> 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/integrations/whatsapp/meta-setup-and-guestway-integration.md). # Meta setup & Guestway integration Guestway uses the official WhatsApp Business Platform to send and receive WhatsApp messages with guests. Before you can start, you need to connect a WhatsApp number to your Guestway organization through Meta. #### Which setup should I use? There are two ways to connect WhatsApp to Guestway. Choose the one that fits your situation: | Option | When to use | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Standard setup (this page)** | You want to use a new dedicated number, or you are ready to fully migrate an existing number to API-only and stop using the WhatsApp app. | | [**Coexistence**](https://docs.guestway.io/integrations/whatsapp-1/connect-your-existing-whatsapp-business-app) | You already use the WhatsApp Business App on a phone and want to keep using it alongside Guestway. | #### Before you start Prepare the following: * A business phone number — either a new number, or an existing number you are ready to stop using in the WhatsApp app * Legal company details (company name, address, business email) * Access to SMS or voice verification for the number * A credit card for WhatsApp usage billing * **Admin permissions** inside your Guestway organization *** ### Part 1. Meta setup All steps in this part happen inside Meta Business Manager at [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com). #### 1. Create a Meta Business Portfolio {% @guideflow/guideflow-embed requestedUrl="" %} Create your business environment in Meta Business Suite. This acts as the owner of your WhatsApp account and phone numbers. You will add: * Company name * Business email * Business address After creation, Meta may ask you to verify the company — this can happen at any point during or after setup. #### 2. Create a WhatsApp Business Account {% @guideflow/guideflow-embed requestedUrl="" %} Create the WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) using Meta's embedded signup flow. During this process you will: * Select your Business Portfolio * Enter the display name shown to guests * Choose a business category * Confirm your company details This account represents your brand in all WhatsApp conversations. #### 3. Add a phone number {% @guideflow/guideflow-embed requestedUrl="" %} Register the phone number that will send and receive messages. You have two options: **Option A — Migrate an existing WhatsApp number** {% hint style="info" %} **Use this option if you currently use a number on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app and want to move it fully to Guestway.** {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} \ **After migration, the WhatsApp app on that phone will stop working for this number, and chat history will not be carried over.** If you want to keep using the app alongside Guestway, use [Coexistence](https://docs.guestway.io/integrations/whatsapp-1/connect-your-existing-whatsapp-business-app) instead. {% endhint %} * Deactivate the WhatsApp app for this number before starting the migration * You will receive a verification code via SMS or voice call to confirm ownership * The number becomes API-only and is fully managed through Guestway **Option B — Use a new number** * Any phone number that has not been previously registered on WhatsApp * Landline numbers are supported * Recommended for most new setups — keeps your personal or team WhatsApp usage separate #### 4. Configure WhatsApp billing {% @guideflow/guideflow-embed requestedUrl="" %} WhatsApp messaging is charged by Meta. Without a valid payment method, messages cannot be delivered. Add a payment method to your WhatsApp Business Account and set it as the default. You can do this inside Meta Business Manager under **WhatsApp Business Account → Payment settings**. {% hint style="info" %} If billing is not configured correctly, message sending will fail and an error will appear in the Guestway Inbox. For step-by-step billing setup, follow the official [Meta billing guide](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/488291839463771). {% endhint %}

Error shown in the Guestway Inbox when billing is missing or incorrectly configured

*** ### Part 2. Connect WhatsApp to Guestway Once your Meta setup is complete, connect the number inside Guestway. {% hint style="info" %} You must have **Admin permissions** inside your Guestway organization to complete this step. {% endhint %} #### Step 1. Open the WhatsApp integration In Guestway, go to **Settings → Integrations → Create → WhatsApp**. #### Step 2. Start the Meta connection flow Guestway will open the official Meta embedded signup window. Log in using the Facebook account that manages your Meta Business Portfolio.

The Meta embedded signup window opens inside Guestway

During the flow you will: 1. Select your **Business Portfolio** 2. Select your **WhatsApp Business Account**
1. Select the **phone number** you registered in Part 1 2. Grant Guestway the required permissions Confirm all steps until Meta shows the connection is complete. #### Step 3. Finalize the connection After the popup closes, your WhatsApp number will appear as connected in **Settings → Integrations**. The channel is now active. Incoming WhatsApp messages from guests will start appearing in your Guestway Inbox automatically. *** #### Related pages * Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App (Coexistence) — keep using the WhatsApp app on your phone alongside Guestway. * Using WhatsApp in Guestway — how to start conversations, use templates, and reply to guests *** --- # 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 dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.guestway.io/integrations/whatsapp/meta-setup-and-guestway-integration.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.