> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guestway.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guestway.io/guestway_onboarding/how-to-connect-whatsapp.md). # How to connect WhatsApp This guide shows you how to connect a WhatsApp Business number, so guests can write to you on WhatsApp and your team replies from the inbox. {% hint style="info" %} **Before you start** * You have the **Super Admin** role, or a role with access to integrations. * A Meta business portfolio for your company, or the legal details to create one: company name, address and business email. * A credit card for the WhatsApp billing of Meta. {% endhint %} ## Choose your setup {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Decide what happens to your number Choose one of two setups: * **A new number**, or an existing number that you move fully to Guestway. The WhatsApp app stops working for that number. Full guide: [How to connect WhatsApp with a new Meta business account](/integrations/whatsapp/meta-setup-and-guestway-integration.md). * **Your existing WhatsApp Business app**. You keep using the app on your phone, and Guestway works with the same number. For this, you need WhatsApp Business app version 2.24.17 or higher, a number used in the app for at least 7 days, and the phone with the app at hand. Numbers from Nigeria and South Africa cannot use this setup. Full guide: [How to connect your existing WhatsApp Business app](/integrations/whatsapp/connect-your-existing-whatsapp-business-app.md). {% hint style="danger" %} When you move a number from the WhatsApp app fully to Guestway, the app stops working for that number, and its chat history is not carried over. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ## Connect the number {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Prepare a new number in Meta For a new number only: in Meta Business Manager at [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com), create a business portfolio and a WhatsApp Business account with the display name that guests see. Register the phone number and enter the code you receive by SMS or call. To move an existing number, deactivate the WhatsApp app for it first. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Start the sign-up in Guestway On your computer, go to **Settings** → **Organization** → **Integrations** and click **Create**. Under **Communication**, click **WhatsApp**, then **WhatsApp Embedded Sign-Up** and **Login with Facebook**. Sign in with the Facebook account that manages your business portfolio. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Choose the account and number In the Meta window, select your business portfolio. * **New number:** select your WhatsApp Business account and the phone number, allow the permissions, and confirm each step. * **Existing app:** choose to connect a WhatsApp Business app, enter its phone number and confirm. A QR code appears. On the phone, open the message from Facebook Business in the WhatsApp Business app, tap **Connect**, then **Connect to the Business Platform**. Choose **Share all chats** or **Don't share chats**, and scan the QR code. Back on your computer, click **Confirm**. {% hint style="warning" %} With an existing app, you cannot change the choice to share your chats later. Connecting also unlinks WhatsApp Web and your other companion devices. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Finish in Guestway When Guestway shows *WhatsApp Business Account connected successfully!*, click **Finish**. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ## Set up WhatsApp billing {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Add a payment method In Meta Business Manager, go to **WhatsApp Business Account** → **Payment settings**. Add a credit card and set it as the default. With the existing app, you can also click **Add payment method** on the last screen of Meta. Without a payment method, Meta does not deliver your WhatsApp messages. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Send a test message From a personal WhatsApp number, send a message to your business number. It appears in the Guestway inbox, where you can reply. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} To write to a guest first, or more than 24 hours after their last message, WhatsApp needs an approved message template. See [WhatsApp message templates](/integrations/whatsapp/using-whatsapp-in-guestway.md). ## Next step * [How to turn on auto-translation](/guestway_onboarding/how-to-turn-on-auto-translation.md) ## Related * [WhatsApp](/integrations/whatsapp.md) * [About WhatsApp in Guestway](/integrations/whatsapp/about-whatsapp-in-guestway.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. 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