Open Whatsapp in the sidebar, under Connect, and select Link WhatsApp Business Number. A Facebook window opens.
What happens in the popup
- Sign in with Facebook.
- Pick, or create, the business this number belongs to.
- Choose the WhatsApp number you want to use.
- Confirm the number with a one time code.
When it finishes, the page shows Connected and then You’re live on WhatsApp.
What you need first
- A Facebook account you can sign in to.
- A phone number that is not currently registered to the WhatsApp app or WhatsApp Business app. This is the part that catches people out.
If your number is already in use in the WhatsApp Business app, you have two choices: delete that account from the app first, or use a different number, such as a second SIM or a landline that can receive a call.
After connecting
Messages to that number appear in Conversations alongside your website chats, marked with the WhatsApp channel. The assistant replies using the same knowledge base, safety rules and conversation goal.
Connecting also unlocks several extras. See What WhatsApp adds to your account.
If the popup does not open
Your browser is blocking it. Allow popups for app.respondhelper.com and try again. Popup blockers are the single most common cause of this step failing.
If the number is rejected
The usual reasons are that the number is still registered to the WhatsApp app, that it cannot receive the verification code, or that it has been used with another business platform account before. Delete the old registration and wait a few minutes before retrying.