Meta WhatsApp Cloud API

Simplify Messaging Integration

The Meta WhatsApp Cloud API helps businesses connect with customers via WhatsApp without the need to manage servers.
Here's what you get:

Key Features:

• High-Volume Messaging: Send up to 80 messages per second (upgradable to 1,000 mps) for fast, scalable communication.
• Automated Customer Alerts: Easily set up reminders, updates, and promotional messages to keep customers informed and engaged.
• Secure Communication: Protect sensitive data with end-to-end encryption, ensuring safe and private conversations.
• Meta-Managed Cloud Hosting: Focus on your business while Meta handles server hosting, updates, and uptime.
• Real-Time Data & Monitoring: Access performance metrics to track engagement and optimize messaging.

Benefits for Your Business:

• Cost-Efficient: No server management needed - Meta handles it all.
• Scalable: Perfect for businesses needing reliable, high-capacity messaging.
• Customer-Centric: Create personalized, timely customer experiences at scale.

The WhatsApp Cloud API is an easy, reliable way to enhance customer communication and streamline operations. Perfect for businesses aiming to grow their customer engagement with minimal setup.

Quick Guide

Verify your Facebook business account to unlock advanced features and build customer trust.
Here's a simple step-by-step process:

Standard Verification Process:

• Create Business Manager Account: Go to Business Manager, log in, and create your account.
• Add Your Business Page: Navigate to "Business Settings," then "Pages," and add your business page.
• Start Verification: Go to "Security Center" in Business Settings and click "Start Verification."
• Enter Business Details: Provide your business name, address, and contact info—ensure it matches your official documents.
• Verify Domain Ownership: Add a meta-tag or DNS record to your website as per Facebook's instructions.
• Submit Documents: Upload any required documents, like your business license, tax ID, or utility bills.
• Wait for Review: Facebook reviews your submission; this can take a few days to weeks.
• Receive Approval: You'll get notified by email or in Business Manager.

Alternative Verification (if "Verify" button is missing):

• Create a Facebook Developer Account: Go to Facebook Developers and log in or sign up.
• Create a New App: In the Developer Dashboard, create an app for "Business Verification."
• Configure App Settings: Fill in basic settings like Privacy Policy URL and App Icon.
• Add Business Verification Product: Follow prompts to configure the Business Verification product for your app.
• Submit Business Info & Documents: Enter your business details, verify domain ownership, and upload necessary documents.
• Review and Approval: Wait for Facebook to review your information. You'll be notified via email or within the Developer platform.

Estimated Timelines:

• • Account & App Setup: Immediate (a few minutes)
• • Document Submission: A few days to several weeks
• • Review Process: Several days to weeks, depending on volume

For quicker processing, ensure all info and documents are accurate and up-to-date.

Meta WhatsApp Cloud API Setup Guide for Developers

The Meta WhatsApp Cloud API is a powerful tool for businesses to enhance customer communication on WhatsApp.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

Set Up Developer Assets

• Register as a Meta Developer: Sign up at Meta Developer.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds security to your account.
• Create a Meta App: Go to "My Apps" > "Create App," select "Business," and link it to a Business Manager account (auto-created if needed).
• Associate a Test Phone Number: A test number allows you to send unlimited messages to up to five verified recipients.

Send a Test Message

In the API Setup panel, choose your test phone number in the “From” field.

• Add Recipient: Enter a recipient number, which must be verified if using the test number.
• Use Pre-approved Message Templates: Required for initiating messages with users who haven't recently interacted with you.
• Run the Sample Code: You can copy the code provided in the API panel or use tools like Postman to execute it.

Configure a Webhook:

• Set Up an Endpoint: Create a URL to receive message events and status updates (tools like Glitch can assist with setup).
• Configure Callback URL: Enter the URL and verification token in the App Dashboard under "WhatsApp Configuration."
• Manage Subscriptions: Choose which events you want to track, like message deliveries and status changes.

Test Webhook Integration:

• Send a Message to Your Test Number: Once sent, you should see an immediate Webhook notification for message content and status.

