Summary
Embedded Signup lets you connect your WhatsApp Business number to Wati through a guided setup process, without manually configuring the API. This guide explains the difference between Embedded Signup and WhatsApp Coexistence, outlines what you need before you begin, and walks you through the 11 steps to connect your number.
Available on: All plans - Growth, Pro and Business.
Instructions
Embedded Signup or WhatsApp Coexistence?
Wati offers 2 ways to connect your WhatsApp number. Choose the option that best fits how your business manages customer conversations.
Feature | Embedded Signup | WhatsApp Coexistence |
Best for | Businesses that want to manage conversations through Wati | Businesses that want to use the WhatsApp Business App alongside Wati |
How it works | Sets up your WhatsApp Business API account through Wati | Lets you use the WhatsApp Business App and the API on the same number |
WhatsApp Business App | Not used to manage chats after setup | Remains available alongside Wati |
Automated campaigns | Supported | Supported |
Manual chats in the app | Not supported | Supported |
This guide covers Embedded Signup. If you want to keep using the WhatsApp Business App on the same number, see Onboarding to WhatsApp Coexistence via Wati.
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following:
A Wati account with an active paid subscription.
Admin access to Meta Business Manager.
A phone number that isn't already linked to an active WhatsApp account.
Access to the phone number so you can receive a one-time password (OTP) by SMS or phone call.
Before connecting your number to Wati, make sure you meet the following requirements:
An active Wati subscription: Your Wati account must have an active paid subscription.
Admin access to Meta Business Manager: Make sure you have admin access to the relevant Meta Business Manager account.
An eligible phone number: Your phone number must not already be linked to an active WhatsApp account.
Access to your phone number: You must be able to receive a one-time password (OTP) by SMS or phone call to verify your number.
A laptop or desktop: Complete the number connection process on a laptop or desktop computer, not a mobile phone.
Google Chrome: Log in to both Facebook and Wati using Google Chrome on the same device.
Google Translate disabled: Turn off Google Translate in Chrome while completing the connection process. To do this, go to Settings > Languages and toggle off Use Google Translate under Google Translate.
Before you start: Open Meta Business Manager in a separate browser tab and confirm that you're signed in to the correct account. Switching accounts during setup may interrupt the process and require you to start again.
Once you've met these requirements, log in to your Wati account and start connecting your number.
Important — billing: Don't add your own payment method to your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) during or after setup. Wati manages WhatsApp billing through the connected WABA. Adding a separate payment method in Meta may result in duplicate charges from Wati and Meta. If you're unsure, contact Wati Support before changing your billing settings.
Connect your WhatsApp number to Wati
Step 1: Log in to Wati and start the connection
Log in to your Wati account.
When the popup asking you to connect your WhatsApp number appears, select Embedded Signup.
Select Connect to continue.
Step 2: Enter your WhatsApp details in Wati
Enter the WhatsApp phone number you want to connect.
Choose your WhatsApp Business Display Name. Make sure it follows Meta's display name guidelines.
Enter your business website URL. If you don't have an official website, uncheck I have an official website URL.
Note: If you skip the website URL, Meta may ask you to complete additional verification later.
Select your business category.
Select Next step.
Step 3: Sign in to Facebook
Select Continue with Facebook.
When the Facebook login popup appears, confirm that it shows the correct Meta Business Manager account.
Enter your email address or mobile number and password if prompted.
Select Log in.
Note: Use the Facebook account you use to manage your business.
Step 4: Review the connection terms
Review the information about what you'll be able to do after signup.
Select Continue.
Step 5: Enter your WhatsApp phone number in Meta
Select your country code.
Enter the phone number you want to connect.
Select Next.
Step 6: Choose how customers identify your business
You'll see 2 options for identifying your number.
Select Enter a new phone number from the dropdown to connect your own business number.
Alternatively, select Use a display name with a virtual number if you don't have a dedicated business number. This guide focuses on connecting your own number.
Select Continue.
Step 7: Verify your phone number
Choose a verification method: Text message or Phone call.
Enter the verification code you receive.
Select Next.
Important: Avoid selecting Resend code repeatedly in a short period. Meta limits how often you can request a code. If you see an error saying you've requested the code too many times, try the other verification method or wait 12–24 hours before trying again.
If your number uses an interactive voice response (IVR) system: Temporarily disable the IVR and choose Phone call verification so the call can reach your number directly.
Step 8: Select your business assets
You will see your existing Meta Business Portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account listed.
Select an existing business portfolio and WhatsApp Business account from the list, or choose to create new ones.
Select Continue.
Important: If you are connecting to Wati for the first time, always create a new WABA rather than selecting an existing one linked to another platform. Connecting an existing WABA can cause conflicts with your messaging and billing.
Step 9: Enter information for new assets
This step only appears if you chose to create new WABA and portfolio in Step 8.
Meta will pre-fill some fields from the details you entered in Step 2. Review and complete the following:
Business name — confirm the name shown is correct.
Email — enter your business email.
Category — select the category that best describes your business.
Country — select your country.
Website — optional. Skipping this may require you to submit documents for verification later.
Time zone — select your time zone.
Select Next to continue.
Step 10: Review Wati's access permissions
Review the account access and permissions Wati will receive.
Select Confirm to approve the permissions.
A loading screen will appear while Meta connects your account. This may take a few moments.
Step 11: Finish the connection
Select Finish to complete the setup.
Your WhatsApp number is now connected to Wati. Your business must complete verification before you can start messaging. Wati will email you when verification is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Account setup and connection
1. What is the difference between Embedded Signup and WhatsApp Coexistence?
Embedded Signup sets up your WhatsApp Business API account through Wati. It is suitable for businesses that want to manage conversations through Wati instead of the WhatsApp Business App. WhatsApp Coexistence lets you use the WhatsApp Business App and Wati on the same phone number, so you can continue handling some conversations manually in the app.
2. Why do I need to enter my phone number in both Wati and Meta?
You enter your phone number in Wati to start the connection process. You then enter it on Meta's side so Meta can register and verify the number for WhatsApp Business. Both steps are required to complete the setup.
3. Why should I create a new WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) instead of selecting an existing one?
Using an existing WABA that's already connected to another platform or account may cause messaging or billing conflicts. Create a new WABA when connecting to Wati for the first time. If you've already selected an existing WABA, contact Wati Support before continuing.
Verification and troubleshooting
4. What should I do if I don't receive the phone verification code?
Try switching verification methods. If you selected SMS, try Phone call instead. If your phone number uses an interactive voice response (IVR) system, temporarily disable it before requesting a verification call. If you've requested the code too many times, wait 12–24 hours before trying again.
5. How long does WhatsApp Business verification take?
The verification timeline is not specified in the guide. Wati will email you when your business verification is complete.
Billing
6. Should I add a payment method to my WhatsApp Business Account?
No. Wati manages WhatsApp billing through the connected WABA. Adding a separate payment method in Meta may result in duplicate charges from Wati and Meta. If you're unsure about your billing setup, contact Wati Support.