Connecting WABA to CRM: Step-by-Step Plan and Verification

When a client hears "we'll connect official WhatsApp", they imagine something simple. In reality, WABA is a multi-step process with failure points, waiting periods from Meta, and business requirements that are not obvious in advance.

Grey WA (unofficial, Personal WA):
— the phone with the app must be constantly online — a single point of failure
— connects as a linked device via QR code
— if the phone is off for more than 14 days — authorization drops, the channel disappears
— Meta does not notify integrators about updates — temporary outages are possible

WABA (official, white):
— no phone needed, works via API key 24/7
— the number registered in WABA is removed from the phone app
— the number becomes fully server-based, works independently of any device

First question to the client before the start: do you want to transfer the current number to WABA or set up a separate new one?
— Transfer is technically straightforward, but the number will leave the app permanently.
— A new number is easier to set up, but clients will receive messages from an unfamiliar phone.

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Step-by-step WABA connection plan

Honestly: this is not 10 minutes like grey WA. Minimum 5–10 business days in a best-case scenario.

Step 1. Create a Meta Business Portfolio

The root company account in the Meta ecosystem — WhatsApp Business accounts and ad accounts are linked to it. Without it, WABA cannot be connected. A personal Facebook account with a real name and photo is required.

Step 2. Create a WhatsApp Business Account within Meta

Done through the website with Facebook authorization — the site guides you through the process step by step.

Step 3. Register a phone number

Transfer an existing number or register a new one.

Step 4. Display Name verification

Meta reviews the company name that clients see in WhatsApp.
Timeline: 2–3 business days. The name must match the real business name.

Step 5. Company verification in Meta

Timeline: 5–7 business days, sometimes longer.
Required: website, name match with Meta Business, possibly — registration documents.
Not guaranteed on the first attempt — rejection is possible and resubmission is allowed.

Step 6. Create templates and submit for moderation

Each template goes through a separate Meta review.
Timeline: usually 2–3 hours, sometimes up to 2 weeks.

Step 7. Top up the WABA balance

Payment is two-component: Wazzup subscription + a separate Meta balance for template messages. From 01.07.2025 — payment per each sent template message. Balance is charged automatically — do not let it hit zero.

Step 8. Set up CRM integration

Only after the channel is active and templates are approved.

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Company verification and message levels

Before verification — Level 0: no more than 250 outgoing conversations per day. Incoming are unlimited.
After verification — Level 1.

Limits grow based on reputation:
Level 0: 250 / day
Level 1: 2,000 / day
Level 2: 10,000 / day
Level 3: 100,000 / day
Level 4: unlimited

The limit applies to the entire Meta Business Portfolio.
Two numbers with a combined limit of 2,000 — that is 2,000 total, not 2,000 each.

To reach Level 1: send at least 1,000 templates in 30 days (~33 new conversations daily) and receive few complaints from recipients.

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