Moving to Production

• Choose a Dedicated Phone Number: Switch from a test number to a registered business number for real-world use.
• Obtain User Opt-In: Ensure users consent before sending marketing, utility, or authentication messages.
• Set Up Payment: Charges are per conversation (24-hour period), with the first 1,000 monthly service messages free. Payment options include Visa and Mastercard in supported countries.
• Scale Messaging with Templates: Create and use message templates to expand communication volume beyond standard limits.

Key Features and Benefits

• High-Volume Messaging: Send up to 1,000 messages per second with high-throughput options.
• End-to-End Encryption: Secure customer communications and data with Signal protocol encryption.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Track message status, delivery, and errors with Webhook notifications.
• Cloud Hosting by Meta: Meta manages hosting, scaling, and updates, so you can focus on customer engagement.

This guide equips you with the essential steps to integrate WhatsApp messaging into your business applications, ensuring secure, scalable, and user-friendly communication on a platform your customers trust.

Meta Business Management API for WhatsApp

The Meta Business Management API simplifies managing WhatsApp business assets, including Business Accounts and message templates, allowing efficient setup and permissions for your WhatsApp integration.

Key Requirements:

• Meta Business Account: Linked to a WhatsApp Business Account and a registered app.
• Permissions: Requires whatsapp_business_management and sometimes business_management permissions.
• Access Tokens: Prefer using System User Access Tokens for secure API calls.

User Roles & Permissions:

• System Users: Admin System User: Full access to all assets.
• Employee System User: Restricted to specific assets.
• User Access: Ensure token holders have necessary permissions; access can be granularly assigned for security.

Steps to Set Up:

• Create System Users: Via Meta Business Suite (Users > System Users).
• Generate Access Tokens: Choose relevant permissions for API access.
• Assign WhatsApp Account Access: Add users and set permissions in Business Settings > WhatsApp Accounts.

Handling API Errors:

The API provides comprehensive error codes to assist with troubleshooting, including:

• Authorization Errors: Check tokens and permissions.
• Throttling Errors: Control request frequency.
• Integrity & Permission Issues: Resolve policy violations or access settings. Error handling can be automated by parsing code and details in responses.

Common Use Cases:

• Business Management: Manage assets and users across multiple WhatsApp Business Accounts.
• Message Templates: Send standardized messages with pre-approval, ideal for notifications and customer interactions.

For extensive error logging, use Webhooks to get real-time notifications for issues directly in your app. For more information, explore the Meta Developer documentation.

How to Create a Meta Developer App

Creating a Meta Developer App lets you access various APIs and tools for your business needs. Follow these quick steps:

Before You Start:

• Login: Ensure you're logged into your Meta Developer account.
• Check App Limit: Each developer can manage up to 15 apps. Remove unused or archived apps from My Apps if needed.

App Creation Steps:

• Start the Process : Go to the Apps Panel and click "Create App."
• Select a Use Case : Choose the app's purpose (e.g., Facebook Login, Ads, Messaging). If unsure, select "Other" for flexibility.
• Enter App Name and Email : Provide a unique app name and a valid email for notifications. Link to a Meta Business Account if available, then click "Create App."
• Explore the App Dashboard: Once created, access the App Dashboard to adjust settings, add roles, and request necessary API permissions.

Next Steps:

• Add or modify use cases as needed and continue building or testing within the App Dashboard.

This streamlined approach ensures a quick and efficient setup for developers ready to integrate Meta’s tools and APIs into their applications.

WhatsApp Business Phone Number Migration Guide

Migrate a registered phone number from one WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) to another while retaining the number's settings, display name, quality rating, and approved templates. Only Solution Partners and businesses integrated directly with the WhatsApp Business Platform can perform migrations.

Key Migration Points:

• Retention: Migrated numbers retain their display name, quality rating, messaging limits, and approved high-quality message templates.
• Applicable Situations: Ideal for businesses switching Solution Partners or moving from an independent setup to a Solution Partner.

