> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vambe.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect WhatsApp Business API

> Set up official Meta WhatsApp Business API integration with Vambe for scalable messaging.

## 🚀 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.

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

***

## 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](/docs/quickstart) with valid API key

<Warning>
  **Important:** WhatsApp Business API requires approval from Meta and has
  different requirements than regular WhatsApp Business. The verification
  process can take several days.
</Warning>

***

## Understanding WhatsApp Business API

### API vs QR Connection

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp Business API" icon="whatsapp" color="#25D366">
    **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
  </Card>

  <Card title="WhatsApp QR Setup" icon="qrcode" color="#128C7E">
    **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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### 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

***

## Prerequisites

Before starting the setup, ensure you have:

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Required Items" icon="list">
    * **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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  **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.
</Warning>

***

## Step-by-Step Vambe Setup

Based on the official Vambe guide from [`Skool - WhatsApp API Setup`](https://www.skool.com/vambe/classroom/b9d85b56?md=78852de8849b4e039fe88411db8a2571), follow these steps:

<Steps>
  <Step title="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"**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Meta Business Login">
    A new tab will open:

    * **Sign in** with your Facebook Business account
    * Click **"Continue"**
    * Click **"Get Started"**

    <Info>
      Make sure you're using the same Meta account where you manage your business ads and have admin access.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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

    <Tip>
      Use the same business information that's verified in your Meta Business Manager to avoid approval delays.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Associate Phone Number">
    Link your phone number:

    * **Enter** the phone number you want to link
    * **Select** option to receive verification code via **SMS**

    <Warning>
      **CRITICAL:** You'll receive a code in format **XXX XXX**. Save this code - you'll need to enter it **twice** during the process.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the Code">
    Complete the verification:

    * **Enter** the received verification code
    * **Review** all information for accuracy
    * Click **"Continue"**
    * Click **"Finish"**

    <Note>
      The verification code format is XXX XXX (with space). Make sure to enter it exactly as received.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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

    <Check>
      Success! Your WhatsApp API number is now linked to Vambe and ready to automate conversations.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Verify Your Connection

Once setup is complete, test your WhatsApp API connection:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash Test via Vambe API theme={null}
  curl -X GET \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
    https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/whatsapp
  ```

  ```javascript Check Connection Status theme={null}
  const response = await fetch(
    'https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/whatsapp',
    {
      headers: { 'x-api-key': process.env.VAMBE_API_KEY },
    },
  );

  const channel = await response.json();
  console.log('WhatsApp Status:', channel.status);
  ```

  ```python Verify Setup theme={null}
  import requests

  response = requests.get(
    'https://api.vambe.me/api/public/channels/whatsapp',
    headers={'x-api-key': os.environ['VAMBE_API_KEY']}
  )

  if response.status_code == 200:
    channel = response.json()
    print(f"WhatsApp API connected: {channel['status']}")
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Tip>
  You can also send a test message from a personal WhatsApp to your business
  number to verify that messages appear in your Vambe dashboard.
</Tip>

***

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Phone Number Already in Use" icon="alert-triangle">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Verification Code Issues" icon="message-x">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Meta Business Account Problems" icon="facebook">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Connection Failed in Vambe" icon="unlink">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Message Limits & Pricing

### Messaging Tiers

WhatsApp Business API uses a tier system that increases with verified phone numbers:

| Tier       | Messages per 24h | How to Increase                   |
| ---------- | ---------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Tier 1** | 1,000            | Start with 10 verified recipients |
| **Tier 2** | 10,000           | Message 10 unique users           |
| **Tier 3** | 100,000          | Message 100 unique users          |
| **Tier 4** | Unlimited        | Message 1,000 unique users        |

### Message Categories

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Utility Messages" icon="wrench">
    **Business-critical updates**

    * Order confirmations
    * Appointment reminders
    * Account alerts
    * Payment confirmations

    **Cost: Lower rates**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="shield">
    **Security codes and verification**

    * Login codes
    * Password resets
    * Account verification
    * Two-factor authentication

    **Cost: Lowest rates**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Marketing Messages" icon="bullhorn">
    **Promotional content**

    * Product announcements
    * Special offers
    * Newsletter updates
    * Event invitations

    **Cost: Higher rates**
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Pricing varies by country.** Check [Meta's pricing
  page](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing) for current rates
  in your region.
</Info>

***

## Next Steps

<Check>
  Congratulations! Your WhatsApp Business API is now connected to Vambe.
</Check>

Now you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create Message Templates" icon="plus" href="/docs/create-template">
    Design approved templates for notifications and marketing messages
  </Card>

  <Card title="Send Template Messages" icon="envelope" href="/docs/send-template-message">
    Learn how to send template messages through the API
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Automated Flows" icon="sitemap" href="/docs/create-pipeline">
    Create AI-powered conversations and automated responses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor Message Analytics" icon="chart-line" href="/docs/analytics">
    Track delivery rates, response times, and engagement metrics
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  **Important:** Always comply with WhatsApp Business Policy. Sending spam or
  unsolicited messages can result in account suspension or permanent ban.
</Warning>