How to install WhatsApp and set up channel
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 1: Prepare the prerequisites
Ensure you have access to Facebook Business Manager
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
Have your business's legal address and details ready
These requirements are mandatory for WhatsApp Business verification
Step 2: Access WhatsApp setup
In the main menu navigate to Developr product
Navigate channels
Open WhatsApp
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 2: Access WhatsApp setup
In the main menu navigate to Developr product
Navigate channels
Open WhatsApp
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 4: Connect to Facebook Business Manager
Click on “Click here to start”
A pop-up window will open
Log in to your Facebook Business Manager account
Select your existing WhatsApp Business Account or create a new one
This step links your Bird integration with your official WhatsApp Business presence
Step 5: Verify your phone number
Follow the prompts to verify the phone number you've selected
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
Complete the verification process as guided
Step 6: Configure your channel
Enter a Channel Name for your WhatsApp integration
Choose something easily recognizable
Consider naming it based on its specific use case
This name will appear in your reports and settings
It helps identify the channel when you have multiple messaging channels
Step 7: Finalize the installation
Review all the information you've entered
Click "Install WhatsApp" to complete the setup
Wait for the confirmation message
Your WhatsApp channel is now connected to Bird's Channels API
Step 8: Verify successful integration
Check that your new WhatsApp channel appears in the channel list
Confirm the status shows as active
Send a test message to ensure everything is working properly
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
