How to connect WhatsApp to Talko AI
Connect a WhatsApp number through Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform, in a guided click-through flow — no manual API tokens required.
Before you start
- A Facebook account with admin access to your business
- A phone number you can receive an OTP on
- If the number is currently active in the regular WhatsApp Business app, decide whether you want a fresh number for the API, or to use coexistence (see step 2) to keep using both
- 1
Open the WhatsApp section
From Setup & status, click "Set up" next to WhatsApp — or go to Settings → WhatsApp numbers directly.
- 2
Choose your connection type
Click "Connect with Facebook" to onboard a brand-new number through Meta's official Embedded Signup flow. If you'd rather keep using your existing number in the regular WhatsApp Business app at the same time, click "Connect existing app number" instead — this is called coexistence: you scan a QR code from the app, and the number becomes usable in both places at once, with all its existing chats intact.
- 3
Log in with Facebook and pick your number
A popup opens (not a redirect) asking you to log in with the Facebook account that manages your business, then to confirm or add the WhatsApp number. This is Meta's own screen, not Talko AI's — your login details never pass through us.
- 4
Wait for the "Ready" status
Once Meta confirms the connection, the pill switches to Ready and the webhook is subscribed automatically so incoming messages reach your inbox.
- 5
Send a test message
Message the number from your own phone. You should see it appear in your Talko AI inbox within seconds, with an AI reply if you've already added an AI key.
If you see "Saved, but Meta refused the webhook subscription," your number is stored but messages won't arrive yet. This almost always means a permission or verification step on Meta's side is incomplete — check Setup & status → Meta connection doctor for the specific reason.
Common questions
Can I keep using the WhatsApp Business app after connecting to Talko AI?
Yes, if you use the coexistence option ("Connect existing app number"). Your number and chat history keep working in the app exactly as before, and the same number also becomes usable through Talko AI.
Do I need Meta business verification before I connect?
You can connect before verification finishes, but verification lifts your starter messaging cap and unlocks your approved display name — it's worth starting early since it can take Meta a few business days.
What if I don't want to use the guided popup?
There's a manual fallback: click "Add manually" and enter your Phone Number ID, WABA ID, App ID, and access token directly, if you already have a Meta developer app set up yourself.
Ready to transform your customer conversations?
- Connect a number and go live in under an hour
- Bring your own AI key — predictable, transparent costs