Connect to WhatsApp

Use this guide to connect a WhatsApp Business Account to rather.chat so your company workspace can use chats, templates, broadcasts, and related messaging features.

Before you start

• Required access: rather.chat admin plus admin access in Meta Business Manager.
• Your rather.chat account and company should already be ready.
• Decide whether you will use an existing number or request a virtual number.
• Review WhatsApp API guidelines and limits if you are planning templates, media, or broadcasts immediately after setup.
• Estimated time: about 10-20 minutes.

If you already use another provider and want to move that number into rather.chat, use Migrate to rather.chat instead.

Setup checklist

• [ ] You can sign in to rather.chat.
• [ ] You know which company workspace should own the connection.
• [ ] You have the required Meta Business Manager access.
• [ ] You know whether you are using an existing number or a new virtual number.
• [ ] You have reviewed any business-policy restrictions that may affect your use case.

Choose your number path

Situation	Choose
You already have a number to connect	Yes
You need rather.chat to provision a number	No, please provide one for me

If you plan to use your own number, it must not already be connected to another WhatsApp account or integration unless you are following the migration guide.

Request a virtual number

If you need a new number:

1. Choose your country.
2. Click Submit.
3. Wait for the number to be generated.

Number generation is usually quick, but it can take a few minutes. Keep the connection page open while the platform prepares the number.

The verification code for the new number is sent to your email address, so keep that inbox open while you complete the connection.

TIP

If the code email does not arrive after a few minutes, check spam or junk mail, confirm you are checking the same email address used during sign-up, and retry the connection step if the platform shows a retry option.

Connect your WhatsApp Business Account

1. Click Connect WhatsApp Account.
2. Complete the Meta embedded signup prompts.
3. Confirm your business assets.
4. Confirm the phone number and finish verification.

Meta screens can change over time. Follow the closest matching prompt if the wording differs slightly from the screenshots below.

1. Start the connection

Click Connect WhatsApp Account.

You should now see the Meta connection flow.

2. Log in to Facebook

If Meta prompts you, sign in to Facebook to continue.

3. Review the rather.chat integration screen

Read the connection overview and click Continue.

4. Select your business assets

Choose the business portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account that should be connected. Meta may also ask you to select or create a Facebook Page and ad account.

5. Enter your business information

Complete the business details required by Meta, such as business name, category, website, and timezone.

6. Add and verify the phone number

Choose the number option, enter the number details, set the display name, and select how you want to verify the number.

Select Phone call to receive the verification code. rather.chat forwards that code to the email address you used during Sign up.

Click Next and keep the connection window open while you wait for the code.

7. Enter the verification code

Enter the 6-digit verification code and click Next.

If you do not receive a code, wait for the retry timer and request a new one. Confirm that the verification method and phone number are correct before retrying.

WARNING

Verification codes can be delayed by email filtering or temporary Meta delivery delays. Check spam or junk mail before restarting the flow. If more than one email arrives, use the newest code.

8. Review the assets you are sharing

Meta shows the WhatsApp Business Account, ad account, Facebook Page, and permissions that will be shared with rather.chat. Review the details and click Confirm.

9. Wait while Meta connects your account

Keep the connection window open while Meta connects the account. This can take a few moments.

10. Complete the Meta connection

When Meta confirms that the account is connected, review the assets it created and click Finish.

Do not close the browser tab, popup, or embedded Meta window before you click Finish.

11. Return to rather.chat

The rather.chat success screen confirms that the WhatsApp integration is complete. Click Go to Dashboard to continue.

Display name guidance

Use a display name that clearly matches your real business identity.

Good display names:

• Match the company or brand name.
• Align with your website and public presence.
• Help customers immediately recognise who is messaging them.

Avoid names that:

• Use only broad category words or location names.
• Include promotional slogans or unnecessary punctuation.
• Suggest official verification when that is not true.
• Use Meta product names in a misleading way.

How to know it worked

• The WhatsApp Business Account is linked to rather.chat.
• Your channels refresh in the dashboard.
• You reach the integration success screen.
• You can proceed to final setup such as attaching a payment method in Meta.

Review your connected assets

Open Channels after setup. The Conversions API column shows whether Meta assets were captured during the connection.

Click Assets Captured to review the Business Portfolio, WhatsApp Business Account, ad account, Dataset or Pixel, and Facebook Page IDs associated with the channel.

INFO

Not Configured means that no Meta asset information has been captured for that channel. This does not necessarily mean that the WhatsApp channel is disconnected.

Final setup after success

Attach a payment method to the WhatsApp Business Account so messaging can be activated:

• Open Add Payment Method
• Complete the billing setup in Meta Business Manager.

The success screen may also note that a rather.chat team member can help finalise setup.

If something goes wrong

Problem	What it means	What to do
You are not an admin in Meta	The account lacks the required access	Ask a Meta admin to complete the flow or grant the needed permission
The number is already connected elsewhere	The number is not available for a fresh connection	Use the migration guide or disconnect the existing integration first
The connection popup closes early	The final Meta confirmation did not finish	Restart the connection flow and complete it through Finish
The verification code does not arrive	Delivery may be delayed or the wrong method was selected	Confirm the verification method and check the email inbox used during sign-up
The platform shows a retry state	The setup did not complete cleanly	Retry the connection from the integration flow

WhatsApp policy note

Some business types and message categories are restricted or prohibited by Meta, especially in regulated or sensitive industries. Review the official WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy before completing setup if that applies to your business.

Common blockers include:

• Products or services linked to gambling, betting, or games of chance.
• Alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or other age-restricted products.
• Certain financial services, loans, high-risk investments, or debt collection use cases.
• Medical, health, or personal data use cases that do not clearly meet Meta policy.
• Misleading business names, display names, or websites that do not match the business identity.

INFO

Meta makes the final policy decision. If your business is in a regulated category, review the policy before setup and prepare supporting business information.

Related guides

• Sign up
• Migrate to rather.chat
• WhatsApp API guidelines and limits
• Get started