---
title: What are Collect Input (Ask) nodes?
description: "**Collect Input** nodes ask the user for specific data: Name, Phone, Email, Number, Date, Address, Location, or Free Text. Each has a **prompt** message, optional **retry** message, and **Store in variable** (Local, Global, or Data Profile). They validate input and expose **Valid** and **Invalid** ports. You can set optional “Example for…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-are-collect-input-ask-nodes/"
updated: "2026-03-05"
category: WhatsApp Business API / Workflow Builder
---

# What are Collect Input (Ask) nodes?

**Collect Input** nodes ask the user for specific data: Name, Phone, Email, Number, Date, Address, Location, or Free Text. Each has a **prompt** message, optional **retry** message, and **Store in variable** (Local, Global, or Data Profile). They validate input and expose **Valid** and **Invalid** ports. You can set optional “Example for user” (e.g. date format), regex for Free Text, min/max length, and handle **Invalid** (e.g. max retries then fallback). Use them to collect OTP, email, phone, or address before sending a template or branching.

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