Summary
Before you can start using Wati, you'll need to meet a few setup requirements. This guide explains the prerequisites for creating a Wati account, how to complete the signup process, what to expect during account activation, and how Facebook Business verification affects your WhatsApp Business API messaging limits.
Instructions
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following before creating your Wati account.
1. A WhatsApp Phone Number
The phone number you plan to connect to Wati must not already be registered with WhatsApp.
If the number is currently linked to a WhatsApp account, you'll need to delete the existing WhatsApp account before you can use the number with Wati.
2. A Business Display Name
Choose a business display name that clearly represents your business. Your display name should have a clear connection to your business or brand.
3. A Facebook Business Manager Account
You need a Facebook Business Manager account and a Meta Business Portfolio to connect your business with Wati and complete the onboarding process.
If you don't already have one, create a Facebook Business Manager account before continuing.
What is a Meta Business Portfolio?
A Meta Business Portfolio is the central place where you manage your business assets on Meta.
Key features include:
A unique Business Manager ID (BM ID) for your business.
Centralized management of your business assets.
Support for connecting WhatsApp phone numbers to the WhatsApp Business API.
Watch our video for an overview of Meta Business Portfolio:
4. A Business Website
Meta requires businesses to have an active, publicly accessible website.
Your website should:
Clearly display your business name.
Describe the products or services your business offers.
Include your business contact details.
Include your business address.
If you don't have a website, you can create a simple one-page website using a website builder and host it on any supported platform.
Note: You can begin using Wati with a Facebook Page or an Instagram Business profile. However, you will need a live and publicly accessible website to complete Facebook Business verification after onboarding.
Sign up for Wati
Once you've met the prerequisites, follow these steps to create your account.
Visit Wati's pricing page and purchase a Wati plan that meets your business needs.
Complete the checkout and payment process.
Check your email for your Wati login credentials.
Sign in using the credentials you received.
Complete the initial account configuration.
What's next: Meta Business Verification
After you've completed the setup process, your Wati account will be activated.
If your Facebook Business is verified, your account will receive full access after Meta completes its verification process, which typically takes about one week.
What happens if your business is not verified by Meta?
You can still use Wati and the WhatsApp Business API even if your Facebook Business is not verified.
However, your account will have messaging limitations. Specifically:
You can send business-initiated messages to up to 250 contacts every 24 hours.
Conclusion
Meeting the required prerequisites before signing up helps ensure a smoother onboarding experience with Wati. While Meta Business verification is not required to get started, it is highly recommended. You can still use the WhatsApp Business API through Wati without verification, but your account will be subject to certain messaging limits until your Meta Business is verified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Prerequisites
1. What do I need before creating a Wati account?
Before creating a Wati account, you should have:
A WhatsApp phone number that is not already registered with WhatsApp.
A business display name that clearly represents your business or brand.
A Facebook Business Manager account.
A publicly accessible business website that displays your business name, products or services, contact details, and business address.
2. Can I use a phone number that is already registered with WhatsApp?
No. The phone number you connect to Wati must not already be registered with WhatsApp. If the number is currently linked to a WhatsApp account, you must delete the existing WhatsApp account before using it with Wati.
3. Is a business website required to use Wati?
Yes. Meta requires businesses to have an active, publicly accessible website. The website should display your business name, describe your products or services, and include your business contact details and address. You can start using Wati with a Facebook Page or an Instagram Business profile, but a live website is required to complete Meta Business verification after onboarding.
Account Setup
4. What happens after I complete the Wati account setup?
After you complete the setup process, your Wati account is activated. If your Meta Business is verified, your account will receive full access after Meta completes the verification process, which typically takes about one week.
Meta Business Verification
5. Is Meta Business verification required to use Wati?
No. Meta Business verification is not required to get started with Wati. You can still use Wati and the WhatsApp Business API without verification, but your account will be subject to messaging limits until your Meta Business is verified.
6. What are the messaging limits if my Meta Business is not verified?
If your Meta Business is not verified, you can send business-initiated messages to up to 250 contacts every 24 hours.