connection used when data should keep syncing after the initial setup.
Step-by-Step: Import data manually
Open Settings from the sidebar.
Select Import data.
Choose Opted-in under Contacts when uploading contacts that should be opted into messaging.
Choose Opted-out under Contacts when uploading contacts that should not receive future messaging.
Choose Past conversations under Conversations when uploading historical conversation data.
Upload the CSV file requested by the import flow.
Review the field mapping and validation prompts.
Submit the import and wait for processing to complete.
Use an integration instead when the data needs to sync continuously.
Tips and Best Practices
Clean CSV files before uploading by removing blank rows and duplicate records.
Use clear import names so the source and purpose are easy to recognize later.
Double-check opt-in and opt-out uploads before submitting because they affect future messaging eligibility.
Use integrations for live syncing from another system rather than repeated manual uploads.
Keep a copy of the source CSV until the import has been checked in Whippy.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
The old Onboarding page cannot be found | The current sidebar label is Import data | Open Settings > Import data |
A CSV does not upload | The file is malformed, unsupported, or missing required columns | Export a clean CSV and follow the field mapping prompts again |
Contacts were opted into the wrong channels | The wrong import type or channel selection was used | Review the affected contacts and run the correct opt-in or opt-out import if needed |
Data needs to keep syncing after import | Manual uploads do not create a live sync | Set up the relevant integration instead of relying on repeated CSV uploads |