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🚀 What you’ll build

You’ll connect your WhatsApp Business API account with Vambe to send official WhatsApp messages, templates, and automated responses at scale.
WhatsApp Business API is Meta’s official solution for businesses to communicate with customers. It provides higher limits, better reliability, and advanced features compared to WhatsApp QR.

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Prerequisites

Before connecting WhatsApp Business API, ensure you have:
  • ✅ A Meta Business Account (formerly Facebook Business Manager)
  • ✅ WhatsApp Business API access approved by Meta
  • ✅ A verified phone number for your business
  • ✅ Completed Quickstart guide with valid API key
Important: WhatsApp Business API requires approval from Meta and has different requirements than regular WhatsApp Business. The verification process can take several days.

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Understanding WhatsApp Business API

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API vs QR Connection

WhatsApp Business API

Official Meta integration for businesses
  • Higher message limits (1000+ per day)
  • Template message support
  • Webhook integrations
  • Business verification required
  • Costs per message
  • Advanced automation features

WhatsApp QR Setup

Quick scan-and-go setup
  • Limited daily messages (~250)
  • Personal/small business use
  • Free to use
  • No templates required
  • Basic automation
  • Easy setup in minutes

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When to Use Business API

Choose WhatsApp Business API when you need:
  • High volume messaging (>250 messages/day)
  • Template messages for notifications, confirmments, updates
  • Official business presence with green checkmark verification
  • Advanced automation with webhooks and integrations
  • Customer support at scale with multiple agents
  • E-commerce integrations with order updates and confirmations

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Prerequisites

Before starting the setup, ensure you have:

Required Items

  • Phone number that can receive SMS or calls - Available number - not currently linked to any WhatsApp account - Active Meta Business Portfolio - same account where you manage Facebook ads - Admin access to your Meta Business Manager account
Important: The phone number must not be currently associated with any WhatsApp account (personal or business). You’ll need to use a completely new number.

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Step-by-Step Vambe Setup

Based on the official Vambe guide from Skool - WhatsApp API Setup, follow these steps:
1

Add WhatsApp API in Vambe

In your Vambe dashboard:
  • Click “Platform Settings” in the upper right corner
  • Go to Channels section
  • Click “Add Channel” button at the bottom
  • Select “WhatsApp API”
  • Choose “Register Phone Number”
2

Meta Business Login

A new tab will open:
  • Sign in with your Facebook Business account
  • Click “Continue”
  • Click “Get Started”
Make sure you’re using the same Meta account where you manage your business ads and have admin access.
3

Complete Business Information

Fill out your company details:
  • Select your business commercial portfolio
  • Enter your company name
  • Provide your company website URL
  • Select your country
Use the same business information that’s verified in your Meta Business Manager to avoid approval delays.
4

Create WhatsApp Business Profile

Set up your WhatsApp Business account:If you already have a WhatsApp Business account:
  • Select your existing account from the dropdown
If you need to create a new profile:
  • Choose “Create new profile”
  • Enter WhatsApp Business account name
  • Set display name (visible to customers)
  • Select your business category
5

Associate Phone Number

Link your phone number:
  • Enter the phone number you want to link
  • Select option to receive verification code via SMS
CRITICAL: You’ll receive a code in format XXX XXX. Save this code - you’ll need to enter it twice during the process.
6

Verify the Code

Complete the verification:
  • Enter the received verification code
  • Review all information for accuracy
  • Click “Continue”
  • Click “Finish”
The verification code format is XXX XXX (with space). Make sure to enter it exactly as received.
7

Connect with Vambe

Return to Vambe platform:
  • You’ll automatically return to Vambe dashboard
  • Re-enter the verification code (format: XXX XXX)
  • Select the pipeline where you want to associate this phone number
Success! Your WhatsApp API number is now linked to Vambe and ready to automate conversations.

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Verify Your Connection

Once setup is complete, test your WhatsApp API connection: 
curl -X GET \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.vambeai.com/api/public/channels/whatsapp
You can also send a test message from a personal WhatsApp to your business number to verify that messages appear in your Vambe dashboard.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you get an error that the number is already linked:
  • Ensure the number isn’t connected to any other WhatsApp account
  • Check if it’s linked to personal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app
  • Try using a completely new, unused phone number
  • Contact Meta support if you believe this is an error
If you don’t receive the XXX XXX verification code:
  • Check your phone can receive SMS messages
  • Verify the phone number was entered correctly with country code
  • Wait a few minutes and try requesting the code again
  • Ensure the number has good cellular coverage
  • Try the voice call option if SMS doesn’t work
If you can’t access Meta Business Manager:
  • Ensure you have admin permissions on the business account
  • Verify your Meta account is not restricted or suspended
  • Check that your business is verified in Meta Business Manager
  • Make sure you’re using the correct Facebook account
  • Clear browser cache and cookies, try incognito mode
If the final Vambe connection doesn’t work:
  • Double-check you entered the verification code correctly (XXX XXX format)
  • Ensure you selected the correct pipeline for association
  • Try refreshing the Vambe page and re-entering the code
  • Contact Vambe support if the issue persists
  • Verify your Vambe account has proper permissions

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Message Limits & Pricing

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Messaging Tiers

WhatsApp Business API uses a tier system that increases with verified phone numbers:
TierMessages per 24hHow to Increase
Tier 11,000Start with 10 verified recipients
Tier 210,000Message 10 unique users
Tier 3100,000Message 100 unique users
Tier 4UnlimitedMessage 1,000 unique users

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Message Categories

Utility Messages

Business-critical updates
  • Order confirmations
  • Appointment reminders
  • Account alerts
  • Payment confirmations
Cost: Lower rates

Authentication

Security codes and verification
  • Login codes
  • Password resets
  • Account verification
  • Two-factor authentication
Cost: Lowest rates

Marketing Messages

Promotional content
  • Product announcements
  • Special offers
  • Newsletter updates
  • Event invitations
Cost: Higher rates
Pricing varies by country. Check Meta’s pricing page for current rates in your region.

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Next Steps

Congratulations! Your WhatsApp Business API is now connected to Vambe.
Now you can:

Create Message Templates

Design approved templates for notifications and marketing messages

Send Template Messages

Learn how to send template messages through the API

Set Up Automated Flows

Create AI-powered conversations and automated responses

Monitor Message Analytics

Track delivery rates, response times, and engagement metrics
Important: Always comply with WhatsApp Business Policy. Sending spam or unsolicited messages can result in account suspension or permanent ban.