Connect WhatsApp Business Mobile App to Cloud API

How to Connect Your Existing WhatsApp Business App to BotSailor Using Embedded Signup and Cloud API for Marketing

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses rely on WhatsApp Business to engage with their customers efficiently. To make this integration seamless, BotSailor now supports WhatsApp Embedded Signup, allowing businesses to connect their existing WhatsApp Business App accounts to BotSailor effortlessly. Additionally, BotSailor enables businesses to leverage WhatsApp Cloud API to manage marketing tasks effectively—all while continuing to use WhatsApp on their mobile device.

QR Scan for WhatsApp Connect

Many users refer to the connection process as QR Scan for WhatsApp Connect, as it allows quick authentication and linking of your WhatsApp Business App with BotSailor. While traditional methods involve number verification, scanning a QR code is an intuitive and faster way to sync your account. With BotSailor, whether you're connecting a new number or an existing WhatsApp Business App, you can easily integrate via Meta’s Embedded Signup and Cloud API.

Previously, businesses could only use the WhatsApp Business Platform with a new phone number, which meant the number couldn’t be linked to an existing WhatsApp App. However, Meta now allows businesses to connect their existing WhatsApp Business App numbers to the WhatsApp Business Platform via Cloud API, meaning you can continue using your WhatsApp mobile app while managing automation through BotSailor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through both methods so you can choose the right approach for your business.

Understanding WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business Platform

What is WhatsApp Business App?

WhatsApp Business App is a mobile-based solution designed for small businesses to communicate with customers. It can be installed on smartphones and used to handle business inquiries, send messages, and provide customer support.

What is WhatsApp Business Platform?

WhatsApp Business Platform (previously only available for API-based integrations) is a more advanced solution for businesses requiring automation, scalability, and API-based integrations. Before, businesses had to register a new phone number to use this platform—meaning it couldn’t be linked to an existing WhatsApp Business App.

But now, Meta has introduced a game-changing update! Businesses can now connect their existing WhatsApp Business App numbers to the WhatsApp Business Platform via Cloud API. This means businesses can use:

• A new phone number for the WhatsApp Business Platform (API-only use).
• An existing WhatsApp Business App number on the Business Platform.
• The same WhatsApp Business App number on both a mobile device and BotSailor for seamless management.

What Is WhatsApp Embedded Signup?

WhatsApp Embedded Signup is a streamlined onboarding process provided by Meta that allows businesses to connect their existing WhatsApp Business App directly to WhatsApp Business API without requiring third-party approvals or extensive manual configurations.

With BotSailor’s integration, you can:

• Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App without creating a new number.
• Manage customer chats, send automated messages, and track analytics from BotSailor.
• Continue using your WhatsApp Business App on your mobile phone while leveraging the powerful marketing tools of BotSailor’s Cloud API.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that:

1. You have an existing WhatsApp Business App (not a personal WhatsApp number) OR a new number ready for Business Platform.
2. You have admin access to the WhatsApp Business Account.
3. You have a phone number that is eligible for onboarding (not already linked to another WhatsApp API account, unless migrating from Business App).

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting WhatsApp Business App to BotSailor

Step 1: Navigate to WhatsApp Integration in BotSailor

1. Log in to your BotSailor dashboard.
2. Go to WhatsApp > Connect Account.
3. Click on "Connect WhatsApp".

Step 2: Launch the WhatsApp Embedded Signup Flow

1. Click on the "Continue with Facebook" button.
2. Log in to your Facebook Business Manager account.
3. Select the existing WhatsApp Business Account you want to connect.
4. Choose the phone number associated with your business.
5. Accept the necessary permissions and terms of service.

Step 3: Enable WhatsApp Cloud API for Marketing

1. Once connected, BotSailor will integrate with the WhatsApp Cloud API.
2. You can now:

• Automate customer responses.
• Create marketing campaigns with WhatsApp bulk messaging.
• Set up promotional notifications and abandoned cart reminders.
• Continue using WhatsApp Business App on your mobile device while managing advanced marketing tasks in BotSailor.

Syncing Your Old Contacts and Chat History with BotSailor

Once you've connected your WhatsApp Business number, you have the option to sync your past contacts and conversation history. This ensures that existing customer interactions are accessible within BotSailor.

To do this, click the "Fetch Contacts and History" button. Note: This sync option is only available within the first 24 hours after connecting your number. After that, syncing cannot be enabled.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1. Phone Number Not Eligible for Onboarding

Reason: The number is already in use with another WhatsApp API or personal WhatsApp account. Solution: Remove the number from the previous account and wait at least 10 minutes before retrying.

Why Choose BotSailor for WhatsApp Business Marketing?

• Seamless Integration – No coding required, direct signup with your existing WhatsApp Business App.
• WhatsApp Cloud API Support – Access advanced messaging and automation features.
• Marketing Automation & Chatbots – Set up AI-driven interactions with your customers.
• Campaign & Notification Features – Engage customers with WhatsApp marketing campaigns.
• Use WhatsApp on Your Mobile – Continue using WhatsApp Business App on your phone while leveraging BotSailor’s advanced API features.
• User-Friendly Dashboard – Manage conversations, analytics, and automation from one place.

By leveraging WhatsApp Embedded Signup and Cloud API, you can quickly integrate your WhatsApp Business App with BotSailor and unlock powerful customer engagement tools.

Learn More About Business Platform with a New Number

If you're looking to set up a brand new number for WhatsApp Business Platform, check out our detailed guide: How to Connect a WhatsApp Business Account to BotSailor.

Get Started Today!

Ready to take your WhatsApp Business marketing to the next level? Sign up on BotSailor and integrate your WhatsApp Business App with Cloud API today!

Read Blog on How to Set Up the WhatsApp Cloud API with BotSailor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If I send a message from the WhatsApp Business mobile app, will it be available in the BotSailor inbox?
Yes, any message sent from the WhatsApp Business mobile app will also be available in BotSailor's inbox. The chat remains synchronized.

2. When I connect my WhatsApp Business number to BotSailor, will my old contacts and chat history be synced?
Yes, you have the option to sync your existing contacts and conversation history when connecting your WhatsApp Business number to BotSailor. However, this option is only available within the first 24 hours after connection. After that, syncing will no longer be possible.

3. Can I reply to messages from both the BotSailor inbox and the WhatsApp Business mobile app?
Yes, you can reply to messages from both platforms. However, for chatbot automation and campaign messages, it is recommended to manage responses through BotSailor.

4. If I uninstall the WhatsApp Business app from my phone, will BotSailor still work?
Yes, BotSailor will continue to work independently as it operates through the WhatsApp Cloud API. However, if you reinstall the app and use it alongside BotSailor, messages will still sync between both platforms.

5. Will my chatbot handle all messages automatically?
Yes, the chatbot will handle messages based on your predefined flows. However, you can always take over a conversation manually from the BotSailor inbox if needed.

6. Can I schedule messages or bulk send campaigns with BotSailor?
Yes, BotSailor allows you to schedule messages and send bulk campaigns to your subscribers as per WhatsApp’s messaging rules and your plan’s limits.

7. Will I get notifications for new messages in BotSailor?
Yes, BotSailor provides real-time notifications for new messages, ensuring that you don’t miss any customer inquiries.