Why WhatsApp connection is different from a simple login
WhatsApp is connected through Meta's official business setup flow. You stay in control of your business account, and Setloop only connects after Meta confirms the setup.
No passwords
Setloop never asks for your WhatsApp password.
Official Meta setup
Connection happens through Meta.
Business control
You choose which WhatsApp business assets to connect.
AI automation
Once connected, Setloop can receive messages, generate replies, and automate follow-ups.
Choose the setup that fits your business
Use your existing WhatsApp Business App number
Keep the WhatsApp number your customers already know and add Setloop AI automation on top of it.
Best for:
- Businesses already using WhatsApp Business App
- Numbers already used by customers
- Numbers listed on websites, social profiles, ads, or business profiles
Note: This setup depends on Meta eligibility and coexistence support. Meta confirms final eligibility during setup.
Use a separate WhatsApp number for Setloop
Connect a dedicated phone number for AI automation without changing your current WhatsApp setup.
Best for:
- Businesses that want a separate sales or AI automation number
- Teams that do not want to change their current WhatsApp number
- Cases where the existing number cannot be connected
Note: Setloop does not provide phone numbers. You need to use a phone number your business owns and can verify by SMS or voice call.
Not sure? Let Setloop guide you
Answer a few questions during onboarding and Setloop will recommend the best setup option.
Best for:
- Users currently using regular WhatsApp
- Users not sure if they use WhatsApp Business App
- Users without a dedicated business number yet
- Users deciding between existing number and dedicated number
What is WhatsApp Business App?
WhatsApp Business App is the free mobile app from WhatsApp for small businesses. It lets businesses use a business profile, quick replies, labels, greeting messages, away messages, and other manual business tools.
If your business currently uses the regular WhatsApp app, you may need to switch to WhatsApp Business App first, or use a separate dedicated number for Setloop.
| Regular WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business App | WhatsApp Business Platform | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Personal messaging | Mobile business messaging app | API-based business messaging |
| Best for | Very small informal use | Small businesses using one number manually | Automation, teams, AI, integrations |
| Manual messaging | Yes | Yes | API messaging |
| Business profile | No business profile tools | Business profile, labels, quick replies | Managed through Meta business assets |
| AI/API automation | Not intended for API automation | May support existing-number setup if eligible | Required for Setloop automation |
| Works with Setloop | May require switching setup first | Can be used with Setloop if Meta allows coexistence/setup | Setloop connects through this platform |
What happens when you connect WhatsApp
Choose your setup
Select whether you want to use an existing WhatsApp Business App number, a separate dedicated number, or get help choosing.
Check requirements
Setloop asks simple questions to help identify visible issues before continuing.
Continue to Meta setup
Meta may ask you to select or create WhatsApp Business assets and verify your phone number.
Setloop validates the connection
After Meta setup, Setloop checks that the WhatsApp account, phone number, and webhooks are ready.
Start automating conversations
Once active, Setloop can receive messages, generate AI replies, qualify leads, and support follow-ups.
Your channel is marked as connected only after Meta setup succeeds and Setloop validates the connection.
Before you start
Access to your business phone number
You need a phone number that your business owns and can use for verification.
Ability to receive SMS or voice verification
Meta will send a verification code to your phone number during setup.
Meta Business Portfolio access
You may need admin access to a Meta Business Portfolio to connect WhatsApp assets.
Permission to connect the business account
Make sure you are authorized to connect the WhatsApp Business account on behalf of your organization.
Updated WhatsApp Business App
If using an existing number from WhatsApp Business App, make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
Meta payment method may be required
WhatsApp Business Platform fees, messaging limits, templates, and verification are controlled by Meta and may apply separately from your Setloop subscription.
Final eligibility for all setup options is determined by Meta during the connection process.
Existing number or dedicated number?
| Existing WhatsApp Business App number | Separate dedicated number | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps current customer-facing number | Yes | No, unless promoted to customers |
| Requires WhatsApp Business App | Usually yes | Not required before setup |
| Depends on Meta coexistence eligibility | Yes | Usually simpler |
| Technical simplicity | More complex | Simpler |
| Best for | Businesses that want to keep the number customers already know | Businesses that want a clean AI automation number |
| Main risk | Meta may not allow coexistence for every number | Business must own and verify a separate phone number |
What if your existing number cannot be connected?
Sometimes Meta may not allow an existing number to be connected through coexistence. This does not mean Setloop is broken. It usually means that the number, business account, or Meta setup is not eligible for that connection mode.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Make sure you use WhatsApp Business App, not regular WhatsApp
- Update WhatsApp Business App to the latest version
- Confirm you are an admin of the Meta Business Portfolio
- Check whether the number is already connected to another WhatsApp API provider
- Add a payment method in Meta Business settings if required
- Try a separate dedicated WhatsApp number if the existing number cannot be connected
What Setloop can do after WhatsApp is connected
Receive incoming messages
Generate AI-powered replies
Qualify leads
Follow up automatically
Transcribe voice messages
Keep conversation history
Pause automation when needed
Support human handoff
Automation behavior depends on your Setloop plan, configuration, WhatsApp messaging rules, and Meta platform limits.
Frequently asked questions
Does Setloop create a WhatsApp phone number for me?
No. Setloop does not create or provide phone numbers. You need to use a phone number your business owns and can verify by SMS or voice call.
Can I use my current WhatsApp number?
If your current number is used in WhatsApp Business App, you may be able to connect it through Meta, depending on eligibility and coexistence support.
What if I use regular WhatsApp, not WhatsApp Business App?
You may need to switch to WhatsApp Business App first, or use a separate dedicated number for Setloop.
Will my existing number definitely work?
Not always. Final eligibility is determined by Meta during setup.
Do I need a Meta Business account?
You may need access to a Meta Business Portfolio and permission to connect the business assets used with WhatsApp.
Are WhatsApp or Meta fees included in Setloop subscription?
No. WhatsApp Business Platform fees, messaging limits, templates, and verification are controlled by Meta and may apply separately from your Setloop subscription.
When is my WhatsApp channel considered connected?
Only after Meta setup succeeds and Setloop validates the WhatsApp account, phone number, and webhook connection.
Can Setloop send messages anytime?
WhatsApp messaging rules are controlled by Meta. Some follow-ups or outbound messages may require approved message templates or must follow WhatsApp messaging windows.