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WhatsApp API Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the official process of setting up the Meta WhatsApp Cloud API.

Note: To send bulk messages legally, you need a verified Meta Business Portfolio, a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), and approved templates.

🎥 Video Tutorial

For a complete visual walkthrough, watch this video: Full Video With Clarity

📥 Download Setup Guide (PDF)

Prefer a downloadable guide? Click here to download the PDF Guide

Prerequisites (Checklist)

Before you begin, ensure you have: - [ ] Meta Business Portfolio (Business Manager) - [ ] WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) - [ ] Opt-in Contact List (Customers who agreed to receive messages) - [ ] New Phone Number (Not currently active on any WhatsApp App)

Step 1: Create Meta Business Portfolio (Mandatory)

The Meta Business Portfolio is the owner of your WhatsApp assets.

  1. Go to business.facebook.com.
  2. Click Create Business.
  3. Enter your Business Name, Your Name, and Business Email.
  4. Verify your email via the link sent to your inbox.

🎥 Reference Video: Converting to Business Portfolio

Step 2: Add Facebook Page

Your existing Facebook Page must be linked to your Business Portfolio.

  1. Go to Business Settings → Accounts → Pages.
  2. Click Add.
  3. Select Add a Page.
  4. Choose your existing Facebook Page.
  5. Assign Admin access.

👉 Direct Link to Page Settings

Step 3: Create WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

  1. Go to Business Settings → WhatsApp Accounts.
  2. Click Add → Create a new WhatsApp Business Account.
  3. Enter details:
    • Business Display Name: The name customers will see.
    • Category: Your business industry.
    • Website: Your main business URL or Facebook Page.

👉 Direct Link to WABA Settings

Step 4: Add & Verify Phone Number

  1. Select your new WhatsApp Account.
  2. Click Add Phone Number.
  3. Enter the number you want to use.

    • Important: This number must NOT be currently active on the WhatsApp mobile app. If it is, delete the account on your phone first.

  4. Verify via SMS or Call OTP.

Step 5: Start Business Verification

Verification is mandatory for higher messaging limits.

  1. Go to Security Center → Verification.
  2. Click Start Verification.
  3. Submit documents:
    • Legal Name: GST / Incorporation Certificate.
    • Address: Utility Bill / Bank Statement.
    • Website: Must show the legal business name.
  4. Wait for approval (usually 2–7 business days).

👉 Direct Link to Business Verification

Step 6: Get API Credentials (For WhatzCRM)

Once your account is set up, you need to connect it to WhatzCRM to start messaging.

  1. Go to developers.facebook.com.
  2. My Apps → Create App → Business → WhatsApp.
  3. Connect your Business Portfolio and WhatsApp Account.
  4. You will get three key details:
    • Permanent Access Token
    • Phone Number ID
    • WhatsApp Business Account ID

🎥 Reference Visual Guide (1:52 to 8:10)

Next Steps

Once you have these credentials, go to WhatzCRM Settings > WhatsApp Number and paste them to complete the integration.