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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vobiz.ai/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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Time Required

Setting up all prerequisites typically takes 15–30 minutes if you don’t have a Meta Business Account yet.

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1. Meta Business Account

A Meta Business Account is required to use the WhatsApp Business API. This free account gives you access to Meta’s business tools, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Creating a Meta Business Account

  1. Go to business.facebook.com and log in with your personal Facebook account.
  2. Click Create Account in the top right.
  3. Enter your business name and details. Use your actual business name - you’ll need to verify it later for production access.
  4. Complete the verification process.

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Important Notes

  • You need a personal Facebook account to create a Business Account.
  • The business name should match your official business registration.
  • For production use, Meta will require business verification (can take 1–3 days).

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2. WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

Within your Meta Business Account, create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA). This is where you manage your WhatsApp phone numbers and settings.

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Creating a WABA

  1. In Meta Business Manager, go to WhatsApp Accounts in the left menu.
  2. Click Add and select Create a WhatsApp Business Account.
  3. Follow the setup wizard to create your WABA.
  4. Save your WABA ID - you’ll need this for Vobiz.
Finding your WABA ID: Go to WhatsApp Manager → Settings → Business Info. Your WABA ID is displayed at the top (format: 123456789012345).

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3. Phone Number Requirements

You need a phone number to use with WhatsApp Business. The number must meet the following requirements:

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Phone Number Rules

  • Must be able to receive voice calls or SMS - Used for verification via OTP (One-Time Password).
  • Cannot be registered with WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp Messenger - If it’s currently in use, you’ll need to deregister it first.
  • Must be in a supported country - Most countries are supported. Check Meta’s documentation for the full list.
  • Recommended: use a dedicated business number - avoid using personal numbers for business communications.

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Option 1: Bring Your Own Number (BYON)

Use an existing phone number you already own.
  • Free (no additional cost)
  • Requires OTP verification
  • Takes 5–10 minutes to set up

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Option 2: Buy from Vobiz

Purchase a new WhatsApp-capable number directly from Vobiz.
  • Instant setup (no verification needed)
  • Choose from available countries
  • Monthly fee applies

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4. Vobiz Account

An active Vobiz account is required to use the WhatsApp Business integration.

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What You’ll Need

  • Active Vobiz account - sign up at console.vobiz.ai if you don’t have one.
  • API credentials (for developers) - get your Auth ID and Auth Token from the Vobiz Console under Settings → API Credentials.
  • Sufficient balance - WhatsApp messages are charged per conversation; add credits to your Vobiz account.

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5. Optional Requirements

These are optional but recommended for a better experience:
  • Meta App (for embedded signup) - required only if you want to use Meta’s embedded signup flow; you can also manually enter credentials.
  • Webhook endpoint (for developers) - a publicly accessible endpoint to receive real-time notifications for incoming messages and events. You can set this up later.
  • Business verification (for production) - Meta requires business verification for production use and higher message limits. This involves submitting business documents and takes 1–3 business days.

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Ready to Continue?

Once you have all the prerequisites in place, you’re ready to connect your first WhatsApp channel. Continue to Quick Start Guide →