> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.unecast.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up the WhatsApp Business API in Unecast

> Connect your WhatsApp Business number to Unecast via the official Meta API. Unecast handles verification as an official Meta Business Partner.

The WhatsApp Business API gives your team GDPR-compliant, multi-user access to WhatsApp - far beyond what the standard WhatsApp Business app offers. This page walks you through connecting your WhatsApp number to Unecast so you can start receiving and sending customer messages directly from your Universal Inbox.

<Note>
  Unecast manages the WhatsApp Business API verification process for you. You do **not** need to apply to Meta directly — as an official Meta Business Partner, Unecast submits and tracks your application on your behalf.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:

* **A business phone number** - The number must not be actively in use on the WhatsApp consumer app or WhatsApp Business app.
* **A Facebook Business Manager account** - required by Meta to verify your business identity. Create one at [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com) if you don't already have one.
* **A Unecast account on the Professional plan or above** -  full WhatsApp Business API features, including multi-user access and WhatsApp templates, require a Professional plan or higher.

## Connect your WhatsApp number

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Channel Settings">
    Go to **Settings → Channels → Add Channel** and select **WhatsApp** from the list of available channels.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your business details">
    Provide your business phone number and basic business information (company name, country, business category). Double-check the phone number - it cannot be changed after submission.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Facebook Business Manager">
    Follow the on-screen prompt to link your Facebook Business Manager account. This step authorises Meta to verify your business and associate your number with a WhatsApp Business Account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unecast submits your application">
    Unecast automatically submits your WhatsApp Business API application to Meta on your behalf. You will receive a confirmation email once the submission is complete.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Meta verification">
    Verification typically takes **1–2 business days**. Unecast will notify you by email when your number has been approved. You can also check the status at any time under **Settings → Channels**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your number is active">
    Once approved, your WhatsApp number appears in **Settings → Channels** with a green **Active** badge. You are now ready to send and receive messages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start messaging from the Universal Inbox">
    Navigate to your **Universal Inbox**. Your WhatsApp channel is live — incoming messages arrive here alongside all your other channels. Reply, assign conversations, and add notes just as you would with any other channel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  You cannot use the same phone number on both the regular WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Business) app and the WhatsApp Business API simultaneously. If your number is currently active on the WhatsApp app, Unecast will guide you through the migration process to transfer it to the API. During migration, the number will be temporarily unavailable for calls and messages.
</Warning>

## Set up your WhatsApp Business Profile

After your number is active, complete your WhatsApp Business Profile so customers recognise your brand. Go to **Settings → Channels → WhatsApp → Edit Profile** to configure:

| Profile field            | Description                                                         |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Display name**         | Your official business name as it appears in WhatsApp conversations |
| **Profile picture**      | Your logo or brand image (recommended: 640 × 640 px)                |
| **Business description** | A short description of your business (max 256 characters)           |
| **Website URL**          | Your primary website or a relevant landing page                     |
| **Business hours**       | The hours during which customers can expect a response              |

<Tip>
  Using your existing landline number for WhatsApp makes it easier for returning customers to reach you — they can call or message you on the same number they already have saved.
</Tip>

## Add multiple WhatsApp numbers

You can connect more than one WhatsApp number to Unecast - for example, one per location, department, or brand. The number of WhatsApp numbers you can add depends on your plan:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Free / Basic" icon="circle" href="/plans-and-pricing">
    1 WhatsApp number
  </Card>

  <Card title="Professional" icon="circle-check" href="/plans-and-pricing">
    Up to 3 WhatsApp numbers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced" icon="star" href="/plans-and-pricing">
    Up to 5 WhatsApp numbers
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

To add a second number, repeat the steps above from **Settings → Channels → Add Channel → WhatsApp**.

## What comes next

Once your WhatsApp channel is live, explore these features to get the most out of it:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp Templates" icon="file-lines" href="/features/whatsapp-newsletter">
    Create pre-approved message templates for outbound campaigns, appointment reminders, and order updates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Agent" icon="robot" href="/features/ai-agent">
    Configure an AI agent to respond to common WhatsApp enquiries automatically, 24/7.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automations" icon="bolt" href="/features/automations">
    Build no-code workflows that trigger messages, assign conversations, or update contacts based on WhatsApp activity.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Universal Inbox" icon="inbox" href="/features/universal-inbox">
    Manage WhatsApp alongside all your other channels — email, Instagram, live chat, and more — in one unified view.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>