Migration Steps:

• Prepare for Migration:
  • Ensure both source and destination WABAs are verified and approved.
  • Disable two-step verification on the phone number to be migrated.
• Initiate Migration: Make an API call to /WHATSAPP_BUSINESS_ACCOUNT_ID/phone_numbers on the destination WABA, including the country code and phone number details.
• Verify Ownership: Request and verify a registration code for the phone number to confirm ownership.
• Register the Number: Complete the process by registering the number with the destination WABA using an API call.
• Re-enable Security (Optional): For Official Business Accounts (OBAs), re-enable two-step verification for added security.

Important Considerations:

• • No Downtime: The source WABA can continue sending messages until migration is complete.
• • Template Limit: Only high-quality templates are duplicated; low-quality or rejected templates will not transfer.
• • Billing: Charges are based on the WABA active at the time the message is sent.
• • Limitations: Test numbers and WhatsApp Business App numbers cannot be migrated with this process.

This streamlined guide allows Solution Partners and integrated businesses to transfer numbers smoothly without service interruptions or loss of quality settings.

How to Set Up and Subscribe to WhatsApp Business Webhooks

Webhooks let your business receive notifications for incoming messages and customer profile updates in real time. Here's a quick guide :

1. Create an Endpoint

• • Server Setup: Set up an HTTPS endpoint on your server to receive notifications.
• • Certificate Requirement: Use a valid TLS/SSL certificate (self-signed certificates are not supported).
• • Endpoint Functions: Your endpoint must handle both Verification Requests and Event Notifications.

2. Subscribe to Webhooks

• • Meta App Setup: In the Meta App Dashboard, create a Business-type app and add the Webhooks product.
• • Permissions: Add whatsapp_business_messaging permission and complete the Meta App Review process.
• • Endpoint Configuration: Each Meta App can have only one endpoint. For multiple endpoints, use multiple Meta Apps.

3. Types of Notifications

• • Inbound Notifications: Receive alerts for new messages received by your business.
• • Outbound Notifications: Get updates on message status changes, like delivery or read confirmations.

4. Webhook Delivery

• • Retry Logic: If delivery fails, the system retries with decreasing frequency over 7 days.
• • Payload Size: Webhook payloads can be up to 3MB.

Testing and Additional Setup

• • Sample Endpoints: Use platforms like Glitch or Heroku to test webhook functionality.
• • Allowlisting IPs: Regularly update the allowlist for WhatsApp's IP addresses to ensure smooth delivery.

This setup enables real-time communication updates, helping businesses manage and track customer interactions effectively.

Error Handling and Webhooks in WhatsApp Cloud API

The Cloud API built on Meta's Graph API, requires robust error handling to ensure smooth operation and communication. Here's a quick guide to managing errors and using Webhooks effectively.

Error Handling Basics

• Build on Code Values : Base your app's error handling on code and details values in error responses, as they offer the clearest insights.
• Avoid Using Titles : Titles in error responses will be deprecated. Stick to code values for error handling logic.

Error Response Structure :

Each response includes key fields :

• • Code: Indicates the error type.
• • Details: Provides context, like invalid parameters.
• • Message: Combines the error code with a description.

Webhooks for Real-Time Updates

• • Automatic Notifications: Subscribe to Webhooks to receive alerts for inbound messages, status updates, and API errors.
• • Webhook Payloads: Notifications are structured and can include inbound messages, message statuses (e.g., delivered, read), or error details.
• • Webhook Retry Logic: If your server doesn't respond (HTTP status other than 200), the system will retry delivery for up to 7 days.

Sample Error Codes

• • Authorization Errors: Usually related to access tokens or permissions (e.g., 401 Unauthorized).
• • Throttling Errors: Rate limits reached, e.g., 429 Too Many Requests.
• • Integrity & Validation Errors: Related to policy compliance or invalid parameters (e.g., 400 Bad Request).

Using structured error handling and Webhooks with the Cloud API helps manage interactions, track issues, and maintain reliable communication with customers.