The WhatsApp Business API is Meta’s official solution for businesses that need to communicate with customers at scale. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business App, which works like a regular phone-based app and suits solo operators or very small teams, the API connects directly to platforms like Interakt, letting you automate conversations, run broadcasts, manage multiple agents, and integrate with your CRM or helpdesk.
If your business needs to send order confirmations, support tickets, or marketing messages to hundreds or thousands of customers, the API is the right tool. The Business App simply can’t handle that volume reliably.
Open the Connect Number flow
After logging into Interakt, you’ll land on the main dashboard. You’ll see a Connect Number card near the top of the page showing Not Verified.
Click the Connect button on that card to begin the setup wizard.
The Interakt dashboard — click “Connect” on the Connect Number card
Choose your number type
A dialog will appear showing 2 Ways to Setup WhatsApp API Number. You’ll need to choose between:
WA Business App Number | New Number |
Use an existing number already registered on WhatsApp Business App (v2.24.4+) | A fresh number not on WhatsApp Personal or Business |
You can continue using the WhatsApp Business App alongside Interakt | Fully API-based — everything managed inside Interakt only |
Requires GST Certificate or active website for verification | Requires GST Certificate or active website for verification; must be able to receive OTP via call or SMS |
Step 1 of 2 — choose between WA Business App Number or a New Number
Recommended for new setups: Choose New Number if you don’t already have an existing WhatsApp Business number. This gives you a clean, fully API-managed line.
Click Proceed with New Number to continue.
Select a business verification method
Step 2 of 2 asks you to Verify Your Business. Verification is recommended because it:
- Increases your messaging limit from 250 to 2,000 customers per day
- Makes your business display name visible to customers even if they haven’t saved your number
Step 2 of 2 — choose a verification method (GST Certificate is fastest)
Select your Business Country and choose one of the two verification methods:
Option A — Verify using GST Certificate (Fastest)
Takes a few minutes to a few hours. Upload your GST Certificate in PDF, JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. Screenshots are not accepted.
Option B — Verify using Website Domain
Takes 3–5 working days and requires a verifiable website with additional details. Click Watch how to verify for a walkthrough video.
Already verified by Meta? If your business has already completed Meta Business Verification, check the box labelled “My business is already verified by Meta”. This will skip the verification options and unlock the Connect Number button directly.
Checking “Already verified by Meta” enables the Connect Number button
Once you’ve selected your verification method (or checked the already-verified box), click Connect Number.
Set up your Facebook Business assets
Clicking Connect Number opens a Facebook Login for Business popup. This is where you’ll authorise Interakt to access your Meta Business Suite and create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
4a. Select your Business Portfolio
Choose the business portfolio you want to link (e.g. the company you’re setting up messaging for). If you don’t have one yet, Meta will offer to create it.
Select the business portfolio to share with Interakt
4b. Enter business information for new assets
On the next screen, fill in the details for your new WhatsApp Business Account:
- Name — auto-filled from your Facebook Business Manager profile
- Category — select the category that best describes your business (e.g. Other, Retail, Finance)
- Country — select your country (e.g. India)
- Website — optional, but recommended
- Time zone — set to your local time zone
Enter business name, category, country, website, and time zone
Click Next once all fields are filled in.
Add your WhatsApp phone number
The next screen — Add your WhatsApp phone number — lets you choose how you’ll be identified when sending messages.
Option A — Use a display name only
Messages will show only your business display name in the chat. Note that this option requires an additional review by Meta (up to 1 working day) before you can send messages.
Option A: display name only — Meta review required before sending
Option B — Add a new number (recommended)
Select Add a new number, then:
- Choose your country code (e.g. IN +91)
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number
- Confirm your WhatsApp business display name — this should match your registered business name
- Choose how to receive your verification code: Text message or Phone call
Add a new number — enter your phone, display name, and verification method
Display name guidelines: Your display name must adhere to WhatsApp Business display name guidelines and closely match your business name. Mismatches may cause the name to be rejected by Meta.
Click Next to receive your OTP.
Verify your number and finish setup
Enter the OTP you received via SMS or phone call to verify your number. Once verified, Interakt will process the connection and redirect you to the next step.
Interakt processes the connection — “Please wait” screen after OTP verification
You’ll see a Please Wait… We’re processing your request and taking you to the next step screen. This usually takes a few seconds.
You’re all set! Once processing completes, your WhatsApp number will appear as connected in your Interakt dashboard. You can now set up greeting flows, FAQ auto-replies, and start sending messages to customers.
Still need help? Contact us [email protected]
