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

# Connect WhatsApp

> Connect a phone number to WhatsApp for your sender

Before you can send WhatsApp messages, you need to connect a phone number to WhatsApp through Meta's Business Platform. This guide walks you through the connection process.

## Connection Options

When adding WhatsApp to a sender, you have three options:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Zavu Phone Number" icon="phone">
    **Recommended.** Use a phone number from your Zavu account. Best for dedicated business lines with high volume messaging.
  </Card>

  <Card title="WhatsApp Business App" icon="mobile">
    **Coming Soon.** Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App. Best for keeping personal messaging alongside automation (coexistence mode).
  </Card>

  <Card title="Own Phone Number" icon="sim-card">
    Register any phone number you own via SMS verification. Best for using your own carrier number dedicated to Cloud API.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Connect a Zavu Phone Number (Recommended)

This is the easiest way to get started with WhatsApp. Use a phone number you've purchased through Zavu.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to your Sender">
    Log in to your [Zavu Dashboard](https://dashboard.zavu.dev) and go to your Sender Profile.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Channels tab">
    Click on the **Channels** tab to view all available messaging channels.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add WhatsApp">
    In the WhatsApp section, click the **Add** button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Zavu Phone Number">
    Choose **Connect a Zavu phone number** (marked as Recommended).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Meta Business Signup">
    This opens the Meta Business Embed signup flow. Follow the wizard steps to connect your WhatsApp Business Account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your Zavu phone number">
    When the wizard asks for a phone number, enter your Zavu phone number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Call verification">
    When Meta asks how you want to verify the phone number, select **Call** (not SMS).

    <Warning>
      You must select **Call** verification. Zavu phone numbers receive verification codes via voice call, not SMS.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the verification code">
    Zavu will display the verification code from the incoming call. Copy this code and paste it into the Meta wizard to complete the setup.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Once connected, your sender will be able to send WhatsApp messages immediately. The sender status will show as **Active** with WhatsApp enabled.
</Tip>

## Use Your Own Phone Number

If you prefer to use your own phone number instead of a Zavu number:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to WhatsApp setup">
    Follow steps 1-3 above to reach the connection options.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select own phone number">
    Choose **Use my own phone number**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete verification">
    Enter your phone number and verify it via SMS. You'll receive a verification code on your phone.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  When using your own phone number, make sure the number can receive SMS messages and is not already registered with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business.
</Info>

## WhatsApp Business App (Coming Soon)

Coexistence mode allows you to use your existing WhatsApp Business App alongside the Cloud API. This feature is coming soon.

With coexistence, you'll be able to:

* Continue using WhatsApp Business App for personal conversations
* Send automated messages through Zavu
* Keep all conversations in sync

## After Connection

Once WhatsApp is connected to your sender:

1. **Send messages**: Start sending WhatsApp messages via the API or dashboard
2. **Configure webhooks**: Set up webhooks to receive inbound messages
3. **Create templates**: Set up message templates for outbound conversations outside the 24-hour window

## Troubleshooting

### Verification code not appearing

* Make sure you selected **Call** verification, not SMS
* Check that your Zavu phone number is active
* Wait a few seconds for the call to come through

### Meta signup fails

* Ensure you have a Facebook Business account
* Check that your Facebook account has the necessary permissions
* Try using a different browser or clearing cache

### WhatsApp not showing as connected

* Refresh the dashboard page
* Check the sender's Channels tab for status updates
* Contact support if the issue persists

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send WhatsApp Messages" icon="paper-plane" href="/guides/whatsapp/overview">
    Learn about the different message types you can send
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Templates" icon="file-lines" href="/guides/whatsapp/templates/overview">
    Set up templates for messages outside the 24-hour window
  </Card>
</CardGroup>