Summary
When you sign up for Wati, Meta offers a free WhatsApp number (+1 555) to help you get started quickly. This is useful for testing and onboarding, but it comes with some limitations. To access advanced features such as broadcasts, messaging tiers, and the green tick (verified badge), you’ll need to verify your number.
This article explains what happens when you choose the free number during embedded signup (ES), the limitations you should be aware of, and the steps you’ll need to take to complete verification.
Instructions
Understanding the free number option
Meta allows new businesses to use a free WhatsApp number during signup. While this speeds up onboarding, the number is only a temporary solution.
Key points to note:
There is no one-time password (OTP) verification for the free number.
You’ll need to provide a valid website and business documents to complete verification later.
Some features remain unavailable until your business is verified.
If you want full access to WhatsApp Business features, you need to verify your number.
Note: BM stands for Business Manager and ES stands for Embedded Signup.
Embedded Signup: Available Options
When onboarding to Wati through the Embedded Signup process, you have three choices:
Select “I will be using Meta’s free number” only.
Select “My business does not have a website or profile page” only.
Select both options to use Meta’s free number and proceed without providing a website.
1. Follow these steps if you want to select only the “Free number” option
Start the Embedded Signup process.
Select a new Business Manager (BM) and new WABA.
Provide your business website.
Choose the option “I will be using Meta’s free number”. (No OTP verification is required.)
Complete the signup process.
Next steps: Since you’ve already provided a website, you’ll need to submit GST or legal documents to complete verification. If your website is valid, Meta’s business verification should be faster and more direct.
2. Follow these steps if you want to select the “No website” option
Start the Embedded Signup process.
Select a new Business Manager (BM) and WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
Choose the option “My business does not have a website or profile page”.
Complete the signup process.
Next steps: You must provide a valid website along with GST (Goods and Services Tax) or other legal documents during Meta’s business verification process.
While Meta lets you start ES without a website, your account may be banned during Business Verification if no website is provided. To avoid this, we recommend adding your official website.
Note: If you skip providing your website, after connecting your WhatsApp account, you’ll need to submit official documents to activate the account.
3. Follow these steps if you want to select both “No website” and “Free number” options
Start the Embedded Signup process.
Select a new Business Manager (BM) and WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
Choose the option “My business does not have a website or profile page”.
Choose the option “I will be using Meta’s free number”. (No OTP verification is required.)
Complete the signup process.
Next steps: You must provide a valid website along with GST (Goods and Services Tax) or other legal documents during Meta’s business verification process. Without these, you won’t be able to unlock full WhatsApp Business features.
Note: If you skip providing your website, after connecting your WhatsApp account, you’ll need to submit official documents to activate the account.
Best practices for smooth onboarding
Plan for verification early: Have your GST or legal documents ready.
Provide a valid website: This speeds up the approval process with Meta.
Upgrade to a verified number: To use advanced features like broadcasts, consider switching from the free number sooner rather than later.
Contact onboarding support: If you’re unsure, Wati’s onboarding team can help guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What is the free WhatsApp number provided by Meta during signup?
When you sign up for Wati, Meta provides a free WhatsApp number (+1 555) to help you get started quickly. This number is mainly for testing and onboarding purposes.
2. What are the limitations of using the free number?
The free number does not go through OTP verification and has limited access to features such as broadcasts, messaging tiers, and the green tick (verified badge). To unlock these features, you’ll need to verify your number.
3. Why do I need to verify my number?
Verification is required to access advanced WhatsApp Business features. It involves providing a valid website and legal documents (such as GST) to Meta.
Using the free number
4. What happens if I select only the free number option during signup?
You can complete the signup without OTP verification. Since you provide a website during this process, Meta will later ask you to submit GST or other legal documents to complete verification.
5. What happens if I select both the free number and no website options?
You can complete the signup, but you’ll still need to provide a valid website and legal documents during Meta’s business verification. Without them, you cannot unlock full WhatsApp Business features.
Using the no website option
6. Can I start the signup process without a website?
Yes, Meta allows you to begin signup without a website. However, during business verification, you’ll need to provide a valid website along with legal documents.
7. What happens if I never provide a website?
If you don’t provide a website, your account may be banned during business verification. To avoid this, it is strongly recommended that you add your official website.
Best practices
8. What can I do to ensure smooth onboarding?
Prepare your GST or legal documents early.
Provide a valid website to speed up Meta’s approval process.
Switch from the free number to a verified number as soon as possible for access to advanced features.
Reach out to Wati’s onboarding support team if you need help during the process.