Integrating your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) or WhatsApp Business app with Manychat enables you to leverage advanced customer engagement tools, but proper setup is critical to ensure smooth functioning. This article provides a step-by-step guide on prerequisites, integration instructions, and troubleshooting assistance.
Pre-Integration checklist
Before beginning the integration process, ensure the following requirements are met:
- Connecting via Coexistence [BETA]. Review the requirements outlined in the article: Connect your WhatsApp number to Manychat with Coexistence [BETA]
- Connecting a WABA. Review the requirements outlined in the article: How to transfer your own WhatsApp number to Manychat
Common Issues
Number connected to another Business Platform
WhatsApp does not support using the same phone number across multiple integrations simultaneously. If a number is already registered with any WhatsApp integration, it cannot be used for:
- Facebook Inbox
- The WhatsApp Personal App
- Other Business Solution Providers (BSPs), including Manychat
Before connecting a number to Manychat, make sure it has been fully disconnected from all other WhatsApp services.
Switching between BSPs while keeping the same WhatsApp account
If you're switching from one BSP to another, transferring your WABA requires a few important steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Before connecting your number to the new platform, you'll need to:
- Delete the number from your current WABA
- Create a new WABA
- Register the number again under the new account
If you're switching between BSPs for a number registered to the WhatsApp Business app, you must first remove the previous partner from your WhatsApp business app before connecting it to the new BSP.
This guide walks you through the entire process - from removing the number to setting up a new WhatsApp account.
Delete the number from your current WhatsApp account
For numbers registered exclusively for Cloud API (non-coexistence)
- Log in to Meta Business Suite using your business credentials.
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Click on Settings (usually located in the bottom left corner).
- Under the Accounts section, click on WhatsApp accounts to view and manage your existing WhatsApp accounts.
- Select the WABA associated with the number you want to delete.
- Click WhatsApp Manager.
- Locate the number you wish to remove and click the trash can icon to delete it.
For numbers registered for Coexistence (using both the WhatsApp Business App and Cloud API)
- Log in to Meta Business Suite using your business credentials.
- Click on Settings (usually located in the bottom left corner).
- Under the Accounts section, click on WhatsApp accounts to view and manage your existing WhatsApp accounts.
- Select the WhatsApp Business app in question and open the Partners tab.
- Click Manage next to a current BSP.
- In the pop-up window, click Remove access.
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Next, go to the WhatsApp business app and open Settings > Account > Business platform.
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Tap on the partner in question and select Disconnect.
| Note: In both cases, it may take a few hours for the data to fully refresh. Once the changes are in place, you'll be able to connect your number to a new platform. |
Create a new WhatsApp account
Create a new WABA for numbers registered exclusively for Cloud API (non-coexistence)
There are two ways to create a new WABA:
- Option 1: Embedded Sign-Up through Manychat
- Option 2: Via Meta Business Portfolio
Option 1: Embedded Sign-Up through Manychat
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Open your Manychat account and click Settings.
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Select WhatsApp in the list of channels and click Connect.
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Choose if you want to transfer your own WhatsApp number or create a new WhatsApp number.
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Select a Business portfolio.
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When prompted to select a WhatsApp Business account, choose Create a WhatsApp business account.
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Enter your business details and continue through the steps to register your number and create the new WABA.
💡For detailed guidance and requirements on verifying your WABA and required roles, check out this article.
Option 2: Via Meta Business Portfolio
- From your Meta Business Suite, go to WhatsApp accounts and click Add.
- In the window that opens, select Create a new WhatsApp Business Account.
- Fill in your business name and other required details, then follow the prompts to complete the setup. Make sure to provide accurate business information.
💡 For details on Facebook verification, check out the article How to transfer your own WhatsApp number to Manychat.
Link a WhatsApp Business Account to your business portfolio (Coexistence)
Option 1: Embedded Sign-Up through Manychat
- Open your Manychat account and click Settings.
- Select WhatsApp in the list of channels and click Connect.
- Choose to Connect your WhatsApp Business App with Coexistence.
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Select a Business portfolio.
- Choose Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App.
- Follow the next steps to complete the connection, which will link your WhatsApp Business app to your business portfolio once it's finished.
Option 2: Via Meta Business Portfolio
- From your Meta Business Suite, go to WhatsApp accounts and click Add.
- In the window that opens, select Link WhatsApp Business Account.
- Enter the phone number associated with your WhatsApp Business account and click Continue.
- In the next step, enter the verification code sent to your account and click Continue.
- Once your number is added, it can be registered to Manychat.
💡 For details on business verification, see the article How to subscribe to Meta Verified for Business on WhatsApp.
Register the number again under the new account
There are two ways to add a phone number to a WABA:
- Option 1: Add during the Embedded Sign-Up flow
- Option 2: Add a number to WABA before connecting
Option 1: Add during the Embedded Sign-Up flow
You can register your number as part of the Embedded Sign-Up process. For more information, check out these articles: How to connect a new number purchased from Manychat to WhatsApp or Connect your WhatsApp number with Coexistence [BETA].
Option 2: Add a number to WABA before connecting
⚠️ Exclusively for Cloud API (non-coexistence).
- Select the WABA where you want to register the number.
- Open WhatsApp Manager.
- Click Add phone number.
- In the window that opens, fill in WhatsApp business profile information, then click Next.
- Add your phone number, then click Next again.
- Once your new WABA is set up and your number is registered, you can connect it to Manychat and build exceptional customer experiences.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully connect your number to Manychat. For more guidance, explore our WhatsApp Help Center section for tips, troubleshooting, and best practices.
If you have any questions throughout the process, don't hesitate to contact our Support Team.