For further details and a visual explanation of the steps below, you can review this video from WhatsApp on the Onboarding Process.
Step 1: Create a Business Portfolio in Meta Business Suite
If you already have a Meta Business Suite account, you can skip this step and move to step 2. However, ensure that you have the Administration role for your Facebook page.
Follow the steps outlined in this Facebook help article to create the Business Portfolio.
Step 2: Review the Checklist
Make sure you've followed all the steps in the checklist.
Step 3: Log in to the Saysimple Platform
Log in to the Saysimple Platform and click on ‘Settings’ in the left sidebar. In the Settings menu, click on ‘Manage channels’. In the top-right corner, you'll find a blue button ‘Connect with WhatsApp’.
Step 4: Share Permissions with Saysimple
A new window will open asking you to share permissions with Saysimple. These permissions are required to connect your business to the WhatsApp Business API. It’s important to note that you will remain the owner of your Meta Business Manager and (new) WhatsApp Business Accounts. Click the blue ‘Get Started’ button to continue.
Step 5: Fill in Your Business Information
A new window will open asking you to fill in your business information. If you select the Business portfolio from the dropdown (which you have administration rights to), the information will be pre-filled for you. Click ‘Next’ to continue.
Step 6: Create a New WhatsApp Business Account
When onboarding to Saysimple Cloud API, you need to connect your payment method to your WhatsApp Business Account.
To continue, choose ‘Create a WhatsApp Business Account’ from the first dropdown. The second dropdown will automatically show ‘Create a new WhatsApp Business profile’. Click ‘Next’ to proceed.
Step 7: Create a WhatsApp Business Profile
In this step, you can set up your new WhatsApp Business Account. Fill in the required fields and click ‘Next’ to continue.
Step 8: Set Up a Payment Method
Before adding your phone number, open a new browser window (make sure not to close the window containing the embedded signup flow!) and navigate to business.facebook.com. Open the WhatsApp accounts overview, where you will find your newly created WABA.
Select your WABA and click on ‘Payment Settings’. A new window will open, leading you to the ‘Billing & Payments’ section of your Meta Business Suite.
Click on ‘Payment methods’ in the left sidebar and click the ‘Add payment method’ button below the telescope icon. You can either add a new payment method or choose the one you’re already using with your Meta Ads Account. This is called the ‘Business payment method’. After completing all the steps, a payment method will show.
You’re almost done with setting up your payment method. To finish the process, go back to the page with the overview of all WABA accounts. Click on your newly created WABA and double-check if your payment method is visible. If it's not, click ‘Edit’ on the right side of the screen, select ‘Update Payment Method’, choose the payment method added under ‘Billing & Payments’, and click ‘Close’. Finally, click ‘Confirm’ to complete the process.
Step 9: Add Your Phone Number for WhatsApp
Go back to the window containing the embedded signup flow. Click on ‘Add a new number’ and enter your existing WhatsApp phone number. Choose your preferred verification method. Note that landline numbers can’t receive text messages, and you need to turn off or pause any active IVR solutions before verifying via phone call.
A new window will appear asking for your 6-digit PIN code. Meta will send the 6-digit PIN code to you through your selected verification method. Click ‘Next’ to continue.
Step 10: Finish the Process
In the final step of the embedded signup flow, you’ll see that your number is now connected to the Saysimple platform, and you are ready to start using the WhatsApp Business API.