Step-by-step guide to setting up WhatsApp Business on Telnyx using the Embedded Signup flow. See Telnyx guidance and requirements.
Prerequisites
- A Telnyx account (portal.telnyx.com)
- A Meta Business Manager account (business.facebook.com)
- A phone number to register with WhatsApp (cannot be currently used with personal WhatsApp)
Step 1: Start Embedded Signup
- Log in to the Telnyx Portal
- Navigate to Messaging → WhatsApp in the sidebar
- Click Get Started or Add WhatsApp Business Account
- You will be redirected to Facebook/Meta to authenticate
Step 2: Connect Meta Business Manager
- Log in with your Facebook account that has admin access to your Meta Business Manager
- Select your existing Meta Business Manager or create a new one
- Grant Telnyx the required permissions to manage your WABA
- Select or create a WhatsApp Business Account
Step 3: Register a Phone Number
- Enter the phone number you want to use with WhatsApp
- Choose a display name for your business (this will be visible to customers)
- Verify the number via phone call or SMS
Tip: If you are registering a landline number, choose phone call verification. SMS delivery to landline numbers can be unreliable.
Important: The embedded signup flow currently requires a Telnyx-owned number with an active messaging profile. Bring-your-own-number (non-Telnyx numbers) is not yet supported through the portal signup flow.
Important: The phone number cannot be currently active on the WhatsApp consumer app or WhatsApp Business App. If it is, you will need to delete that WhatsApp account first.
Step 4: Complete Setup
Once verification is complete, your WhatsApp Business Account will appear in the Telnyx Portal under Messaging → WhatsApp. From here you can:
- View your WABA details and phone numbers
- Configure webhook URLs for inbound messages and delivery statuses
- Manage your business profile via Meta Business Manager (description, address, website, etc.)
- Create and manage message templates
Step 5: Create Your First Template
Before you can send business-initiated messages, you need at least one approved template. Use the Telnyx API to create a template and wait for Meta's approval (typically 24–48 hours).
Step 6: Send Your First Message
Once your template is approved, you can send your first WhatsApp message via the Telnyx API. See the Quickstart Guide for a complete walkthrough.
Troubleshooting
- Signup flow fails — Ensure your Facebook account has admin access to the Meta Business Manager. Try clearing browser cookies and restarting the flow.
- Phone verification fails — Wait a few minutes and try again. If using SMS, try the phone call option instead.
- Number already in use — The number is registered with WhatsApp consumer or Business App. Delete that account first from the phone.