WhatsApp Business API Setup and App Configuration
By : umoh 25 January 2025 9:50 amSetting up WhatsApp Business API for your business is a powerful way to integrate customer communication directly into your system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of registering your business, creating a WhatsApp app, and configuring all necessary settings for a successful WhatsApp Business API integration. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Register Your Business on Meta
To begin, ensure that you register your business with accurate and complete information as it appears in your official business documents.
Register Your Business
Navigate to the Business Information page in Meta Business Manager. Enter all your business details precisely as they appear on your business registration documents (e.g., business name, address, phone number).
Verify Your Business
Once your details are entered, click on the “Verification Status” link. This will direct you to the verification page where you can start the verification process by uploading the required documents. These documents should match the business details you provided earlier for a seamless verification.
Step 2: Create a WhatsApp App
Once your business is registered and verified, it’s time to create your WhatsApp Business app on the Facebook for Developers platform.
Log in to Facebook for Developers
Go to the Facebook for Developers website and log in with your Facebook account. If you don't already have a developer account, simply create one by following the instructions provided.
Create a New App
After logging in, select My Apps from the top-right corner of the page, then click on Create App. In the app creation form, fill in the following details:
- App Name: Enter the name of your WhatsApp app.
- Use Cases: Choose Other (for WhatsApp and more).
- App Type: Select Business.
- App Contact Email: Provide your contact email address.
- Business Portfolio: Select the business you created and verified in Step 1.
Once done, click Create App.
Step 3: Add WhatsApp to Your App
After the app has been created, you’ll be redirected to the app’s dashboard. Follow these steps:
Add WhatsApp Product
Under the Add Products to Your App section, find WhatsApp and click on Set Up.
Step 4: Configure WhatsApp Settings
Now that WhatsApp is added to your app, it’s time to configure the settings.
Link Your Business Account
Follow the prompts to connect your Meta Business Account to the app. If you don’t already have a WhatsApp Business Account, you’ll be prompted to create one during this process.
Add a Phone Number
Register a phone number for your WhatsApp Business API. Make sure this number meets the following criteria:
- It can receive SMS or calls for verification.
- It is not linked to any existing WhatsApp account.
Set Up Webhooks (Optional but Recommended)
Configure webhooks to receive notifications like incoming messages or delivery statuses. For detailed instructions, refer to the Webhook Setup Guide from Meta.
Step 5: Basic & Advanced App Settings
Now, let’s configure both the basic and advanced settings for your WhatsApp app to ensure it’s fully functional.
Basic App Settings
In the App Dashboard, navigate to Settings → Basic and fill in the following fields:
- Display Name: Your WhatsApp app name.
- App Icon: Upload a logo for your app.
- App Domains: Add the domain(s) associated with your business.
- Privacy Policy URL: Provide a link to your business's privacy policy.
- Terms of Service URL: Provide a link to your business’s terms of service.
- Category: Select the appropriate category for your app.
- Business Use: Select Support my business.
Once filled, click Save to save your changes.
Advanced App Settings
Next, go to Settings → Advanced and configure the following:
- App Restriction: Set who can use your app (e.g., Public or Specific Business).
- Data Deletion Request URL: Provide a URL where users can request their data be deleted.
- Domain Verification: If necessary, verify your domain for additional security.
- API Version: Ensure you are using the latest WhatsApp Business API version.
Step 6: Move to Production
Now that you’ve configured the app, let’s move it to production mode.
Verify Your Business
Complete the Meta Business Verification process (this is mandatory for production use). Ensure that your business is fully verified before proceeding.
Apply for Production Access
In WhatsApp Manager, apply for approval to send messages to real users. You can find this option under WhatsApp Manager.
Set Up Long-Lived Tokens
Generate a long-lived access token to replace the temporary one for live operations. This is crucial for keeping your app active and ensuring that messages are sent seamlessly.
Step 7: Manage and Monitor Your App
Now that your WhatsApp Business API is live, it’s important to manage and monitor it regularly.
WhatsApp Manager
Use WhatsApp Manager to:
- Monitor message delivery and analytics.
- Submit message templates for outbound communication.
- Track your account’s messaging tier.
Message Templates
Create and submit message templates for approval in WhatsApp Manager. Ensure that the templates you create comply with the Message Template Guidelines.
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