What do I need before setting up WhatsApp API in ZEPIC?

Setting up your WABA  (WhatsApp Business Account) is essential for delivering instant, personalized customer experiences, promotions, and sales for your brand. 

However, getting the WhatsApp API (WABA) working in ZEPIC requires you to have the right permissions and paperwork signed off by Meta. Which is why, if you get these ready beforehand, it allows for a quicker setup with fewer delays and issues!

To do this, you’ll need to have Admin access in both your ZEPIC workspace and your Meta Business Manager to perform the setup. And here’s what else you’ll need…

1. Meta Business Credentials (The Foundation)

These are the non-negotiable requirements that prove to Meta you are a legitimate entity ready for high-volume communication.

Active Meta Business Manager Account

Your Business Manager acts as the central hub for all your Meta assets (Facebook Page, Instagram, and WABA).

• Admin Access: Confirm you are an Admin user with full permissions.
• Complete Business Details: Your legal entity details (legal name, primary address, website) must be fully completed and consistent across all documents and your Business Manager profile.
  
  

Official Business Website

Your website is essential for verification. Meta uses it to cross-check the legitimacy of your business details.

• Active and Professional: The site must be live, professionally designed, and clearly reflect your business operations.
• Matching Contact Info: The contact information on your website (name, address, phone number) must match exactly what you've submitted in your Business Manager.
  
  

Meta Business Verification Status

This is the single biggest factor determining your ability to scale. Unverified businesses face severe messaging restrictions.

• Current Status Check: Verify your status in the Security Center section of your Meta Business Manager.
• Action Required: If your account is unverified, you must complete the Meta Business Verification process first. This allows higher messaging limits, ensuring your campaigns aren't capped at 1,000 conversations.

2. Dedicated WhatsApp Phone Number

The phone number is the core asset you are registering for the API. It must meet strict criteria to be eligible for integration.

Number Eligibility Requirements:

• Active & Receives OTP: The number must be an active phone line capable of receiving either an SMS or a voice call for the one-time verification code (OTP). Landline, mobile, or VoIP numbers are generally acceptable.
• No Existing WhatsApp Use: This is a crucial step to prevent failure. The number must be unlinked from any WhatsApp Personal or WhatsApp Business mobile app account. You must delete the existing WhatsApp account associated with the number before starting the API setup.
• Not Linked to Another BSP: The number cannot currently be active on the WhatsApp Business API under another provider (unless you are performing a controlled migration).
  
  

3. Key Details for Setup and Approval

Have these specific details ready. They are required during the setup flow to determine your brand's face on the WhatsApp platform.

Legal and Display Details

• Official Business Name: This is the name customers will see in their chat list. It must be finalized and comply with Meta's strict Display Name Guidelines.
• Business Category: Select the industry or category that best describes your business (e.g., E-commerce, Financial Services, Education).
• Time Zone: Select the correct time zone for your business operations to ensure accurate message scheduling and reporting in ZEPIC.
  
  

Display Name Guidelines (Avoid Rejection!)

To prevent your API setup from being rejected, make sure your chosen Display Name:

• Represents the Brand: It must clearly represent your business (e.g., "Acme Corp Support," not just "Support").
• Aligns with Assets: It must have a clear, verifiable relationship to your official branding (your legal name, website, or Facebook Page name).
• Avoids Prohibited Content: It must not contain only a full URL, generic terms (like 'Chatbot'), abusive language, or illegal characters.

Making sure these steps are met before your WhatsApp API integration helps you to launch automated flows and campaigns immediately! 

If you need help with the major verification step, read our guide on: How do I complete Meta Business Verification for WhatsApp?.