WhatsApp Business API Setup

This guide walks you through connecting your WhatsApp Business API account to Waflow. The process uses Facebook's OAuth flow and typically takes 15-30 minutes for new accounts.

Understanding WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API is different from the WhatsApp Business App you might use on your phone:

Waflow acts as a Business Solution Provider (BSP), managing the API infrastructure so you can focus on messaging.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

1. Facebook Business Account

A Meta Business Account (formerly Facebook Business Manager) is required. If you don't have one:

1. Go to business.facebook.com
2. Click Create Account
3. Enter your business name and your details
4. Verify your email address

2. Business Verification (Recommended)

While not required to start, business verification unlocks higher messaging limits:

To verify your business:

1. Go to Meta Business Suite > Settings > Security Center
2. Click Start Verification
3. Submit required documents (business license, utility bill, etc.)
4. Wait for review (typically 2-7 business days)

3. Dedicated Phone Number

You need a phone number that:

• Can receive SMS or voice calls (for verification)
• Is NOT currently registered with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App
• Will be dedicated to your business WhatsApp

Warning: If the phone number is already registered with WhatsApp, you must delete that account first. The number cannot be used on personal WhatsApp after connecting to the API.

4. Business Information

Have these details ready:

• Business display name (customers will see this)
• Business description
• Business category
• Business address
• Business website (recommended)
• Profile picture (recommended, 640x640 pixels)

Step-by-Step Connection

Step 1: Start the Connection in Waflow

1. Log in to your Waflow account at app.waflow.com
2. Navigate to Settings > Channels
3. Click Connect WhatsApp
4. Click the Login with Facebook button

This opens the Facebook OAuth flow in a new window.

Step 2: Authenticate with Facebook

1. Log in to your Facebook account (use an admin account)
2. Review the permissions Waflow is requesting:
   • whatsapp_business_management - Manage your WhatsApp Business Account
   • whatsapp_business_messaging - Send and receive messages
3. Click Continue

Step 3: Select or Create WhatsApp Business Account

You'll see options based on your existing setup:

If you have an existing WhatsApp Business Account:

1. Select your existing account from the list
2. Choose the phone number to connect
3. Click Continue

If you need to create a new account:

1. Click Create new WhatsApp Business Account
2. Enter your business details:
   • Business name
   • Business category
   • Business description
3. Click Create

Step 4: Add a Phone Number

If you're adding a new phone number:

1. Click Add Phone Number
2. Enter your phone number with country code
3. Choose verification method:
   • SMS - Receive a text message
   • Voice Call - Receive an automated call
4. Enter the 6-digit verification code
5. Click Verify

Tip: If you're not receiving the verification code, try the voice call option or check that the number isn't registered with another WhatsApp account.

Step 5: Complete Business Profile

Fill in your WhatsApp Business Profile:

1. Fill in the required fields
2. Upload a profile picture (square image, at least 640x640)
3. Click Save

Step 6: Confirm Connection

1. Review the summary screen showing:
   • Connected WhatsApp Business Account
   • Phone number
   • Business profile details
2. Click Confirm
3. You'll be redirected back to Waflow

The connection status should now show Connected with a green indicator.

Verification and Display Name

Display Name Approval

Your display name must be approved by WhatsApp/Meta. Requirements:

• Must be related to your business
• Cannot include words like "WhatsApp," "Meta," or "Facebook"
• Cannot be generic (e.g., "Store," "Business")
• Should match your business name in documents

If rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. Common issues:

• Name doesn't match business documents
• Name is too generic or misleading
• Name violates WhatsApp policies

Business Verification

For higher messaging limits, complete business verification:

1. Go to Meta Business Suite > Settings > Security Center
2. Start the verification process
3. Submit required documents:
   • Business license or registration
   • Utility bill or bank statement (for address)
   • Tax ID or incorporation documents

Verification typically takes 2-7 business days.

Messaging Limits

WhatsApp enforces daily limits on business-initiated conversations:

Your tier increases automatically based on:

• Message volume over time
• Phone number quality rating
• Business verification status

Note: A "conversation" is a 24-hour messaging window with a single contact. Multiple messages within 24 hours count as one conversation.

Quality Rating

WhatsApp monitors your messaging quality:

Factors affecting quality:

• Spam reports from recipients
• Block rate
• Template rejection rate
• User feedback

To maintain high quality:

• Only message opted-in contacts
• Include clear opt-out instructions
• Send relevant, valuable content
• Respect quiet hours
• Personalize your messages

Troubleshooting

OAuth Login Failed

• Clear browser cookies and try again
• Use a different browser
• Ensure pop-ups are allowed
• Check that you're using an admin account

Phone Number Already Registered

If your number is already on WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp on the registered device
2. Go to Settings > Account > Delete My Account
3. Delete the account
4. Wait 5-10 minutes
5. Try connecting again in Waflow

Warning: Deleting the WhatsApp account removes all chat history permanently.

Verification Code Not Received

• Wait 60 seconds before requesting again
• Try voice call instead of SMS
• Check that the number can receive messages
• Verify the country code is correct
• Check for carrier blocks on automated messages

Display Name Rejected

• Review Meta's display name guidelines
• Use your legal business name
• Remove any restricted words
• Ensure the name matches your business documents
• Appeal if you believe the rejection is incorrect

Connection Shows "Disconnected"

• Check your Meta Business Account status
• Ensure your Facebook admin account still has access
• Re-authenticate by clicking "Reconnect"
• Contact Waflow support if issues persist

Managing Multiple Numbers

You can connect multiple WhatsApp numbers to Waflow:

1. Each number requires its own WhatsApp Business Account (or can share one)
2. Numbers can be assigned to different workspaces
3. Each number has independent messaging limits

To add another number:

1. Go to Settings > Channels
2. Click Add Phone Number
3. Follow the same connection process

Migrating from Another Provider

If you're moving from another WhatsApp BSP:

1. Contact your current provider to initiate migration
2. Prepare your new number or keep using the same one
3. Export your templates (you may need to recreate them)
4. Export contacts from the old system
5. Complete the connection in Waflow

Note: Phone number migration between BSPs requires coordination. Contact [email protected] for assistance.

Security Best Practices

• Use a dedicated Meta Business Account for WhatsApp
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Facebook account
• Limit admin access to trusted team members
• Regularly review connected apps and permissions
• Monitor your messaging activity for unusual patterns

Next Steps

Now that WhatsApp is connected:

1. Import your contacts
2. Create message templates
3. Send your first campaign

Getting Help

If you encounter issues during setup:

• Email: [email protected]
• Include your Meta Business Account ID
• Describe the step where you're stuck
• Attach any error messages or screenshots