System Requirements
Everything you need to successfully get started with the WhatsApp API.
Before registering your number on the WhatsApp Business API, make sure your business and technical setup meet the official Meta requirements. Following this checklist ensures a smooth onboarding flow.
1. Phone Number Requirements
The WhatsApp Business API requires a clean, dedicated phone number to serve as your channel sender.
Critical Rules:
- Must receive SMS or Voice calls: Meta sends a 6-digit verification code to the number during registration. You must have a physical phone or active SIM card nearby to receive this code.
- Must NOT be active on mobile apps: If the number is currently registered on standard WhatsApp Messenger or the WhatsApp Business mobile app on a phone, you must delete that mobile account first.
- Cannot use virtual numbers easily: While virtual numbers (VoIP) are sometimes allowed, Meta strongly recommends using standard mobile SIM numbers or landlines. VoIP numbers often fail the Meta registration firewall.
[!CAUTION] Deleting your mobile account will permanently erase your mobile chat history. If you want to keep your chat history, back it up or export it before deleting the mobile account.
2. Meta Account Requirements
To manage the official API, Meta requires an active Meta Business Portfolio (formerly Facebook Business Manager).
- Facebook Personal Profile: You must have a verified, personal Facebook account in good standing. This profile is used solely to authenticate your identity; your customers will never see your personal profile.
- Meta Business Portfolio: A centralized business hub. You can create one for free at business.facebook.com if you do not have one.
- Ad Account / Billing Info: While not required immediately to connect, you should add a credit card to your Meta Business settings to pay Meta directly for conversation fees if you exceed their monthly free tier (1,000 free service conversations per month).
3. Business Guidelines & Compliance
Meta regulates what types of businesses can send messages over the WhatsApp Business API. Your business must comply with the official WhatsApp Commerce Policy.
Restricted Categories (API Access Denied):
- Drugs (recreational or prescription)
- Tobacco and related paraphernalia
- Alcoholic beverages
- Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
- Real money gambling services
- Adult products or services
- Medical procedures or healthcare queries (regulated closely)
4. Technical Requirements
Since AutomateIt is a fully hosted SaaS cloud platform, there are no hardware requirements:
- Browser: Modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox).
- Connection: Stable internet connection for the dashboard interface.
- Mobile Access: Our dashboard is fully responsive. You can also download our native iOS or Android apps for mobile push notifications.