Getting started
WhatsApp Cloud API setup has more prerequisites than Facebook/Instagram. Follow this checklist to avoid common blockers (business verification, phone verification, and System User tokens).
7-step setup checklist
- Open WhatsApp Bots Go to AI Bucket and open the WhatsApp Bots app. Keep this tab open—you’ll paste IDs and the token later.
- Create a Meta app and add WhatsApp In Meta Developers, create an app for your business and add the WhatsApp product (Cloud API).
- Verify the business (recommended) Complete Meta Business Verification early. It can impact display name, messaging limits, and template usage.
- Add and verify your phone number In WhatsApp Manager, add a phone number and verify it via SMS/voice code. This is required to send/receive messages through the API.
- Generate a System User access token Create a System User, assign the WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) to it, grant required permissions, then generate an app token.
- Configure webhooks Use AI Bucket’s webhook URL + verify token to verify the webhook in Meta, then subscribe to message events.
- Create the bot in AI Bucket Paste business_id (WABA ID), phone_id (Phone Number ID), and the System User token. Send a test message and confirm it appears in Omni-Chats.
Tips
- Use a dedicated number for Cloud API. Avoid reusing a number tied to a personal WhatsApp app account.
- Start business verification early—review can take time and can block key production capabilities.
- Treat the token like a password. Plan token rotation and update it in AI Bucket before it expires.
After launch
Operate in Omni-Chats
Use Omni-Chats to monitor conversations, pause AI, and take over manually.
Improve response quality
Add or refine AI Knowledge Base entries and adjust your system prompt to reduce hallucinations and keep answers up to date.