WhatsApp Cloud API Setup

Optimize your customer engagement by integrating WhatsApp Business Cloud API with BotSailor. This step-by-step guide covers everything from Facebook Business Verification to connecting your WhatsApp Business account in BotSailor.



1. Create a Business Portfolio and Meta Developer App

Create a Meta Business Portfolio

  1. Log in to Facebook → open business.facebook.com.

  2. In the left sidebar, click the portfolio dropdown ▾ (shows your name).

  3. Hit Create a Business Portfolio at the bottom.

  4. Enter Portfolio name (use your legal/trade name).

  5. Add a business email you monitor → Next.

  6. (Optional) Invite teammates or skip for later.

  7. Review details → Create.



2. Create a Meta Developer App

  • Go to developers.facebook.com, then navigate to “My Apps” or “Create App” and click Create App





  • Select Other use case, then Business app type.










  • Enter App Name, Contact Email, and connect your business portfolio, then click Create app





3. Verify Your Facebook Business Portfolio

Before using WhatsApp Cloud API, ensure your Facebook Business Portfolio is verified:

  • Open Business Settings in Meta Business Suite.
  • Navigate to Business Info and click View details under the Business verification status section.





  • In Security Center, find Business Verification and click Start verification.






  • Follow the prompts: Select your business type (e.g., Sole Proprietorship)

     
  • Enter business registration status





  • Provide business details and documents
  • Choose contact method and verify via SMS or your preferred method.





  • Upon successful review, your business status will show as Verified





Meta review typically takes 1–2 business days.


4. Add WhatsApp Product

  • In App Dashboard, scroll to Add products to your app and click Set up on WhatsApp.




 

  • Under WhatsApp Business Platform API, select your business portfolio and click Continue.





 

5. Set Up WhatsApp Business Profile

  • Go to API Setup, navigate to Step 5 and click “Add phone number”





  • Fill in your WhatsApp display name, Timezone, and Category then click Next






  • Add and verify a phone number via SMS or call  





  • Confirmation shows your WhatsApp Business Account created


6. Configure API & Payment

  • In API Setup, choose or add your phone number, then click Generate access token
  • Click Add payment method to set billing under Billing & payments in Business Settings





  • Verify your credit card appears under Payment methods





7. Configure Webhooks (Receive Messages)

  • In Developer Dashboard, go to WhatsApp > API Setup, click Configure webhooks





  • Enter your Callback URL and Verify token from BotSailor, click Verify and save











  • Under Webhook fields, enable messages and test subscription




 

 

8. Publish App Live & Add Policies

  • Go to App settings > Basic, set your Privacy Policy & Terms of Service URLs, click Save changes
  • Toggle App Mode to Live in App Dashboard.




 

9. Create System User & Generate Token

  • In Business Settings > Users > System users, click Add and name your user (Admin role) 









  • Assign App asset with Manage app permission, then WhatsApp accounts with Manage WhatsApp business accounts  





  • Generate a non-expiring token: Generate token → Select App → Never expire → business_management, catalog_management, whatsapp_business_management, whatsapp_business_messaging





     
  • Lastly, copy the token to a safe place.

 

10. Connect in BotSailor & Register Phone

  • Copy your WhatsApp Business Account ID from Business Settings






  • In BotSailor Connect Account, paste Business Account ID and Access Token, then click Connect





  • Click Register next to your phone number in BotSailor, enter the default PIN (e.g., 123456), then Register






  • Finally, update your Two‑step verification PIN in WhatsApp Manager > Phone numbers > Two‑step verification for added security







Congratulations! Your WhatsApp Business Cloud API is fully integrated with BotSailor, enabling secure, real‑time messaging to your customers. 



 

 


FAQs

What is WhatsApp Cloud API in BotSailor?
WhatsApp Cloud API is the official Meta-hosted solution that lets you send and receive WhatsApp messages using your own business number, without relying on third-party BSPs. BotSailor integrates this API so you can manage automation, campaigns, and live chat directly from the platform.

 

 

What do I need to get started with WhatsApp Cloud API on BotSailor?
You will need:

  • A Meta (Facebook) Business Manager account
  • Business verification completed
  • A phone number not already registered on WhatsApp
  • A Facebook Developer App with WhatsApp access
  • A permanent access token (system user token)

 

How do I create a WhatsApp Cloud API App?

  1. Visit https://developers.facebook.com
  2. Create a new App → Choose “Business”
  3. Add “WhatsApp” product
  4. Link your Business Manager
  5. Add a system user and generate a token
  6. Add your phone number in WhatsApp settings. BotSailor provides a visual step-by-step guide during setup.

 

 

Where do I enter my WhatsApp Cloud API credentials in BotSailor?
Go to WhatsApp → Connect Account → Cloud API
 Enter:

  • Phone Number ID
  • WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID)
  • Access Token
  • App ID & App Secret (optional for webhook verification)
  • Set your webhook URL (BotSailor will generate it for you)

 

How do I set up the webhook correctly?
From your app dashboard, go to:
 App → WhatsApp → Configuration → Webhooks

  • Add callback URL provided by BotSailor
  • Use verification token (also shown in BotSailor)
  • Subscribe to messages and status updates

 

Do I need to re-verify my number after connecting it?
No. Once the number is added and verified via Meta and connected to BotSailor, you can start sending/receiving messages instantly.

 



Can I send templates using the Cloud API?
Yes, you can create and manage templates from your WhatsApp Manager. Once approved, they will be synced to BotSailor and can be used in campaigns, flows, or broadcasts.

 



Can I allow my clients to connect their own WhatsApp Cloud API in BotSailor?
Yes. Resellers can allow each sub-user (end user) to connect their own WhatsApp Cloud API credentials from their dashboard.

 



Do I need to create separate Meta apps for each client?
No. Each client can use their own developer app, or you can set up one master app and onboard clients via Embedded Signup.
 However, Meta recommends using individual apps for data security and token isolation.

 



How do I manage multiple client apps as a reseller?
BotSailor supports multi-client setup. You can:

  • Let users enter their own credentials
  • Or use app-level onboarding if you manage everything centrally. Make sure each client app is linked to a verified business and has its own valid access token.



Can I charge clients for using their Cloud API account via BotSailor?
Yes. As a reseller, you control pricing. You can offer Cloud API support as part of your package or as an addon.




What’s the difference between Cloud API and embedded BSPs?

  • Cloud API: You manage your own WhatsApp number, templates, and billing via Meta.
  • BSP: Everything is hosted and managed by a third-party, often with markup fees. BotSailor integrates both, but Cloud API gives more transparency and control.




Does BotSailor support auto-renewal of system user tokens?
Currently, you’ll need to manually regenerate the token when it expires (default 60 days). BotSailor will notify you before expiry. Permanent system users are recommended.

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