WhatsApp Business API Setup: Prerequisite Checklist and Quick Guide to Get Started
Setting up WhatsApp API is simple: business details, Facebook business, phone number, etc. Use a solution provider like Chakra to seamlessly register for a business API account
Introduction:
WhatsApp has become a crucial channel for businesses to engage with customers instantly in a reliable and highly personalized manner, with over 2.7 Bn+ users globally using the channel for app personal communications. The WhatsApp Business Platform API is designed for businesses of all sizes to engage with their contacts directly. Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the API allows seamless integration with CRM systems, chatbots, and automation tools to enhance customer support, marketing, and transactional messaging.
WhatsApp Business Platform has enrolled solution providers through which businesses can register their business API. While this process can appear technical and time-consuming for small businesses without an IT team, the right approach can make it hassle-free. Solution providers can further facilitate a clean and simple registration journey so any business can effortlessly register a business API account.
Setting up a WhatsApp Business Platform API account requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you need and steps to ensure a smooth registration process. It is important to have all your relevant documents and business details handy for hassle-free registration.
List of Prerequisite Checklists:
- A WhatsApp Solution Provider
The first step to registering the WhatsApp Business API is selecting an official WhatsApp Solution Provider (unless you are directly integrating with WhatsApp API). They are authorized partners that facilitate your access to WhatsApp’s API, handling the account setup, hosting, compliance, and technical support.
Why is it important to get the Right Solution Provider?
A solution provider simplifies the API onboarding process in a single flow and provides core features for managing business use cases.
Hassle-Free Registration – They manage an embedded registration with Facebook to help your business setup the business API account.
Hosting & Maintenance – Cloud-based solutions ensure reliability and security.
Messaging & Workflows – Access to templates, Chat Inbox, chatbots, and CRM integrations.
Compliance & Support – Ensure adherence to WhatsApp’s policies and also guide any issues in your account
At Chakra WhatsApp, we make it simple for businesses to set up the WhatsApp API, skipping complex integrations. Chakra offers features like Shared Inbox, Chatbots, AI-based Engagement, Broadcast Messaging, and continuous support. It helps businesses use WhatsApp as an engagement channel for all their business use cases.
2. Facebook Business Manager Account
Businesses should have a Facebook Business Manager (FBM) account to set up the WhatsApp Business API. FBM is central to managing business assets, all requisite permissions, and verifications across Meta’s platforms, including WhatsApp.
Why is a Facebook Business Manager a must for WhatsApp API setup?
Business Verification – WhatsApp mandates businesses to be verified through FBM to prevent misuse.
Phone Number Approval – A phone number is approved via FBM before connecting it to WhatsApp API.
Account & Messaging Management – FBM allows businesses to monitor quality ratings, and messaging limits and manage business account issues.
Multi-User Access – Admins can assign role-based access to other team members for smooth operations.
If you don’t have an FBM, you can create a Facebook Business Manager Account using this guide.
3. Facebook Business Manager Verification:
Business verification on Facebook Business Manager (FBM) is required to access all features of the WhatsApp Business Platform. This policy is in place to ensure that only legitimate businesses use the platform and to prevent unauthorized access. A business can begin the setup process without verification, but it will have limited access to WhatsApp API features compared to a verified account. Limitations may include restricted messaging types or message rate caps. Additionally, certain advanced features such as automation workflows, chatbots, and other integrations are limited to verified FBMs.
Documents required for business verification:
- Legal Name
- Business Address
- Proof of Business Existence ( Trade license, Tax ID, COI)
- Proof of Business Operations
- Website, Privacy policy, other government issues IDs
How to Verify Your Facebook Business?
- Go to Facebook Business Manager (business.facebook.com).
- Submit all legal business documents (e.g., registration certificate, tax ID).
- Verify Business Domain or Contact Details via email, phone, or DNS settings.
- Facebook takes a few days to approve the verification request
4. Phone Number
An exclusive phone number is essential for setting up the WhatsApp Business API. This number will act as your business’s official WhatsApp contact and must meet certain criteria to set up the business API account.
Phone Number Guidelines for WhatsApp API setup:
Not Linked to an Existing WhatsApp Account: The number should not be linked to any WhatsApp personal, business, or existing API account. If already associated, delete the WhatsApp account from the app or unlink it.
