Summary
Before connecting your Instagram account to Wati, you must complete a few setup requirements. These prerequisites ensure that Wati can securely access your Instagram messages and manage customer interactions. Once completed, you'll be ready to connect your Instagram account and start managing Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) and comments from Wati.
Note: Instagram integration is available on all Wati plans.
Instructions
Before you begin
To connect Instagram to Wati, make sure the following requirements are completed.
Prerequisite 1: Use an Instagram Professional Account
Instagram integration requires an Instagram Professional Account. Personal Instagram accounts are not supported.
Instagram offers two types of Professional Accounts:
Business Account
Creator Account
Professional Accounts provide access to business features and are required by Meta's APIs for third-party integrations such as Wati.
Check or convert your Instagram account
If you're currently using a Personal Account, you can convert it to a Professional Account:
Open the Instagram app.
Go to your profile.
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings and Privacy.
Tap Account type and tools.
Select Switch to professional account.
Follow the prompts and choose either a Business or Creator account.
Complete the setup process.
If you don’t have an Instagram account, learn how to create one here.
Prerequisite 2: Link your Instagram account to a Facebook Page
Your Instagram account must be connected to a Facebook Page before it can be integrated with Wati.
This connection is required for authentication during the setup process.
Link Instagram to a Facebook Page
Open Facebook and navigate to your Facebook Page.
Go to Settings > Linked Accounts > Instagram.
Click Connect Account.
Sign in using your Instagram credentials.
Complete the account linking process.
For a detailed guide, check out this step-by-step tutorial.
Prerequisite 3: Allow access to Instagram messages
Wati requires permission to access and manage Instagram conversations.
You must enable message access in your Instagram account settings before connecting Instagram to Wati.
Enable message access
Open the Instagram app.
Go to your profile.
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
Select Messages and story replies.
Tap Message controls.
Enable Allow access to messages.
This setting allows Wati to receive and manage Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) and comments on your behalf.
For more details, refer to Instagram’s official guide.
Next steps
After completing all prerequisites, you can proceed with connecting your Instagram account to Wati.
Once connected, you'll be able to manage Instagram DMs and comments, automate customer interactions, and handle conversations directly from the Wati Team Inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Requirements
1. What are the prerequisites for connecting Instagram to Wati?
Before connecting Instagram to Wati, you must:
Use an Instagram Professional Account.
Link the Instagram account to a Facebook Page.
Enable message access in Instagram settings.
2. Which Instagram account types are supported for Wati integration?
Wati supports Instagram Professional Accounts, including:
Business Accounts
Creator Accounts
3. Can I connect a Personal Instagram account to Wati?
No. Instagram integration requires an Instagram Professional Account. Personal Instagram accounts are not supported.
4. Which Wati plans support Instagram integration?
Instagram integration is available on all Wati plans.
Instagram Professional Accounts
5. Why is an Instagram Professional Account required for Wati integration?
An Instagram Professional Account is required because it provides access to business features and is required by Meta's APIs for third-party integrations such as Wati.
6. Can I convert my Personal Instagram account into a Professional Account?
Yes. Instagram allows Personal Accounts to be converted into a Professional Account by choosing either a Business Account or a Creator Account.
Facebook Page Requirements
7. Does my Instagram account need to be linked to a Facebook Page?
Yes. Your Instagram account must be linked to a Facebook Page before it can be integrated with Wati.
8. Why do I need to link my Instagram account to a Facebook Page?
Linking an Instagram account to a Facebook Page is required for authentication during the Instagram connection process in Wati.
Message Permissions
9. Why does Wati require access to Instagram messages?
Wati requires access to Instagram messages so it can receive and manage Instagram conversations on your behalf.
10. What does the "Allow access to messages" setting do?
The Allow access to messages setting allows Wati to receive and manage Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) and comments associated with your Instagram account.
After Setup
11. What can I do after completing the Instagram prerequisites and connecting my account to Wati?
After completing the prerequisites and connecting your Instagram account, you can manage Instagram DMs and comments, automate customer interactions, and handle conversations directly from the Wati Team Inbox.