# Onboarding on WhatsApp Business

**Step 1: Start the WhatsApp Business Onboarding**

1. From the Mercuri dashboard, go to  **Settings** and select **Channels**.
2. Click the **Onboard WhatsApp channel** button to begin the onboarding process.
3. You will be redirected to **Meta's Embedded Signup flow** (powered by Facebook).

***

#### **Step 2: Create or Link Your WhatsApp Business Account**

1. **Login with Facebook:**
   * Sign in using your Facebook credentials. Ensure you log into the account that manages your business on Meta.
2. **Create or Link Your Business Manager:**
   * If you already have a Business Manager account, select it from the list.
   * If you don’t have one, click **Create New Business** and follow the on-screen instructions.

***

#### **Step 3: Verify Your Business**

<figure><img src="/files/Pqe2m6q9TIbDGSTsMuUI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Enter your business details, including:
   * Business Name
   * Business Address
   * Industry Category
2. Follow Meta’s prompts to complete the business verification process.\
   \&#xNAN;*(Note: Business verification is required to activate WhatsApp Business API.)*

***

#### **Step 4: Choose or Purchase a WhatsApp Number**

<figure><img src="/files/EIeHK7P3B9YEjaYOIXQg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Select an Existing Number:**
   * Choose a number already associated with your business.
   * Ensure the number is not being used with the WhatsApp mobile app (you may need to migrate it to the Business API).
2. **Purchase a New Number:**

   * If needed, Mercuri can assist in purchasing a new number for WhatsApp Business.

   [*To onboard with the existing WhatsApp business account app and phone number, click here*](/communication-channels/whatsapp-integration/onboarding-with-existing-whatsapp-business-app-account-and-phone-number.md)

***

#### **Step 5: Configure Messaging**

1. Select a display name for your WhatsApp Business profile (e.g., your business name).
2. Add a profile picture, business description, and working hours to complete your WhatsApp profile.
3. Configure automated messaging templates such as:
   * Order confirmations
   * Appointment reminders
   * Support messages

***

#### **Step 6: Complete Integration with Mercuri**

1. After completing the setup on Meta, you will be redirected back to Mercuri.
2. Link the verified WhatsApp number to your Mercuri account.
3. Test your WhatsApp messaging capabilities via the **Mercuri Conversations** to ensure everything is working correctly.

***

#### **Step 7: Start Messaging**

* Use Mercuri’s conversationinbox to send and receive WhatsApp messages with customers.
* Automate messages based on CRM triggers or use pre-approved templates for campaigns.


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