Connect your WhatsApp number
In one sentence
You link your official WhatsApp Business Account to MsgBuddy through Meta’s guided pop-up, set a security PIN, verify the number with a one-time code, and you’re live.
Why this is the most important setup step
Until a number is connected, MsgBuddy has no door to send or receive messages through. Once it’s connected, the Inbox, Campaigns, and bots all come alive.
Before you start
- You must be an Owner or Admin of the workspace.
- A Facebook account that can access (or create) your business’s WhatsApp Business Account. Meta runs the sign-up, so this is a Facebook/Meta login, not a MsgBuddy one.
- A phone number that can receive an SMS or a phone call for the verification code.
- It should not currently be active on the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app for this business. (A number can live in the app or on the Business Platform, not both.)
Bringing an existing number? That’s fine — Meta’s sign-up handles both brand-new numbers and numbers already linked to your business. Any templates you already had approved will import automatically the first time you connect.
The journey at a glance
Your number moves through a series of stages. MsgBuddy shows you exactly which stage you’re in and what to do next.
You won’t see these exact words on screen everywhere, but this is what’s happening under the hood. If setup ever stalls, find your stage in this diagram to know what’s next.
Step by step
Open the WhatsApp connection screen
From the Dashboard, click the Connect WhatsApp card, or go to Settings → WhatsApp → Manage (which opens Integrations → WhatsApp).
Connect with Facebook
Click Connect with Facebook. A Meta pop-up (their official “Embedded Signup”) opens. Sign in and follow Meta’s prompts to select or create your WhatsApp Business Account and the phone number you want to use.
Let the pop-up finish completely — don’t close it early. If your browser blocks pop-ups, allow them for app.msgbuddy.com and click Connect with Facebook again.
(If asked) pick the exact number
If your business account has several phone numbers, MsgBuddy may ask you to paste the specific phone number ID and continue. Meta shows this ID in the pop-up / your Meta Business settings. Most people with a single number skip this.
Your number appears as “Connected”
Back in MsgBuddy, the number shows up under Connected numbers with its verified business name and a quality rating (explained below). It’s connected, but not yet registered — two quick steps remain.
Set a 6-digit WhatsApp PIN
WhatsApp requires a two-step verification PIN on every Business Platform number — it protects the number from being moved without your permission. Enter a 6-digit PIN, confirm it, and click Register number.
Write this PIN down somewhere safe (a password manager is ideal). You’ll need it if you ever move or re-register the number, and Meta won’t show it to you again.
Verify with a one-time code (OTP)
Choose how to receive the code — SMS or Voice call — and your language, then request it. Enter the code you receive and click Verify number.
- Didn’t get it? Wait for the 60-second cooldown, then Resend (try Voice if SMS fails).
Confirm the webhook subscription
On success, click Ensure webhook subscription. This tells Meta to forward incoming messages to MsgBuddy. (It’s usually automatic — this button just double-checks.)
Your number is now Active. Send yourself a test message on WhatsApp — it should appear in your Inbox within a second or two. 🎉
Understanding the quality rating
Meta continuously grades each number’s quality based on how customers react to your messages (blocks and “report spam” hurt it). You’ll see one of:
| Rating | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Green — High | Customers are happy | Keep it up. |
| Yellow — Medium | Some negative signals | Ease off promotions; make messages more relevant. |
| Red — Low | Many complaints | Stop non-essential sends immediately; fix targeting. Meta may limit you. |
Quality isn’t just cosmetic. A consistently Red number can have its daily messaging limit cut, and low-quality templates can get paused automatically. The best protection is simple: only message people who want to hear from you, and honour opt-outs. More in Templates → Quality & pausing.
What to do next (optional but recommended)
Once connected, three quick wins:
- Import your existing templates from Meta — see Templates → Import.
- Set business hours & an after-hours auto-reply — see Automation.
- Fill in your business profile — up next.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-up closed / nothing connected | Pop-up blocked or closed early | Allow pop-ups, retry Connect with Facebook. |
| ”Number already in use” | The number is still on the WhatsApp app | Remove it from the app first, then reconnect. |
| Didn’t receive the code | Carrier/SMS delay | Wait 60 s, Resend, or choose Voice call. |
| Stuck after several tries (Failed) | Meta-side configuration | Open Meta Business Manager, resolve any flags on the number, then retry from the top. |
| Messages don’t arrive in the Inbox | Webhook not subscribed | Click Ensure webhook subscription again. |
Next: polish your business profile →.