> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blubash.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configure WhatsApp Business API (Official)

> Connect BluBash to the Meta Business API for production-grade WhatsApp messaging, message templates, and high-volume campaign support.

WhatsApp Business API (Official) is the Meta-approved integration method for businesses that need high reliability, large message volumes, and access to approved message templates. Unlike WhatsApp Lite, it does not rely on a phone being connected — instead, it uses API credentials issued by Meta.

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:

* A **Meta Business Manager** account.
* A **WhatsApp app** created in Meta for Developers.
* The following credentials from that app:
  * **Phone Number ID**
  * **WABA ID** (WhatsApp Business Account ID)
  * **Business ID**
  * **Access Token**

<Info>
  If you do not yet have these credentials, refer to the Meta for Developers documentation or contact BluBash support for assistance.
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the channel">
    * In the left sidebar, click **Channels**.
    * Click **Add Channel**.
    * Select **WhatsApp Business (Official)**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the basic details">
    * **Channel name** — for example, "WhatsApp Sales" or "WhatsApp Support".
    * **Default team** — select the team that will receive conversations from this channel.
    * **AI agent** (optional) — choose an agent for automatic replies.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your Meta credentials">
    On the configuration screen, provide the following values from your Meta app:

    | Field               | Description                                               |
    | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Phone Number ID** | The ID of your WhatsApp Business phone number.            |
    | **WABA ID**         | Your WhatsApp Business Account ID.                        |
    | **Business ID**     | Your Meta Business account ID.                            |
    | **Access Token**    | A temporary or permanent access token from your Meta app. |

    <Warning>
      Keep your credentials secure. Access tokens can be temporary (valid for 24 hours) or permanent. For production environments, always use a permanent token.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Validate and save">
    Click **Connect** or **Save**. BluBash validates your credentials and tests the connection. If the credentials are correct, the channel status changes to **Active**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the status">
    In the channels list, the channel should appear as **Active**. On the channel detail page, you can confirm the verified phone number and business display name.

    <Tip>
      If the channel shows an **Error** status, double-check that all credential values are correct and that the Access Token has not expired. Update the token and save again if needed.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

* Set up Meta-approved message templates to initiate conversations outside the 24-hour messaging window.
* Send a test message from a personal phone number to the connected WhatsApp Business number.
* Confirm that incoming messages appear correctly in BluBash.