How long does setup take?

Most merchants complete setup in under 5 minutes.

Do I need technical skills?

No. The entire setup is point-and-click. No coding required.

Can I use my personal WhatsApp number?

Yes, but it will be converted to a business number. We recommend using a dedicated business number.

What if my number is already connected to another provider?

You need to disconnect it from the other provider first, then connect it to Whapi.

Do I need Meta Business verification?

Not immediately. You can start with limited access and verify later for higher messaging limits.

What if I get stuck during setup?

Contact our support team at info@usewhapi.com or message us on WhatsApp. We will help you through it.

Set up Whapi in under 5 minutes

Follow these steps to connect your WhatsApp number, set up automations, and start sending messages. No coding required. Works with any Shopify plan.

Install on Shopify

Before you start

A Shopify store

Any Shopify plan works.

A phone number on WhatsApp Business App

Can be your existing number or a new one. To see chats, the number should already be on the WhatsApp Business App to use the coexistence feature.

A computer

Setup must be done on desktop with popups enabled.

Step 1 of 8

Connect to Whapi as a Partner

What to do

1Open Whapi inside your Shopify admin (Apps > Whapi).
2Click "Connect WhatsApp" to start the setup.
3A Meta popup will appear. Press "Continue" to connect to Momo Digitals as a partner.

Important: Use a computer (not phone). Make sure popups are enabled in your browser. If the popup does not open, enable popups in browser settings and reload.

Common issues

Popup not opening

Your browser is blocking the Meta login popup.

Fix: Enable popups in your browser settings for your Shopify domain, then reload the page and try again.

Account locked

Meta detected suspicious activity on your account.

Fix: Wait 24 to 48 hours for the lock to lift, or contact Meta support to unlock your account.

Step 2 of 8

Select Business Assets and Chat Access

What to do

1Select the business assets you want to share with Whapi.
2If you want to see and reply to chats from your phone, choose "Connect a WhatsApp Business App".
3If you only need automations (no chat access from your phone), skip the WhatsApp Business App option.

Important: Do NOT link additional devices to WhatsApp Business App. Extra linked devices cause disconnections. Only use the app on one phone.

Common issues

Wrong business selected

You have multiple Meta Business accounts.

Fix: Go back and select the correct business portfolio that owns your WhatsApp number.

Frequent disconnections

Too many linked devices or Meta sync issues.

Fix: Remove all linked devices from WhatsApp Business App (Settings > Linked Devices). Only keep the app on one phone.

Step 3 of 8

Add Your Phone Number

What to do

1Select "Add a new WhatsApp number".
2Enter the phone number you want to use.
3You will receive a WhatsApp message from Facebook.
4Press "Connect" and scan the QR code shown on screen.

Important: The number should already be on WhatsApp Business App if you want to use coexistence (see chats from your phone).

Common issues

Number already connected to another provider

The number is linked to another WhatsApp API provider.

Fix: Disconnect it from the previous provider first, then try again. Or use a different number.

Number not eligible

Meta's eligibility check failed (new number, low activity, or flagged).

Fix: Use the number actively on WhatsApp Business App for a few days first, then retry. Or try a different number.

QR code scan failed

Unstable internet or app not responding.

Fix: Retry with stable internet, restart WhatsApp Business App, or generate a new QR code. If still failing, go to WhatsApp Business App > Account > Business Platform > Connect to a platform and use a manual code.

Step 4 of 8

Set Business Name and Time Zone

What to do

1Enter your WhatsApp Business Account name (this is what customers see).
2Select your time zone.
3Click "Next" to continue.

Important: Use your real business name. Meta may reject names with marketing keywords, slogans, or generic terms. Use the exact name from your business registration.

Common issues

Display name not approved (Error 131037)

Meta rejected the business display name.

Fix: Use your exact legal business name without slogans or keywords. Resubmit.

Step 5 of 8

Review and Confirm

What to do

1Review what you are sharing with Whapi (business assets, phone number, account details).
2Make sure everything looks correct.
3Press "Confirm" to complete the connection.

Important: After confirming, your WhatsApp number will be connected to Whapi. You can start setting up automations right away.

Step 6 of 8

Add Payment Method on Meta

What to do

1In Whapi, you will see a second step prompting you to add a payment method. Click on it.
2You will be redirected to Meta Business Suite billing page.
3Add a credit or debit card.
4Set the card as "Default" (not backup).
5Add your Tax ID if required by your country.

Important: Without a valid payment method set as default, Meta will block you from sending messages. This is a Meta requirement, not Whapi. Whapi charges zero markup on Meta fees.

Common issues

Payment eligibility error (131042)

Payment method not properly configured.

Fix: Set the card as default (not backup). Add your Tax ID. Remove and re-add the card. If still blocked, raise a support ticket to Meta through your provider.

Cannot add card

Meta billing system issue.

Fix: Try a different card, use a different browser, or retry after a few hours.

Step 7 of 8

Create Your First Automation

What to do

1In Whapi, go to the Automations tab.
2Click on the automation you want (e.g., COD Confirmation, Abandoned Cart).
3Customize the message template or use the default.
4The template will be submitted to Meta for approval automatically.

Important: Templates must be approved by Meta before they can be sent. Approval can take anywhere from a few minutes to sometimes more than a day. You can set up multiple automations while waiting for approval.

Common issues

Template rejected

Meta classified it as marketing or found unclear content.

Fix: Rewrite the template as a utility message. Remove promotional language, discount codes, or CTAs. Resubmit.

Template stuck in review

Meta review delay.

Fix: Wait 24 to 48 hours. If still stuck, duplicate the template and resubmit. Avoid editing templates that are under review.

Step 8 of 8

Test and Go Live

What to do

1Once your template is approved, click "Send Test Message" in Whapi.
2Enter your own phone number to receive a test message.
3Check that the message looks correct on WhatsApp.
4Enable the automation. You are live!

Important: Always test before going live. Create a test order in Shopify to make sure the full flow works (order placed > WhatsApp message sent > customer responds > order tagged).

Common issues

Messages sent but not delivered

Meta delivery issue or account restriction.

Fix: Check your account status and quality rating in Meta Business Suite. Verify billing is active and card is set as default. Contact support if it persists.

Message undeliverable (131026)

Recipient number is invalid, not on WhatsApp, or has blocked you.

Fix: Verify the recipient number is correct and has an active WhatsApp account.

Good to know

Whapi only sends messages

Billing and delivery are handled by Meta. Whapi charges zero markup on Meta fees.

Use an active number

Always use a real, active WhatsApp Business number. New or inactive numbers may fail eligibility checks.

Need help?

Ready to get started?

Install Whapi on your Shopify store and start automating WhatsApp in under 5 minutes.

Install on Shopify