Summary
Setting up your WATI (WhatsApp Team Inbox) account requires a few key prerequisites. This guide walks you through what you need before signing up, how to complete your setup, and what happens if your Facebook Business is not verified. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
Instructions
Prerequisites
Before you can create a WATI account, make sure you have the following:
1. WhatsApp Phone Number
The phone number you intend to use should not have an existing WhatsApp account.
If your number is already linked to a WhatsApp account, you will need to delete it before proceeding.
2. Business Display Name
Your business display name should have a clear connection to your business.
3. Facebook Business Manager ID
You need a Facebook Business Manager account to integrate with WATI.
If you do not have one, Create a Facebook Business Manager account.
To verify your Facebook Business: Follow these steps.
If the Start Verification button is greyed out: Click here to learn about troubleshooting.
4. Business Website
Meta requires businesses to have an active, publicly accessible website.
The website should clearly display your business name and the products/services offered.
You can use a free website builder to create a basic one-page website and host it anywhere.
The website must include your business contact details and address for Facebook verification after onboarding.
Note: You can get started with Wati with a Facebook Page link or an Instagram business profile. However, a live and working website is required to get your Facebook business verification completed after onboarding.
Signing Up for WATI
Once you have all the prerequisites ready, follow these steps:
Purchase a Plan: Visit the WATI pricing page and select a suitable plan.
Complete Payment: Follow the checkout process to complete your payment.
Receive Login Credentials: After payment, you will receive login credentials via email.
Set Up Your Account: Use the credentials to log in and configure your WATI account.
Account Activation Timeline
Once you complete the setup, your WATI account will be activated.
If your Facebook Business is verified, your account will have full access within approximately a week, based on Facebook’s verification process.
What If Your Facebook Business Is Not Verified?
Even if your Facebook Business is not verified, you can still use WATI and access the WhatsApp Business API, but with certain limitations:
You can send business-initiated messages to up to 250 contacts per 24 hours.
How to Increase Your Messaging Limit
You can increase your messaging limit even without completing Facebook Business Verification. Learn about the available alternatives in this article.
Conclusion
By ensuring you have the required setup elements in place, you can quickly onboard with WATI and start using the WhatsApp Business API. If your Facebook Business is not verified, you can still use WATI with limitations and later work towards increasing your messaging limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General setup questions
1. Do I need a new phone number for WATI?
Yes, the phone number you use for WATI should not have an existing WhatsApp account. If your number is already linked to WhatsApp, you must delete the account before proceeding.
2. Why do I need a Facebook Business Manager ID?
A Facebook Business Manager ID is required for integrating your business with WATI and the WhatsApp Business API.
3. Can I use WATI if I don't have a business website?
No, Meta requires all businesses to have an active, publicly accessible website that clearly displays their business name and offerings.
4. How do I verify my Facebook Business Manager?
You can follow the Facebook Business Verification Guide to complete the process. If your Start Verification button is greyed out, refer to the troubleshooting guide.
Payment & subscription
5. How do I sign up for WATI?
You need to purchase a plan, complete the payment, and then you will receive login credentials to set up your account.
6. When will my WATI account be activated?
If your Facebook Business is verified, your account will be fully activated within a week. If it is not verified, you can still use WATI with some limitations.
Account limitations & messaging
7. What happens if my Facebook Business is not verified?
You can still use WATI but will have a messaging limit of 250 business-initiated messages per 24 hours.
8. Will I have full access to WATI if my Facebook Business is verified later?
Yes, once Facebook verifies your business, your messaging limits and access will be fully unlocked.