WhatsApp Business API Setup Guide

CoLab
1

WhatsApp Business API Setup Guide

Please follow the steps below to set up your WhatsApp Business account with Meta. Once completed, send us the requested information and we will handle the technical integration.

Step 1: Create a Meta Business Account

If you do not already have a Meta Business Account:

  1. Create a Meta Business Account.

  2. Complete your business information:

    • Business Name
    • Website
    • Business Address
    • Contact Information

Step 2: Complete Business Verification

Meta requires businesses to be verified before using WhatsApp Business API.

  1. Open Business Settings.
  2. Navigate to Security Center.
  3. Start the Business Verification process.
  4. Submit the requested business documents.
  5. Wait for Meta’s approval.

Examples of documents Meta may request:

  • Company Registration Certificate
  • Trade License
  • Tax Registration Documents
  • Proof of Business Address

Please wait until your business is marked as VERIFIED before proceeding.

Step 3: Create a Meta Developer App

  1. Open Meta for Developers.
  2. Create a new App.
  3. Select Business as the App Type.
  4. Add the WhatsApp product to the App.

Once completed, save the following information:

  • App ID
  • App Secret

Step 4: Register Your WhatsApp Number

  1. Open WhatsApp Manager.
  2. Start the WhatsApp onboarding process.
  3. Add the phone number that will be used for sending WhatsApp messages.
  4. Verify the phone number using SMS or Voice OTP.
  5. Complete the onboarding process.

Important:

  • The phone number must be able to receive SMS or Voice verification.
  • The phone number should belong to your business.
  • If the number is already being used on WhatsApp, Meta may require additional migration steps.

Once completed, save the following information:

  • WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID)
  • Phone Number ID

Step 5: Create Message Templates

WhatsApp requires pre-approved templates for sending OTPs, notifications, and promotional messages.

Create the templates you would like to use.

Examples:

OTP Template

Template Name:

otp_verification

Message Example:

Your verification code is {{1}}

Promotional Template

Template Name:

promo_offer

Message Example:

Hello {{1}}, check out our latest offer: {{2}}

Submit all templates for approval and wait until Meta approves them.

Once approved, save:

  • Template Name
  • Language
  • Category

Step 6: Generate a Permanent Access Token

  1. Open Business Settings.

  2. Navigate to Users → System Users.

  3. Create a System User.

  4. Grant access to:

    • WhatsApp Business Account
    • Meta App

  5. Generate an Access Token.

Required permissions:

  • whatsapp_business_messaging
  • whatsapp_business_management
  • business_management

Keep this token secure.

Save:

  • Permanent Access Token

Information Required From You

Once setup is complete, please send us the following information:

Meta App Details

  • App ID
  • App Secret

WhatsApp Details

  • WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID)
  • Phone Number ID

Access Credentials

  • Permanent Access Token

Approved Templates

For each approved template:

  • Template Name
  • Language
  • Category

Example:

Template Name: otp_verification
Language: en
Category: Authentication

Template Name: promo_offer
Language: en
Category: Marketing

Final Checklist

Before sending the information to us, please confirm:

✓ Business Verification Approved

✓ WhatsApp Number Registered

✓ Templates Approved

✓ Permanent Access Token Generated

✓ All Required IDs Collected

Once we receive the above information, we will complete the WhatsApp integration and enable OTP, notification, and promotional messaging for your business.