OWNER GUIDE · WHATSAPP

Connect your business WhatsApp

Choose how you want to use your number before starting. Coexistence keeps the WhatsApp Business app on the same number; Cloud API connects the number to StrongerBrandAI without using that number in the app at the same time.

Create your account

First, choose the right number

A number in the regular WhatsApp Messenger app cannot be connected as-is. For Coexistence, it must be active in the WhatsApp Business app. For Cloud API only, it must be available to register with the platform and not active in either WhatsApp app.

Before either setup

Be the business owner or an authorized administrator, and have access to the Meta account and business portfolio used for setup.
Keep the phone and SIM available. Meta must verify that you control the number; use a number that can receive the method shown in the signup flow.
Have accurate business details ready: legal or trading name, country, business email, and a public website or business profile URL. Use a real address you control; a working HTTPS website is best. If you do not have one, Meta may accept a public Facebook or Instagram business profile, as it did in our onboarding test. Meta decides what it accepts and may request more evidence.
Use an email address you can access. A business-domain email that matches your website or business records is preferable when available.
Meta may ask for additional business information or verification. Enter consistent, truthful information; approval and timing are determined by Meta.

Path 1 · Coexistence

For businesses that want the same number in the WhatsApp Business app and StrongerBrandAI/Cloud API.

The number must already be set up and working in the WhatsApp Business app. A number active only in the regular WhatsApp Messenger app is not eligible for this path.
Start StrongerBrandAI's WhatsApp connection and choose the option to connect your existing WhatsApp Business app account when Meta offers it.
Follow Meta's linking instructions in the WhatsApp Business app. Meta may show a QR or a pairing code, depending on the flow. Our practical recommendation is to try the code if the QR cannot be scanned or the flow is being completed on the same phone; availability and success depend on Meta's screen.
Approve the connection in the app and finish the remaining Meta screens. Keep the app installed and the number available while setup completes.

Coexistence lets you continue one-to-one conversations in the WhatsApp Business app while the platform uses Cloud API. Some app features and message types are not supported through the API; see Meta's current feature list before relying on them.

Path 2 · Cloud API only

For businesses that want to operate this number through StrongerBrandAI and the WhatsApp platform, not simultaneously through the WhatsApp app.

Use a new or otherwise available number. It must not be active in WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business app when you register it for this path.
Start the connection, sign in to Meta, select or create the business portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account, then add the number when prompted.
Verify the number using the SMS or voice call code offered by Meta and complete any requested business checks.
After registration, do not expect to keep using the same number in the WhatsApp app at the same time. If using both the app and API is important, choose Coexistence from the start. Moving between setups may require disconnecting and onboarding again and can interrupt service; eligibility is controlled by Meta.

Billing and messages

Meta's WhatsApp charges are separate from StrongerBrandAI. Add a valid payment method in the billing settings for the business account when Meta requires it, and check that billing is active. If Meta has assigned a prepaid balance model to your account, keep enough balance. Charges and eligibility depend on Meta's current rates, country, message category, and account setup; a payment method does not remove the need to manage your account in Meta Business tools.

Important: proactive notification templates

The connection and replies to a customer who writes first can work without utility templates. StrongerBrandAI's feature for submitting and managing approved templates for proactive notifications is not available yet. Until it is released, do not rely on StrongerBrandAI to send appointment reminders or other business-initiated notifications outside the customer-service window. Meta requires an approved template for messages sent through Cloud API outside that window, and the user must have agreed to receive the messages. These messages may be charged by Meta.

Quick checklist

I chose the path that matches how I need to use the number.
I can access the Meta business account and the phone that controls the number.
My business details, email, and website/profile are accurate and available.
I understand Meta billing is separate and that proactive templates are not yet available in StrongerBrandAI.

Meta references

Requirements and screens can change. Check Meta's current documentation:

Reviewed September 30, 2026. Guide for StrongerBrandAI owners. Meta controls eligibility, verification, billing, and feature availability.