Install WhatsApp
WhatsApp can be installed from the Channels Marketplace. Once installed, you'll have immediate access to a limited set of messaging features. To gain access full access to WhatsApp's messaging features, you'll need to apply for Business Verification.
What you'll need
WhatsApp has specific criteria that you'll need to meet when installing the channel. Make sure you're familiar with the rules before you start.
An existing personal Facebook account to create or link a Meta Business Manager account. If you are linking an existing Business Account, your personal account must be an admin on the Business Account.
The legal name of your company.
Your WhatsApp Business display name, which will be visible to your customers.
The URL of your business' website
Your business email address. If you don't have one yet, you can create one during the installation process.
The company phone number that you want to send WhatsApp messages with.
If you are using your own number access to that phone number for verification during the sign-up process.
Installation steps
Step one: Choose a phone number
Find out about WhatsApp's number requirements, including accepted number types and prohibited number types.
Click the Channels tab at the top of your screen to view the channels library.
Click WhatsApp, then click WhatsApp.
Under "Step 1":
Under "Step 1": To purchase a new Bird number, click "buy a number".
If you have your own number or are using another provider's number, select "I have my own number".
MessageBird numbers that appear in the dropdown list are pre-verified for use with WhatsApp and you will not need to get an OTP code during installation. These will appear as BSP-provided numbers.
Step two: Connect to Meta and WhatsApp Business Accounts:
Under "Step 2", click Click here to start.
Log in to your Facebook account and follow the instructions.
If you already have a Meta Business Account, select it and then choose the associated WhatsApp Business account.
If not, click on "Create a Business Account" and fill in your business details.
Click Get started.
At the end of the "Connect your account to MessageBird" section, click Continue to share permissions with Messagebird. This allows us to connect your WhatsApp account to MessageBird.
Step three: Setup your WhatsApp Business Profile:
If you already have a WhatsApp Business Profile
Select the WhatsApp Business Profile.
Click Continue.
If you don't have a WhatsApp Business Profile
Select Create new WhatsApp Business Account.
Choose your Time zone from the drop-down.
Click Continue.
Add a display name, category, and description
In the WhatsApp Business Display Name field, type your business's name, then click Continue.
From the Category drop-down, select your business category.
In the Business description field, type a description for your business, then click Continue.
All of the information that you enter in this section will be visible to your customers when they contact you on WhatsApp.
Step four: Select or Verify your WhatsApp Business Number
BSP provided number
If you are using a number that you purchased from MessageBird this should appear under "BSP-provided numbers'. These numbers have already been verified for use on WhatsApp and do not require additional verification. Select the number you wish to install from the list and click Next to complete the installation.
Existing number
If you already have a number associated with your WhatsApp Business Profile, select it here. otherwise, you'll need to register a new number on WhatsApp.
Once your number is set up for WhatsApp Business API, it cannot be disconnected. If you switch from the WhatsApp Business App to the API using the same number, you cannot switch back to the app with the same number. You will need to connect a new clean number.
Verify your own business number
If you are using a number registered with another provider you will need to register and verify this for use on WhatsApp. Ensure that this number is set up to receive OTP codes either via SMS or Voice.
Register a new number
Select Register a new number on WhatsApp.
From the county code drop-down, select the number's country code.
In the number field, type the number that you want to connect to WhatsApp.
Click Continue.
Verify the phone number
Now that you've registered your phone number, WhatsApp will verify it by sending either a text message or placing a voice call. In the call or the message, you will receive a six-digit verification code.
Enter the six-digit verification code.
Select if you received the message via text message or via voice call.
Click Verify.
Now that your number has been verified, you can start to use WhatsApp to send and receive messages and communicate with your customers!
What should I do next?
Until your business is verified, you'll only be able to use WhatsApp on a limited basis. Apply for business verification now to get full access to WhatsApp's capabilities.
Apply for Business Verification
Create a WhatsApp Message Template
Respond to inbound WhatsApp messages in Inbox
Installation criteria and rules
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