WhatsApp Number Verification & Connection
Register, verify, and connect your WhatsApp phone number to Fonify for AI-powered messaging.
WhatsApp Number Verification & Connection
After setting up your Meta Business Account, the next step is registering a phone number for WhatsApp Business API and connecting it to Fonify.
Phone Number Requirements
Not every phone number can be used with WhatsApp Business API. Your number must meet these requirements:
- Not currently registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App
- Able to receive SMS or voice calls for verification
- A dedicated number -- it cannot be shared with personal WhatsApp use
- Supports the country code format (e.g., +90 for Turkey, +1 for US)
If your number is currently active on WhatsApp, you must delete the existing WhatsApp account first. This process takes up to 24 hours and cannot be reversed.
Choosing a Number
New Number
Get a fresh number specifically for WhatsApp Business. Cleanest option with no migration steps.
Existing Business Line
Use your current business phone number. Customers already know this number.
Fonify Number
Use a number you already procured through Fonify's phone number service.
If you use a number that previously had a WhatsApp account, your customers may still see old profile information until the new business profile propagates.
Registration Process
Go to your WhatsApp Business Account in Meta Business Suite. Navigate to Phone Numbers and click Add Phone Number.
Select the country code and enter the phone number. Make sure to enter it without the leading zero (e.g., for a Turkish number +90 532 XXX XXXX, enter 532XXXXXXX after selecting +90).
Select how you want to receive the verification code:
- SMS -- A 6-digit code is sent via text message
- Voice Call -- An automated call reads the 6-digit code
Choose the method your number can receive.
Input the 6-digit code you received. The code expires after 10 minutes. If you did not receive it, click Resend Code or try the alternative method.
After verification, configure your WhatsApp business profile:
- Display name -- Your business name as customers see it
- Category -- Select your business category
- Description -- A short description of your business
- Profile picture -- Your business logo (recommended: 640x640 px)
Connect the Number to Fonify
Once your number is verified in Meta, connect it to your Fonify workspace.
Go to Settings > Channels > WhatsApp in your Fonify dashboard. Click Connect Number.
Provide the following from your Meta Business Suite:
- Phone Number ID -- Found in WhatsApp Business Account > Phone Numbers
- WhatsApp Business Account ID -- Found in account settings
- Access Token -- The permanent token generated during Meta account setup
Copy the webhook URL displayed by Fonify. In Meta Business Suite, go to your WhatsApp account's Configuration tab and set the webhook URL. Enter the verify token shown by Fonify.
Subscribe to the following webhook fields:
messagesmessage_template_status_update
Fonify sends a test message to a number you specify to confirm the integration is working. Check that the message arrives with the correct sender name and profile.
Tip
After connecting, send yourself a message on WhatsApp to your business number. This triggers the user-initiated conversation flow and lets you verify the AI assistant responds correctly.
Assign an AI Assistant
After connection, assign an AI assistant to handle WhatsApp messages:
- Go to Settings > Channels > WhatsApp and find your connected number.
- Click Assign Assistant and select the AI assistant from your workspace.
- Configure response behavior: auto-reply, business hours, and escalation rules.
- Save changes and test with a real message.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Verification code not received | Ensure the number can receive SMS/calls. Try the alternative verification method. Wait 60 seconds before resending. |
| "Number already registered" error | Delete the existing WhatsApp account on the number first. Wait up to 24 hours before retrying. |
| Webhook not connecting | Verify the webhook URL is entered correctly. Check that the verify token matches. Ensure your Fonify workspace is active. |
| Messages not reaching Fonify | Confirm the messages webhook field is subscribed. Check Meta's webhook logs for delivery errors. |
| Profile picture not showing | Allow up to 24 hours for profile updates to propagate across WhatsApp's network. |