WhatsApp Business API setup checklist

Before you start

• Facebook account with admin rights — it must be able to act as an admin of your business. You log in with it in Meta's pop-up.
• Business details — your legal business name, address and contact details, as Meta will check them in business verification. Documents you need →
• Supporting documents, just in case — if Meta can't match your details to a record, it asks for documents such as a business licence.
• A way to confirm the business is yours — Meta confirms your connection by email, phone, text, WhatsApp or, if you own a website domain, domain verification.
• The phone number — one you own, with a country and area code (short codes don't work), that can receive an SMS or voice call. Which number to use →
• Number not on WhatsApp — a number active on the regular WhatsApp app must be deleted from it first. A number on the WhatsApp Business app can be connected as it is with *Connect Existing WhatsApp Business App*. Move from the app to the API →
• Your display name — the business name customers will see. Meta reviews it against its guidelines.

During signup

• Open Meta's Embedded Signup — on the Lead Pattern Home dashboard choose *Connect with WhatsApp* (or *Connect Existing WhatsApp Business App*). The pop-up is Meta's own, so its screens can change.
• Log in with Facebook and pick (or create) your business portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account.
• Add the number and enter the code Meta sends by SMS or voice call.
• Enter your display name.
• Finish — when Meta confirms, the pop-up closes and Lead Pattern links the number to your workspace.
• Verify your business in Meta Business Suite. Meta says a decision can take up to 14 business days; you can start messaging within the starting limits meanwhile. Meta business verification →

After going live

• Check your profile — Settings → Business Profile in Lead Pattern shows the display name and number Meta has on file.
• Fill in your business profile — Meta's policy asks you to keep customer support contact details on it, accurate and up to date.
• Create your first templates — choose the category (marketing, utility or authentication), add sample values and submit. Meta's review can take up to 24 hours. Free template library →
• Collect opt-in — only message people who gave you their number and agreed to get messages from you.
• Honour opt-outs — stop messaging anyone who asks, on or off WhatsApp.
• Warm up gently — message engaged, opted-in customers first. Good quality grows your messaging limit. Messaging limits →
• Turn on two-step verification for the number — Meta needs it before you can request the blue checkmark. Green tick guide →