Prerequisites for WhatsApp Bots

Prerequisites for WhatsApp Bots

Before launching a WhatsApp bot via the WhatsApp Cloud API, you must verify the following requirements.

Required Checklist

  • Phone Number — Must be active, capable of receiving SMS, and not already registered with WhatsApp or the Business App
  • Business Status — A registered legal business entity
  • Online Presence — An active website containing a privacy policy
  • Policy Compliance — Your use case must align with WhatsApp and Meta commerce policy guidelines
  • Payment Method — Valid debit or credit card enabled for international transactions to Meta
  • Tax ID — GSTIN number required for Indian-registered businesses

Important Note

A single mobile number can only be used on one WhatsApp service at a time. This means you must choose between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business App, or WhatsApp Business API. If repurposing an existing number, deactivate it from its current service first.

Once all prerequisites are met, you can begin setting up your WhatsApp bot.