How to install WhatsApp and set up channel

Video guide

Bird's WhatsApp integration allows you to send WhatsApp messages easily while maintaining the flexibility to manage messaging channels dynamically through the Channels API. 

This powerful integration connects your business directly to one of the world's most popular messaging platforms.

Watch video tutorial below to learn how to set up WhatsApp integration: 

• Install a new WhatsApp channel with a dedicated phone number
• Connect to Facebook Business Manager to register your WhatsApp Business Account
• Verify your phone number or enter a pre-registered PIN
• Name your channel for easy identification in reports and settings
• Complete the installation process to activate the WhatsApp integration

Before starting, ensure you have access to Facebook Business Manager, a dedicated phone number for WhatsApp (either your own or purchased through Numbers by Bird), and your business's legal address and details.

For detailed implementation steps make sure to check our Developer documentation.

Step-by-step guide

Follow the step-by-step guide to learn how to set up an WhatsApp integration and channel.

Step 1: Prepare the prerequisites

1. Ensure you have access to Facebook Business Manager

2. Secure a dedicated phone number for WhatsApp that isn't already in use

   • Option 1: Use your own dedicated business number
   • Option 2: Purchase a number through Numbers by Bird

3. Have your business's legal address and details ready

4. These requirements are mandatory for WhatsApp Business verification

Step 2: Access WhatsApp setup

1. In the main menu navigate to Developr product
2. Navigate channels 
3. Open WhatsApp 
4. Click on WhatsApp setup 

You'll see a list of existing WhatsApp channels (if any). If this is your first time, you'll only see the Info tab

Step 3: Initiate WhatsApp installation

1. Click on "Install WhatsApp" button

2. Choose your phone number option:

   • "Buy a Number" through Numbers by Bird connector. 
   • "I have my own number" if using an existing dedicated number

3. Click "Click here to start" to begin the WhatsApp installation flow

Step 4: Connect to Facebook Business Manager

1. Click on “Click here to start” 
2. A pop-up window will open
3. Log in to your Facebook Business Manager account
4. Select your existing WhatsApp Business Account or create a new one
5. This step links your Bird integration with your official WhatsApp Business presence

Step 5: Verify your phone number

1. Follow the prompts to verify the phone number you've selected

2. If your number has been pre-registered with a PIN:

   • Enter your 6-digit Phone Registration PIN in the designated field
   • This step is only required for pre-registered numbers

3. Complete the verification process as guided

Step 6: Configure your channel

1. Enter a Channel Name for your WhatsApp integration

   • Choose something easily recognizable
   • Consider naming it based on its specific use case

2. This name will appear in your reports and settings

3. It helps identify the channel when you have multiple messaging channels

Step 7: Finalize the installation

1. Review all the information you've entered
2. Click "Install WhatsApp" to complete the setup
3. Wait for the confirmation message
4. Your WhatsApp channel is now connected to Bird's Channels API

Step 8: Verify successful integration

1. Check that your new WhatsApp channel appears in the channel list
2. Confirm the status shows as active
3. Send a test message to ensure everything is working properly
4. You can now send WhatsApp messages through Bird's platform

Step 9: Check Developer docs

Check Developer Docs For detailed instructions on how to set things up in your application, check the developer documentation on docs.bird.com