How to get WhatsApp Business API and connect it to Chatinbox
The official WhatsApp Business API works differently from the regular app: the number is tied to a business account, the rules for starting a conversation change, and some steps are decided by Meta rather than by you. Below is the whole process, with each step marked by who actually performs it.
Chatinbox sets up the official WhatsApp Business API on your behalf; all you provide is your business documents, a phone number and authorisation. The step that sets the timeline is Meta's business verification; the number is not connected until it is approved. When setup is done, team, permission and routing settings come ready.
What you provide
- A phone number that belongs to the business
- Registration or tax documents
- Business name, address and website
- The team members who will use it
What Chatinbox handles
- Account and app setup
- Connecting the number to the business account
- Panel, team and routing configuration
- Preparing the first templates
- What has to be ready before you start
- The order of setup and what happens at each step
- What slows it down and what cannot be guaranteed
Step by step
Decide on the number
Will you use a new number or move the one you already use? The two follow different paths. For an existing number, see the number migration guide.
Business account and app are created
A business portfolio and an app are created on Meta's side, and the WhatsApp business account is linked to them. Chatinbox does this for you; all you have to do is grant access.
Chatinbox handles itBusiness verification is started
Meta checks that your business is real, using documents. The details on the documents must match the details on the account exactly. See the business verification guide.
Meta decidesThe number is connected and a display name is set
The number is added to the business account and you choose the name customers will see. The display name is reviewed too; a name unrelated to your business is rejected.
The panel is set up: team, roles, routing
Who sees which conversation, which team a message lands on, and what happens outside working hours. This is entirely on the Chatinbox side and does not involve Meta.
Chatinbox handles itFirst templates are written and submitted
If you want to message a customer first, you need a template. You prepare templates in Chatinbox; Meta approves them. See the template approval guide.
Meta decidesA test message goes through and the team takes over
A real message lands in the inbox and the team replies. From that point the setup is live.
What slows it down?
The setup itself is short; the waiting usually comes from Meta's reviews. If the name on the documents does not match the name on the account, verification comes back. A display name unrelated to the business is rejected. A template submitted under the wrong category goes to manual review. Getting these three right at the first attempt shortens the process noticeably.
What we cannot guarantee
What is done for you
- Account, number and panel setup
- Preparing documents and details consistently
- Writing templates within the rules
- Fixing and resubmitting a returned application
What is not guaranteed
- Meta's approval decision and how long it takes
- Acceptance of the display name
- Approval of a template
- The quality rating the number receives
Let's do the setup together
In a 15 minute call we look at your number and map out the order of steps.
Meta's setup flow can change. The steps on this page were checked on 17 August 2026.