Mobile or a Landline Number: The number should support Call or text verification during setup.
Access to the Number: The business or owner must have access to the number to receive OTPs by text or call for verification.
One Number per Business API Account: A single phone number is linked to one WhatsApp Business API account, although businesses can set up multiple API accounts in your Facebook Business Manager.
5. Payment Details [Not Mandatory]
A payment method is generally required for businesses to operate your WhatsApp Business API account. However, this requirement may differ based on your solution provider. Some providers offer a free or a limited period trial and are required to add the payment details after completion of the trial period.
So, what do businesses pay for?
- WhatsApp charges for every business-initiated conversation as per their rate card
- Solution providers charge a platform fee to the business
- Scaling the messaging limit beyond the fixed quote
Some solution providers (e.g., Chakra WhatsApp) detach the platform fee (fixed fee billed by Charka) and WhatsApp conversation charges ( billed directly to the business). Add the payment details for the solution provider platform fee and WhatsApp messaging charges separately.
6. Business Website [Not Mandatory]
A working website for your business is recommended, although not mandatory while setting up a WhatsApp Business API account. A business with a functional website adds credibility and helps to streamline the business verification process. This ensures a smooth experience for businesses registering for business accounts.
Business Legitimacy. A website acts as proof of your business's existence and operations.
Privacy Policy: WhatsApp mandates businesses to have a privacy policy that outlines how they collect, use, and manage customer data. Adding this policy on the website helps during verification.
Opt-In and Opt-Out Compliance: WhatsApp mandates that business API accounts have a robust opt-in and opt-out policy. Businesses must highlight this workflow on their websites, which helps them seamlessly manage outbound messaging flows.
Brand Credibility: A professional-looking website enhances your business’ credibility and trustworthiness, boosting your chances of approval during the setup process.
Steps to Register for WhatsApp API:
The flow to register may vary across different solution providers. Here’s a quick step-wise guide to register on Chakra WhatsApp (a WhatsApp solution provider)
- Register to create an account on Chakra
- Subscribe to a relevant plan (platform fee)
- Navigate to the WhatsApp API setup
- Login with the Facebook Business Manager to enable the embedded signup
- Provide all the necessary permissions (Chakra can add or link phone numbers, create message templates, send and receive messages, assign users to your account, and access your metrics)
- Connect your account with Charka - a signup page pops up
- Embedded signup flow
- Fill in the business information (Business Portfolio, Name, Website, Country)
- Create or select the WhatsApp Business Account and a corresponding profile
- Create a Business Profile (WABA, display name, business category)
- Add a Phone number
- Verify the phone number
- Add Payment method and business information
The setup is complete. You can now configure your use case to customize your solution by engaging with the Charka WhatsApp team.
Common issues and resolution during the business API registration process:
Multiple API registration requests: If you attempt to register WhatsApp API from different solution providers simultaneously, WhatsApp may reject your request. Select a solution provider and apply from a single provider only.
Invalid Phone Number: If the phone number is linked to an existing account, delete the app or unlink the number from a current API account.
Non-compliant Business Category: WhatsApp restricts certain categories of businesses from using WhatsApp Business Platform. Please check the list of prohibited categories and ensure your Business doesn’t fall into this list.
No digital presence for the brand: Brands with low-to-no digital presence fail the online credibility verification. Maintain a significant digital presence for business legitimacy.
Use of individual and Profile: WhatsApp mandates the WhatsApp Business API solution is strictly for businesses, not individuals. Ensure your business is registered before applying.
Conclusion:
WhatsApp Business API is a refreshing change for businesses of all sizes looking to boost their customer engagement. The setup process may seem complex, but partnering with a trusted WhatsApp Solution Provider (e.g., Bird, Twilio, Chakra, etc) makes it simple—even without technical know-how. This is especially helpful for small and medium businesses with limited resources
To ensure a hassle-free setup, businesses should keep essential details ready: a Facebook Business Manager account, a dedicated phone number, and other business details. The WhatsApp Business API enables instant customer interactions and offers powerful tools like shared chat inboxes, chatbots, and message broadcasts to scale operations while maintaining personalized communication.
By following a step-by-step setup guide and adhering to WhatsApp’s policies, businesses can seamlessly register for a WhatsApp Business API account and operate it without interruptions.