Connect WhatsApp
Set up the WhatsApp Business API in Cloodot with your Meta Business account.
Connect your WhatsApp Business account through the WhatsApp Business API. You'll need a Meta Business account and a payment method configured in Meta Business Suite.
Before you start
You'll need:
- A Meta Business account (formerly Facebook Business)
- A WhatsApp Business account linked to your Meta Business account
- A payment method added in Meta Business Suite (required by the WhatsApp Business API)
- Admin access to the Meta Business account
- For Coexistence Mode: your number active on the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days
The WhatsApp Business API requires a payment method in Meta Business Suite. This is Meta's requirement, not Cloodot's — you'll need to add one before you can send messages.
Two connection paths
Cloodot picks one of two flows based on whether your number is already registered on the API:
- New number — You'll set a 6-digit PIN and register the number.
- Coexistence Mode — Your number already runs on the API and keeps running on the WhatsApp Business App too. PIN step is skipped.
We detect the right flow automatically.
Connect WhatsApp
Open the Channel Connection Wizard
Start from either place:
From the inbox (if no channels are connected yet)
- Open Inbox or Conversations
- Under the "No channels connected" message, click Connect WhatsApp (green icon)
From Settings
- Go to Settings → Organization → Channels
- Click Add Channel or the + button
- Select WhatsApp
You'll see a short overview of what the WhatsApp integration does.
Authorize your Facebook account
- Click Login with Facebook
- Facebook opens its sign-in page
- Sign in with the Facebook account that manages your WhatsApp Business account
- Grant the requested WhatsApp Business management permissions
Sign in with the Facebook account that has admin access to both your Meta Business account and your WhatsApp Business account.
Select your WhatsApp Business Account
If you manage more than one WABA, pick the one you want to connect. Cloodot detects and confirms the selection.
Register your phone number
What happens next depends on whether your number is already registered on the API.
New number
If the number hasn't been registered on the API yet:
- Enter a 6-digit PIN:
- If two-step verification is already set up, enter your existing PIN
- If not, enter a new PIN — this sets up two-step verification
- Click Verify PIN
We verify the PIN and send you to payment setup.
Keep your PIN somewhere safe — you'll need it if you ever disconnect and reconnect.
Number already on the API (Coexistence Mode)
If the number is already registered:
- Pick the number from the list of eligible numbers
- Review any warnings about Coexistence Mode
- Click Connect Selected Number
The PIN step is skipped, and you go straight to payment setup.
Eligible numbers must:
- Have been active on the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days
- Have Coexistence Mode enabled
- Be configured for Cloud API
Coexistence Mode lets the same number run on the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API at the same time.
Add a payment method
The WhatsApp Business API uses conversation-based pricing, so a payment method is required.
- Click Open Payment Settings — Meta Business Suite opens in a new tab
- Add a credit card, debit card, or other method Meta supports
- Follow Meta's prompts to finish
- Come back to Cloodot and click Continue
Without a payment method in Meta Business Suite, WhatsApp Business API messaging won't work. This is Meta's requirement.
You're connected
A success message confirms the connection, and the WhatsApp channel appears in your channels list. You can start sending and receiving WhatsApp messages right away.
Success
Your WhatsApp account is connected. Start managing WhatsApp conversations in Cloodot.
After you connect
Once WhatsApp is live, you can:
- Send and receive WhatsApp messages in your Cloodot inbox
- Use WhatsApp templates for outbound messaging
- Sync product catalogues from Meta Commerce Manager
- Monitor quality and status on the WhatsApp Health dashboard
- Track conversation costs and usage
- Use AI-powered responses
Managing your WhatsApp channel
See WhatsApp conversations
WhatsApp messages appear in your unified inbox. You can:
- Filter by channel to see only WhatsApp messages
- Search WhatsApp conversation history
- View customer profiles and conversation context
- See message delivery status
What the API supports
- Template messages — Send pre-approved templates
- Conversation pricing — Pay per conversation (Meta's rates)
- Rich media — Images, videos, documents, and more
- Read receipts — See when messages are delivered and read
Disconnect WhatsApp
- Go to Channel Settings
- Find your WhatsApp channel
- Click Disconnect and confirm
Disconnecting stops new WhatsApp messages from reaching Cloodot, and your conversation history is deleted.
Reconnect WhatsApp
Reconnect any time by walking through the steps again. You'll need your PIN if you originally used the new-number flow.
Payments, Coexistence Mode, and PIN
How billing works
- A payment method in Meta Business Suite is required
- You're charged per conversation at Meta's rates
- All billing runs through Meta Business Suite, not Cloodot
How Coexistence Mode works
- Runs one number on the WhatsApp Business App and the API at the same time
- Requires 7 days of activity on the Business App
- Skips re-registering the number
- Some features may be limited while in this mode
Keeping your PIN safe
- Store your PIN somewhere secure — you'll need it to reconnect
- Two-step verification is required by the WhatsApp Business API
- Lost your PIN? Contact Meta support to recover it
Troubleshooting
"Failed to verify PIN"
- Use your existing two-step verification PIN, or set a new one by entering it
- Enter all 6 digits carefully
- Wait a few minutes and try again
"No eligible phone numbers found" (Coexistence Mode)
- Make sure the number has been active on the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days
- Confirm Coexistence Mode is enabled in Meta Business Suite
- Confirm the number is configured for Cloud API
- Contact Meta support if you need Coexistence Mode enabled
"Payment method required"
- Add a payment method in Meta Business Suite
- Confirm the method is valid and active
- Check that Meta accepts the payment type
- Make sure billing is enabled on your Meta Business account
"WhatsApp Business Account not found"
- Confirm the WABA is linked to your Meta Business account
- Confirm you have admin access to the Meta Business account
- Make sure the WABA is active
- Re-authorize your Facebook account and try again
Messages aren't sending
- Verify your payment method is set up and valid
- Confirm the WABA is active
- Use an approved template when one is required
- Check Meta Business Suite for account restrictions
- Confirm the number is properly registered
Authorization issues
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser
- Check your internet connection
- Disable pop-up blockers for the auth window
- Confirm you have admin access to the Meta Business account
Tips
Managing WhatsApp conversations
- Respond quickly — WhatsApp users expect fast replies
- Use templates — Approved templates unlock outbound messaging
- Stay on-brand — Keep your professional voice
- Track costs — Keep an eye on conversation spend in Meta Business Suite
- Lean on AI — Use Cloodot's AI to help draft responses
Managing payments
- Watch your conversation volume
- Set spending limits in Meta Business Suite if needed
- Review billing in Meta Business Suite regularly
Next steps
- Set up WhatsApp templates for outbound campaigns
- Sync product catalogues from Meta Commerce Manager
- Monitor number health so a quality drop never surprises you
- Connect Instagram for Instagram DMs
- Connect Facebook for Messenger
- Configure workspace settings
Need help? Check our troubleshooting guide or contact support.