• Introduction
• Important Considerations
• Integration Requirements
• Integration Process
• FAQ

WhatsApp Business Platform

{warning} This guide covers connecting your number to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) only. The number is migrated to the API, so it stops working in the WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps — from then on you manage all of its conversations from Alaaqat.

If you want to keep using the WhatsApp Business app on the same number alongside Alaaqat, do not follow these steps. Use the WhatsApp Coexistence guide instead.

The WhatsApp Business Platform gives medium to large businesses the ability to connect with customers at scale. You can start WhatsApp conversations with your customers in minutes, send them care notifications or purchase updates, offer personalized services, and provide support in the channel that your customers prefer.

The following video is a step-by-step guide:

Important Considerations

• On this integration path, a number lives either in the WhatsApp Business app or on the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), never both. Migrating it here removes it from the app.

• Group messaging is not supported.

• The WhatsApp Business Platform gives you a 24-hour reply window in which you can answer customers with free-form messages. After it closes, you can only reach them with paid templates.

• You can only start a conversation with a customer using a paid template. Free-form messages cannot start a conversation.

Integration Requirements

• A valid phone number that can send and receive calls and SMS.
• You can use a phone number that is already associated with WhatsApp Messenger or the WhatsApp Business app. Before migrating it, make sure to delete the account from the number — unless you are connecting it through Coexistence, which keeps the app account in place.

• A Facebook account linked to a Meta Business account.

  
  

Integration Process

1. On the Alaaqat platform, go to Settings > Channels > Conversations.
2. Click New Channel.
   
   
   
   
3. Choose WhatsApp.
4. The WhatsApp integration consent screen opens; log in with your connected Facebook account.
   1. Click Continue to grant permissions for Alaaqat to manage your WhatsApp Business account and billing.
   2. Select an existing Meta Business account or create a new account. (The following steps will show you the steps to create a new Meta Business account)
   3. Fill in your Business details and make sure your website is valid > Click Next.
   4. Under Choose a WhatsApp Business account, select Create a WhatsApp Business account. Under Create or select a WhatsApp Business profile, select Create a new WhatsApp Business profile > Click Next.
   5. Fill in your business details as necessary > click Next.
   6. Add your WhatsApp phone number and choose a verification method.
   7. Verify your phone number with the 6-digit verification code > click Next.
   8. Click Finish.
5. The WhatsApp Business account and its phone number appear on the channels page. Click Activate to activate your WhatsApp number on Alaaqat and start receiving messages.

FAQ

Is the integration with WhatsApp free?

Yes, the integration is completely free and available on each plan.

Can I integrate a phone number that I've used for a different WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account?

Yes. You have two options: migrate the number to the API, in which case it leaves the WhatsApp app, or connect it through Coexistence and keep using the WhatsApp Business app alongside Alaaqat.