Connect your own WhatsApp with Embedded Signup

If you decided to move from platform credits to your own WhatsApp (see WhatsApp notifications), this article guides you step by step through the setup. It’s a 15- to 30-minute process that you do just once.

What you need before you start

1. A Facebook account (Meta) — a personal one is fine.
2. A dedicated cell phone number for WhatsApp Business — one that is not used on regular WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business app. If it is, you first have to migrate it.
3. Access to the phone that receives the SMS or verification call for that number.
4. An international credit or debit card (to pay Meta — Visa, Mastercard, Amex; it won’t work with local cards that lack an international feature).

Do I have to use a new number?

Ideally, yes. WhatsApp Business API requires a dedicated number — the same number can’t coexist on regular WhatsApp (the green app) and WhatsApp Business API (what we’re going to use). If you want to keep your current number for personal messages, get a second SIM dedicated to the business.

Clarification: the WhatsApp Business app (the green app with the briefcase) is not WhatsApp Business API. If you currently use the WhatsApp Business app with your business number, that number can be migrated — but you lose access to the green app and everything goes through Citauno.

If you want two channels (the WhatsApp Business app for free-form chat + WhatsApp API for automatic notifications), use two different numbers.

Step 1: start the flow in Citauno

1. Go to Settings → WhatsApp.
2. Tap “Connect my WhatsApp Business”.
3. A Meta pop-up appears — that’s the Embedded Signup.

Step 2: sign in to Facebook

In the Meta pop-up:

1. Tap “Continue with Facebook”.
2. Sign in with your personal Facebook account.
3. Authorize Citauno to manage the WhatsApp Business account.

If you’ve never used Meta Business: it will ask you to first create a Meta Business account (free, takes 1 minute). Fill in the business name, website (optional), and email.

Step 3: create or select a WhatsApp Business Account

Meta organizes accounts in tiers:

Meta Business Account (your tax/commercial identity)
  └── WhatsApp Business Account (the WhatsApp channel)
        └── Phone number (the one that will send messages)

• If you already have a WhatsApp Business Account set up, choose it from the list.
• If not, tap “Create new” and fill in:
  • Business name (the one that will appear when someone receives your WhatsApp).
  • Category (Beauty / Health / Retail / etc.).
  • Short description (1-2 sentences).

Step 4: add your phone number

1. Tap “Add phone number”.
2. Enter the number (with country code, e.g. +595 981 234 567).
3. Choose a verification method:
   • SMS: you receive a code by text.
   • Voice call: they call you and read out the code.
4. Enter the 6-digit code you received.

If the number is on regular WhatsApp or the Business app, Meta will warn you and give you the option to migrate it (the number will leave the app and enter the API). The migration process takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: set up the WhatsApp Business profile

Meta asks you for:

• Business name that appears above the messages (already entered in step 3).
• Profile photo: upload your business logo (200x200 px minimum).
• About: 1-2 sentences (appears on the profile when someone taps your number).

These fields can be edited later from Meta Business Manager.

Step 6: accept the terms and return to Citauno

1. Accept the terms of use for WhatsApp Business API and the Meta platform.
2. Tap Finish.
3. The pop-up closes and you return to Citauno.

You’ll see a green banner, “WhatsApp connected successfully,” with your number and business name.

Step 7: get the templates approved

To send automatic messages (reminders, confirmations), WhatsApp requires each type of message to use a pre-approved template.

Citauno already has templates prepared for the typical messages. You just have to submit them for approval to Meta:

1. In Settings → WhatsApp → Templates, you’ll see a list.
2. Tap “Submit for approval” next to each one.
3. Meta reviews them within 24-48 hours.

While a template is under review, the associated messages use your platform credit pack as a backup. When it’s approved, it switches to your account automatically.

Step 8: add a payment method in Meta

Meta charges directly for each message (at Meta rates — cheaper than packs at high volumes).

1. Go to business.facebook.com.
2. Find your WhatsApp Business Account.
3. Settings → Payments.
4. Add your international credit card.

Meta bills you monthly at the end of each cycle based on the messages sent.

What happens after connecting

1. Outgoing messages: any confirmation, reminder, or cancellation that Citauno sends will use your WhatsApp Business account.
2. The customer receives: the message appears with your business name and your profile photo.
3. If they reply: the reply lands in the WhatsApp → Conversations tab in the dashboard. There you can view and reply.
4. Cost: Meta bills each message at the per-country rate.

Common errors during setup

Maintenance

Once connected, it requires little maintenance:

• Every 60 days: WhatsApp asks you to reconfirm the payment method in Meta. If the charge fails, messages are paused until you resolve it.
• If you change cards: update the details in Meta Business Manager.
• If you want to change the number: contact us — the migration is manual.

Disconnect your account

If you want to go back to credits mode:

1. Settings → WhatsApp → Disconnect account.
2. Confirm.
3. Future messages go back to using your platform credits.

Your WhatsApp Business account in Meta still exists — you’re only unlinking Citauno. To delete it completely, do so from Meta Business Manager.

What you’ve got now

• WhatsApp Business API connected and sending messages from your own number.
• Templates pending approval with Meta.
• Your brand appearing on every message your customers receive.

Next step

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