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How to setup a WhatsApp channel?

Last updated on Sep 15, 2025

You can manage your WhatsApp Business Account conversations directly from Chatwoot. To connect your WhatsApp number, Chatwoot supports two onboarding methods:

  • Embedded Signup (recommended) – a guided flow powered by Meta that auto-configures your number, webhooks, and tokens.

  • Manual Setup – an advanced option for tech providers and cases where Embedded Signup cannot be used.

This guide gives you an overview of both methods, their differences, and links to detailed step-by-step instructions.

Prerequisites

  • A Meta (Facebook) developer or business account

  • A valid phone number (not already tied to another WhatsApp Embedded Signup flow, unless migrating)

  • A Chatwoot workspace with WhatsApp feature enabled

Step 1: Go to Inboxes

  1. Log into your Chatwoot account.

  2. Navigate to Settings › Inboxes › Add Inbox.

  3. Choose WhatsApp as the channel.

Step 2: Choose Your Setup Method

When creating a WhatsApp Inbox, you’ll see two options:

Connect with Whatsapp Business (Embedded Signup)

  • Redirects you to Meta’s Embedded Signup flow.

  • You log in with your Facebook account, select or create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), and add your phone number.

  • Chatwoot automatically receives the webhook, tokens, and phone number configuration.

Use this option if you are:

  • Adding a new WhatsApp number

  • Looking for the fastest, no-configuration setup

  • Not a tech provider onboarding your own number

Read the full guide on WhatsApp Embedded Signup

Manual Setup

  • You configure everything through the Meta Developer Console.

  • Requires generating tokens, creating a system user, assigning assets, and setting up webhooks manually.

  • You copy/paste the Phone Number ID, Business Account ID, and API key into Chatwoot.

Use this option if you are:

  • A tech provider onboarding your own number

  • Reusing a number that is already linked to Embedded Signup

  • Comfortable working with the Meta Developer dashboard

Read the full guide on Manual Setup