> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.prelude.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect your WhatsApp Business Account to Prelude

> Learn how to connect your WhatsApp Business Account to Prelude via Meta’s Embedded Signup so you can send verification messages from your branded WhatsApp number.

Prelude lets you send verification messages from your branded WhatsApp number by connecting your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) through Meta’s **Embedded Signup** flow.

This guide covers each onboarding scenario to help you connect successfully.

<Note>
  If you encounter any issues while following this guide, either [contact our
  support team](mailto:support@prelude.so) or reach out to your Meta Account
  Manager for assistance with account or number provisioning.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prerequisites" titleSize="h2">
    Before you begin the onboarding flow, make sure you:

    * have contacted your **Meta account manager** to ensure access is enabled for your business.
    * are a member of the **Meta Business Manager** (formerly Facebook Business Manager) with the appropriate **admin or developer permissions**. If you are not, ask your Business Admin to grant you access.
    * have access to the phone number you plan to use with WhatsApp Business, or you’re willing to use a **free test number provided by Meta**.
    * have a valid **payment method** associated with your **WhatsApp Business Account**. You can configure this here: [WhatsApp Billing Settings](https://business.facebook.com/billing_hub/accounts?account_type=whatsapp-business-account). Messages will not be sent if billing is not configured correctly.
    * have your **WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) approved by Meta**. If your WABA is still pending approval, the integration will fail. You can check your WABA status in the [WhatsApp Manager](https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/whatsapp_account?selected_asset_type=whatsapp-business-account).

    <Warning>
      WhatsApp verification message templates will be automatically created on your account by Prelude.

      **Do not delete these templates** — they are required for the integration to work properly.
    </Warning>

    <Note>
      Currently, Meta directly handles billing for WhatsApp messages. Prelude will not bill you for any WhatsApp messages sent.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the integration from the Prelude dashboard" titleSize="h2">
    1. Log in to the [Prelude dashboard](https://app.prelude.so/).

    2. Navigate to `Verify API` → `Configure` → `Integrations` → `Providers`.

    3. Click **Connect with Facebook**. This opens Meta’s **Embedded Signup** popup.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the embedded signup flow" titleSize="h2">
    This popup guides you through linking your WhatsApp Business Account. Here’s what you may encounter:

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="You already have everything set up" icon="wrench">
        If you already have a Meta Business Manager and a WhatsApp Business Account with an approved phone number:

        1. Select your **Business Manager**.
        2. Select your **WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)**.
        3. Choose the **Phone Number**.
        4. Approve all permissions.
        5. Click the **blue "Finish" button**. The popup will close and the page will begin linking your account. **This can take up to a minute. Stay on the page until it completes.**
        6. After the spinner disappears, the page will refresh and display your WhatsApp Business Account details.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="You don't have a Meta Business Manager" icon="wrench">
        1. The popup will prompt you to create a Business Manager.
        2. Fill in the basic details: business name, email, website (optional).
        3. Submit the form and wait for the Business Manager to be provisioned.
        4. Continue by selecting the new Business Manager in the next steps.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="You don't have a WhatsApp Business Account" icon="wrench">
        1. You will be prompted to **create a WABA** linked to your Business Manager.
        2. Name your WABA and continue.
        3. Meta will create the WABA in real time. You can then add a number.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="You don't have a phone number set up" icon="wrench">
        1. You will be prompted to **add a new number**.
        2. You can enter your own number or use a **free number provided by Meta**.
        3. Once verified, the number will appear in the dropdown for selection.

        <Info>
          **Free numbers behave like standard business numbers**, with some important differences:

          1. Typically use a US country code (+1) and a 555 area code.
          2. Are verified automatically.
          3. Can’t be migrated to another WhatsApp Business Account or used outside of the WhatsApp Business platform.
          4. The display name must still be approved, and the number remains subject to conversation-based pricing and quality ratings.
        </Info>
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finalize and verify the integration" titleSize="h2">
    After completing the popup:

    1. Make sure you clicked the **blue "Finish" button** to trigger the account linking process.
    2. Wait for the page to reload—it can take up to a minute.
    3. The section will refresh automatically and display your linked WhatsApp account.
    4. The connected phone number will appear in the list of available providers.
    5. Prelude will begin routing verification messages through your branded WhatsApp number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the WhatsApp channel on routes" titleSize="h2">
    Once integration is complete, don't forget to:

    1. Navigate to `Verify API` → `Routes`.
    2. Enable the WhatsApp channel for the routes where you want to use it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Personalize your WhatsApp profile" titleSize="h2">
    You can customize your WhatsApp Business profile after onboarding by visiting the [WhatsApp Manager](https://business.facebook.com/latest/whatsapp_manager/phone_numbers).
  </Step>
</Steps>

# Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while following this guide, please check the troubleshooting section below.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Phone number already in use" icon="question-circle">
    Remove it from the current WABA in WhatsApp Manager, or release it from the WhatsApp app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Missing permissions" icon="question-circle">
    Ensure all Meta/Facebook permissions were granted during the flow.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Not in the Business Manager" icon="question-circle">
    Ask your admin to add you with the appropriate permissions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Stuck in redirect loop" icon="question-circle">
    Clear cookies or try using a private browser window.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Billing not configured" icon="question-circle">
    Ensure you added a valid payment method to the WhatsApp Business billing settings—not your ad account.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  If you still need help after checking the troubleshooting section, either [contact our
  support team](mailto:support@prelude.so) or reach out to your Meta Account
  Manager for assistance with account or number provisioning.
</Note>