Preparation
You only need three things to connect to the WhatsApp Business API, however it is important that they meet certain requirements in order to complete the setup flow:
Superchat login data
Facebook login data
Important: You will need a login with admin rights to your Meta Business account.
Important: The account must not be blocked (here you can see if there are any restrictions on your META Business account)
The phone number you want to connect to the API
Ideally one that is not yet connected to WhatsApp, however if you have an existing account, you can find instructions on how to delete it here. (If you just want to change the number within your WhatsApp Business account, you can find the link here).
Important: You need to be able to receive an authentication call to your chosen number, so a number with an automated answering system will not work.
Step-by-step Guide
This setup flow will focus on numbers not currently registered with WhatsApp. There are a few ways to do the setup flow depending on your numbers' current relationship with the WhatsApp Business App, API and other API providers, however we will focus on starting from scratch in this tutorial as it covers all the basics. Each flow will have specific instructions within the flow itself to help walk you through it.
If you are looking to set up Superchat via Coexistence, you can find instructions for that here.
Connect your WhatsApp Number to Superchat
Navigate to Settings → Inboxes, then select the Inbox you want to add the channel to and select WhatsApp Business API.
On the next page, select New number and then press Continue with Facebook.
If you have not already done so in the browser, log in with your Facebook access data in the ensuing pop-up (unrestricted admin rights are required).
After you've done that, click Continue.
Select the correct Business Portfolio you wish to use or create a new one
Since we are connecting a number for the first time, for WhatsApp Business Account you want to select Create a WhatsApp Business Account.
In the following flow, you will be prompted to enter the Name, Category, Website and Time zone (as well as Country, although if your business is already verified on Meta this will be a fixed value). While Website is listed here as 'optional', it is actually very important to add this information now.
It can be very helpful before clicking Next to go to the Meta Business Suite and check the information already added in your Meta Business Portfolio (address, website, etc). It will prevent a lot of issues later on if you ensure that the info you enter at this stage of the setup flow matches what is currently in your business portfolio.
Now, select Add a new number and then add the number you wish to use (make sure you have the phone for this number on hand). It is important to then select Phone call for how to receive the verification number (since the text verification process is slightly temperamental), then click Next.
Note: It is important that there is not an automated answering system connected to the number you wish to use. In other words, the call should go directly to you, as any automated system will prevent you from being able to receive the call (and therefore the verification code).
Enter the 6-digit verification code and press Next.
Then, finally, click on Confirm.
You have now completed the setup process!
Connecting further numbers
You can easily add further numbers by clicking on Add channel and then go through the set-up once more.
Make sure to create a new Whatsapp account.
Keep in mind that you must be verified in your Business manager/ portfolio to add more than two numbers.
Further Information
To make full use of Superchat, you need to set up WhatsApp templates, which we explain in the article Get started: WhatsApp templates.