WhatsApp Business API
Connect your office number to Meta's official WhatsApp Business API — requirements, setup steps, display name, number status and limits.
5 min read
Most clients message estate agencies on WhatsApp. The panel connects your number to Meta's official WhatsApp Business API: the whole team replies from one number in one inbox, and conversations are kept on the client record. The assistant uses this number too: it sends listing links and appointment confirmations from it during calls, and replies to written messages.
We set this up with you. During setup the number must be able to receive a verification code by SMS or voice call, and the person who logs in to Meta needs to be at the screen.
Why the official API matters
There are unofficial tools that imitate WhatsApp Web by scanning a QR code. They break WhatsApp's terms of use and can get your number banned. The panel's connection uses Meta's own setup window and runs on infrastructure from an approved Meta partner.
Using the official API doesn't exempt you from the rules: unsolicited bulk messaging, lots of blocks or reports can restrict your number on the official API too. See WhatsApp rules and quality rating.
Before you start
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone number | A number that can receive SMS or voice calls (a landline is fine). If it's currently active on a WhatsApp app, see the options below. |
| Meta Business portfolio | The agency's Meta Business portfolio. It can be created during setup; we recommend creating it beforehand and being an admin. |
| Facebook account | An account that is an admin of the portfolio. Use the owner's account or a permanent admin's. |
| Business verification (recommended) | Not required, but it raises your messaging limit and helps display name approval. |
| Website | A live website consistent with your display name. Meta reviews the display name against it. |
Which connection method?
| Your situation | Option |
|---|---|
| A new number, or one never used on WhatsApp | Create a new WhatsApp business account |
| The number is on the WhatsApp Business app on your phone and you want to keep using the app | Connect a WhatsApp Business App |
| The number is on another company's WhatsApp API | Migration option; tell your consultant |
With the WhatsApp Business app option (Meta calls it "coexistence"), you use the same number in the phone app and in the panel; your contacts and some recent chat history are brought across. Some features (e.g. group chats, broadcast lists) don't come into the panel, and you need to open the phone app regularly to keep the connection alive. We choose the right method with you during setup.
Heads up
A number registered on personal WhatsApp can't be connected to the API directly. You'd need to back up your chats and delete the WhatsApp account on that number; old chats aren't carried over to the panel. Don't do this without talking to your consultant first.
Setup steps (new number)
- Open Settings → WhatsApp (a separate menu, not Integrations).
- Click Connect your WhatsApp.
- Choose Create a new WhatsApp business account and continue with Continue with Facebook. Meta's setup window opens.
- Log in with Facebook and fill in your business details: business portfolio, website, country.
- Choose the WhatsApp Business account; on a first setup, create a new one.
- Create the business profile: the display name clients will see (e.g. "Atlas Emlak") and real estate as the category.
- Enter the phone number and choose how to verify: SMS or voice call. For landlines, choose a voice call.
- Enter the 6-digit code sent to the number, review and confirm the permissions, and close the window.
Back in the panel, Settings → WhatsApp shows your number and its status. Our team completes the setup so the assistant uses this number.
Display name
The display name is the business name clients see even if they haven't saved your number. Meta reviews every name; until it's approved, your name may not show.
- It must be clearly related to your business and appear on your website, signage or official documents.
- It can't be just a generic term: "Estate Agency" ✗ — "Atlas Emlak" ✓.
- No unnecessary capitals, emoji, punctuation or the word "WhatsApp".
- Changing it later sends it back for review.
If the name is rejected, you'll see it on the number card; correct it according to the rules and resubmit.
Number status, quality and limit
- The number card shows the status (e.g. Connected, Pending), display name approval, quality rating (High / Medium / Low) and messaging limit. Labels may differ slightly between the panel and Meta's WhatsApp Manager.
The messaging limit is how many different people you can reach in 24 hours outside the 24-hour window — i.e. with templates. The limit is shared by all numbers in your Meta Business portfolio. A new portfolio starts with a low limit; it rises with business verification and good-quality sending. Replies to conversations the client started don't count towards it. Details: WhatsApp rules and quality rating.
Where messages appear
WhatsApp messages appear in Conversations with the green icon; everyone who writes for the first time gets a record in Contacts. If the 24-hour window is closed, the reply box asks you to choose a template: WhatsApp templates.
Example: Zeynep Arslan writes at 11:40pm: "Any 2-bed flats to rent in Beylikdüzü?". The assistant replies, asks her budget and move-in date, and sends links to two listings. In the morning Emre Yılmaz picks up the conversation; Zeynep gets every message from one number under the name "Atlas Emlak".
Common issues
"This number is already registered on WhatsApp". The number is still active on a WhatsApp app. Choose the right method with your consultant.
The verification code doesn't arrive. Try the voice call option; on a landline, make sure it accepts incoming calls. After many attempts Meta may make you wait.
Setup finished but the number isn't showing. Refresh the page; if it still isn't there, message your consultant. See Integration troubleshooting.
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