> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.soneka.africa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect WhatsApp Cloud API to Soneka via Embedded Signup

> Set up the official WhatsApp Cloud API in Soneka with Meta's embedded signup. Unlock higher rate tiers and green tick eligibility in about four minutes.

The WhatsApp Cloud API (WABA) is the recommended way to connect your business phone number to Soneka. Built on Meta's official infrastructure, it gives you access to higher messaging rate tiers, template message submissions, and eligibility for the green tick verification badge — all managed directly inside Soneka through Meta's embedded signup flow, with no developer credentials to hunt down.

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Facebook Business Manager" icon="facebook">
    A verified Facebook Business Manager account. If you don't have one, create it at [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com) before continuing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unregistered Phone Number" icon="phone">
    A phone number that is **not** currently active on WhatsApp (personal or Business app). You'll need to receive an OTP on it during setup.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  If your number is currently registered on WhatsApp, you must delete that WhatsApp account first. Go to WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Delete Account, then wait a few minutes before starting setup.
</Note>

## Connect via Embedded Signup

Soneka embeds Meta's official signup flow so you never have to leave the dashboard.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Integrations">
    In your Soneka sidebar, navigate to **Settings → Integrations → WhatsApp Cloud API** and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in to Facebook">
    A popup will open Meta's login screen. Sign in with the Facebook account that owns (or has admin access to) your Business Manager. Grant the requested permissions when prompted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select or Create a Business Portfolio">
    Choose your existing Business Manager portfolio from the dropdown, or create a new one inline. Soneka will automatically create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) under it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Your Phone Number">
    Enter the phone number you want to connect. Choose your country code, then click **Send Code** to receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS or voice call. Enter the code to verify ownership.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Your Display Name">
    Enter the business display name that recipients will see in WhatsApp. This must match the name on your Business Manager. Meta reviews display names within a few minutes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish and Authorize">
    Review the permissions summary and click **Finish**. Soneka exchanges the signup token with Meta and stores your WABA credentials securely. The whole flow takes about four minutes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## After Connection

Once the setup completes, your number will appear in **Inbox → Channels** within seconds. From here you can:

* **Send and receive messages** from the shared team inbox immediately.
* **Submit message templates** for Meta approval under **Templates → New Template**.
* **View delivery analytics** per template in the Reports section.

<Tip>
  Send a test message to your own number right after connecting to confirm the channel is live before onboarding your team.
</Tip>

## Green Tick (Official Business Verification)

The green tick — formally called **Official Business Account (OBA)** status — shows a verified checkmark next to your business name in WhatsApp. It signals trust to recipients and is available exclusively to Cloud API users.

<Accordion title="How to apply for the green tick">
  1. Complete **Meta Business Verification** in Business Manager (Settings → Security Center → Start Verification). You'll need to submit business documents such as a registration certificate or utility bill.
  2. Once your business is verified, go to **Soneka → Settings → Integrations → WhatsApp Cloud API → Request Official Business Account**.
  3. Soneka submits the OBA request to Meta on your behalf. Review typically takes 2–7 business days.
  4. You'll receive an email from Meta and a notification in Soneka when the status changes.
</Accordion>

<Note>
  Meta grants OBA status at its own discretion. Business verification is a prerequisite but does not guarantee approval.
</Note>

## Rate Limits and Messaging Tiers

WhatsApp Cloud API uses a tiered rate-limit system based on your messaging volume:

| Tier      | Unique users / 24 hrs | How to reach it                                 |
| --------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Tier 1    | 1,000                 | Default after phone number registration         |
| Tier 2    | 10,000                | Send 1,000+ messages in a rolling 7-day period  |
| Tier 3    | 100,000               | Send 10,000+ messages in a rolling 7-day period |
| Unlimited | Unlimited             | Apply via Meta after reaching Tier 3            |

Soneka displays your current tier and usage in **Settings → Integrations → WhatsApp Cloud API → Rate Limits**. Tiers upgrade automatically as you hit the thresholds — no manual action needed.

## Troubleshooting

<Accordion title="'Number already registered on WhatsApp' error">
  This means the phone number is still active on the WhatsApp consumer or Business app. Open WhatsApp on the device using that number, go to **Settings → Account → Delete Account**, and delete it. Wait 5 minutes, then retry setup in Soneka.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Business verification is stuck in 'Pending'">
  Meta's verification review can take up to 5 business days. If it's been longer, check your Business Manager's Support inbox for a request for additional documents. You can also open a support ticket directly from **Meta Business Help Center → Contact Support**.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="OTP not received">
  Make sure the number can receive SMS or voice calls and isn't blocked by a carrier. Try requesting a voice call instead of SMS. If the issue persists, confirm the number isn't already associated with a WhatsApp Business API account under a different provider.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Display name rejected by Meta">
  Display names must clearly represent your business and match your registered business name. Avoid generic terms (e.g., "Best Shop"), URLs, or emojis. Update the name in **Soneka → Settings → Integrations → Cloud API → Edit Display Name** and resubmit.
</Accordion>