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What is WABA?

WhatsApp Business API (WABA) is an official Meta (WhatsApp) solution designed to help businesses communicate with customers via WhatsApp. The setup involves creating a WABA under Meta Business Suite, where each WABA can have several WhatsApp profiles. Each profile is associated with:
  • A unique phone number,
  • A business-approved name visible to customers,
  • Template messages that are shared across all channels within the same WABA.
It’s important to note that each WABA can only be linked to a single Meta Business Partner. You also need to review and comply with WhatsApp’s Business Policy. Once you have completed these prerequisites, you can use Whatsapp channel to deploy your AI Agents.

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WABA Onboarding Process

You can onboard your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) to Plivo via an Embedded Sign-Up** Model**. This process allows Plivo to link or create a customer’s WABA, simplifying the connection.

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Step-by-Step Onboarding

  1. Go to WhatsApp Configuration:
    Navigate to your Plivo Console and head to the WhatsApp Configuration section.
  2. Link Your WhatsApp Number:
    You will be given two options for linking your WhatsApp Business account (WABA):
    • Connect an Existing WhatsApp Business App
    • Start with a New WhatsApp Business Number

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1. Connecting an Existing WhatsApp Business App

When to Use:
If you already have a WhatsApp Business App and want a shared messaging experience (i.e., messages sent through Plivo’s linked WABA also appear in your WhatsApp Business App) or wish to respond to users replying back to messages sent by WABA. Steps:
  • Select “Connect Existing WhatsApp Business App”.
  • An embedded sign-up popup will appear.
  • Enter the registered WhatsApp Business number.
  • A QR code will display.
  • You will receive a WhatsApp message with a button to scan the QR code.
  • Scan the QR code and agree to share chats.
  • For more details, refer to Meta’s Embedded Signup Documentation.

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2. Starting with a New WhatsApp Business Number

Option 1: Using Your Own Number
  • If you want to use your own number, enter your number, Display name (as per WhatsApp Business Display Name Guidelines), and category.
  • Validate the OTP received on your WhatsApp Business number.
  • Meta’s Embedded Sign-Up modal will appear.
  • Log in to Facebook and click Continue.
  • Select your business and either:
    • Select an existing WABA (Note: It will be delinked from any previously connected BSP).
    • Or create a new WABA.
  • Complete the process to successfully link your WhatsApp number.
Option 2: Using a Plivo Number
  • Rent a Plivo number for WhatsApp.
  • Select the rented number while linking WhatsApp. Enter your Display name (as per WhatsApp Business Display Name Guidelines) and category.
  • Enter a Number for Receiving Forwarded OTP Call from Meta.
    Plivo uses Voice OTP to verify the number with Meta.
  • Ensure the number is available to receive Meta’s OTP call.
  • Enter and validate the OTP received on the voice call.
  • Meta’s Embedded Sign-Up modal will appear.
  • Log in to Facebook and click Continue.
  • Select your business and either:
    • Select an existing WABA (Note: It will be delinked from any previously connected BSP).
    • Or create a new WABA.
  • Complete the flow to finish the setup.
Once your WABA is linked and the profile is added, it will appear in the console under WhatsApp page in settings.
You will be able to send and receive messages on a number only when the status of the profile is Connected