Connect WhatsApp · Option 1

Set up a brand-new WhatsApp number

Choose this if you're new to the WhatsApp Business Platform, or you want a dedicated number that runs fully on the API. The Meta popup creates your business portfolio, registers your business, and creates your WhatsApp Business Account in order.

This is one of three ways to connect WhatsApp. Not sure this is yours? See Connect WhatsApp to compare all three, or jump to use a number you manage on Meta or keep the number on your phone.

Set up a brand-new number

When you click Connect WhatsApp in HabariChat, a secure Meta popup opens right inside the dashboard. Because HabariChat is a Verified WhatsApp Tech Provider, the whole onboarding happens in that one window: you never leave the dashboard and you never copy secret keys by hand.

Before you start

A Facebook login that is an admin of your business portfolio.
A dedicated phone number that is not registered to any existing WhatsApp account (personal or virtual), and that can receive an SMS or voice code.
Your business details: legal business name and a working website or social profile.

Business registration in the popup. Enter your legal business name and website or profile to create a brand-new WhatsApp Business Account.

Steps

In HabariChat, go to Inboxes and click Connect Channel, select WhatsApp, then click Connect WhatsApp. The Meta popup opens.
In the popup, choose Create a business portfolio (or pick an existing one).
Enter your business details: legal business name, website or social profile, and country. This is your business registration with Meta.
Create your WhatsApp Business Account. This generates your new WABA ID.
Set up your WhatsApp Business profile: display name and business category.
Add your phone number, then verify it with the SMS or voice code Meta sends.
Finish the popup. You're returned to HabariChat with the number connected.
Send a test message to the number and confirm it appears in your inbox.

Tip: your display name is what customers see in their chat. Use your real business name; made-up or misleading names can be rejected during Meta's review.

The phone number verification step, choosing SMS or voice and entering the one-time code Meta sends — The final step: pick **SMS** or **voice call**, then enter the one-time code to activate the number.

Troubleshooting

Issue	What to do
Popup blocked or won't open	Allow popups for habarichat.ai in your browser, then click Connect WhatsApp again.
"Number already registered"	The number is on an existing WhatsApp account. Delete that account in the WhatsApp app and retry, or use Coexistence instead.
No verification code arrives	Re-check the country code, wait a minute, then request the code again or switch to voice call.
Business details rejected	Use your real legal business name and a working website or social profile.
Number missing after authorising	Confirm the number is active in Meta Business Manager, then refresh the Inboxes page.

Need a hand mid-setup? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll walk you through it live.

Common questions

What kind of phone number do I need for a brand-new WhatsApp API number?

You need a phone number that is not registered to any existing WhatsApp account, personal or virtual, and that can receive an SMS or voice verification code. If the number is already on WhatsApp, delete that account first, or choose Coexistence to keep the number on your phone instead.

What display name should I use when setting up a new WhatsApp number?

Use your real business name. The display name is what customers see in their chat, and made-up or misleading names can be rejected during Meta's review. Match it to your legal business name and website or social profile.

What does the error "Number already registered" mean when adding a new number?

It means the number is already on an existing WhatsApp account. Delete that account in the WhatsApp app and retry, or use the Coexistence option to keep the number on your phone and link it to the API.