In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a new inbox using WhatsApp in Cloud Chat.
:::error Migrating an existing number? Read the migration guide first — this is mandatory.
If the number you want to connect is already active on another WhatsApp solution provider (BSP) or on the WhatsApp Business App, do not start the embedded signup flow before reading:
Migrating WhatsApp to Cloud Chat from another support platform
Skipping this step can result in:
- Permanent loss of the WhatsApp number
- Indefinite blocking of the number by Meta
- Verification failures and stuck migrations
- Inability to release the number from the previous provider
- Having to redo the entire setup from scratch
The migration guide walks you through every Meta prerequisite (WABA ownership, Two-Step Verification, Business Manager status, payment method, message history) that must be validated before the embedded signup is triggered. :::
Step 0: Before we begin, gather the following information:
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The legal name of your company and your desired WhatsApp display name.
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The full URL of your business website.
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Your company's business email address.
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Administrator permissions for your company's Meta Business Suite.
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Access to the phone number that will be integrated.
- Please ensure that the phone number can receive calls to complete Meta's verification.
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Deactivate 2FA on your old WABA number.
Link with Meta's migration tips for WABA
Step 1: Navigate to Settings.
Step 2: Go to the Inboxes section.
Step 3: Click Add Inbox:
Step 4: Select WhatsApp:
Step 5: On the WhatsApp Channel screen, choose Embedded Signup as provider, set your preferred Inbox Name, then click Sign in with WhatsApp to start the embedded flow:
Step 6: In the Facebook pop-up, log in with your Meta developer/manager account:
Step 7: After login, click Continue:
Step 8: Select your Meta Business Portfolio and click Next:
Step 9: Choose Create a WhatsApp Business Account and click Next:
Step 10: Enter your desired WhatsApp Business Account Name, Display Name, and select a valid Category:
Step 11: Add a new number by choosing Add a new number, then enter your business phone number and verify it. If it's a landline or digital number, verify via Phone call:
Step 12: After successfully verifying your number, click Finish to complete your inbox setup.
Note: If you haven't added a payment method to your business portfolio, click Add payment method to be redirected to billing settings. A valid payment method is required to send proactive WhatsApp messages.
Step 13: Add agents to your new inbox:
Step 14: After setting up the agents, click Add agents. Your inbox is now ready to send and receive WhatsApp messages!
:::warning Usage limitation: Messages sent or received via WhatsApp Desktop (Windows) or WhatsApp on WearOS will not be reflected in Cloud Chat. Use WhatsApp Web or the official mobile app to ensure proper synchronization. :::
For more details, refer to Meta's official documentation: