Connect Manually (Advanced)

The alternative when one-click signup won't work — Connect with API using your WhatsApp Business Account ID and a permanent access token from your own Meta app.

Manual connection (shown in Wably as Create Your Own API Connection) is for when one-click signup keeps failing, or you already manage your own Meta Developer App. Wably only needs two things from Meta.

Step 1 — Create a Meta app with WhatsApp#

1. Go to developers.facebook.com → My Apps → Create App.
2. Choose the Business type and link it to your Business Portfolio.
3. Add the WhatsApp product, then open API Setup and add & verify your phone number.

Step 2 — Create a permanent token#

The token shown on the API Setup page expires in 24 hours. Wably needs a permanent one:

1. In Meta Business Suite → Settings → Users → System users, create an Admin system user.
2. Click Assign assets → add your app and your WhatsApp Business Account with full control.
3. Click Generate token, select your app, set expiry to Never, and tick whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management.
4. Copy the token immediately and keep it private.

Step 3 — Add it to Wably#

1. Open Connect Account → Connect WhatsApp.
2. On the Create Your Own API Connection card, click Connect with API.
3. Paste the WhatsApp Business Account ID and the Access Token, then save.
4. Wably fetches the phone numbers in that account and shows them under Phone Numbers.

Common errors#

• Invalid token — it's the 24-hour temporary token, or the system user wasn't assigned the WhatsApp account.
• Messages send but replies don't arrive — re-save the connection, or click Sync on Connect Account and contact support.
• Number shows "pending" — finish phone verification in WhatsApp Manager first.