> ## 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.

# Create a WhatsApp channel in BluBash

> Learn how to add a new WhatsApp channel to your BluBash workspace, choose a connection type, and route conversations to the right team.

Channels are the communication connections that bring customer conversations into BluBash. When you create a channel, you choose a WhatsApp connection type, give the channel a name, assign it to a team, and optionally attach an AI agent to handle replies automatically.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, decide which connection type fits your use case:

* **WhatsApp Lite** — connects via QR code scan. Simpler to set up, but not recommended for high-volume or bulk sends.
* **WhatsApp Business API (Official)** — Meta-approved integration. Required for message templates, campaigns, and production-grade reliability. You will need credentials from Meta Business Manager.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Channels">
    In the left sidebar, click **Channels**. You will see a list of all channels already configured in your workspace.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add Channel">
    In the top-right corner, click **Add Channel**. A dialog opens with the available channel types.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a channel type">
    Select one of the following options:

    * **WhatsApp Business (Official)** — for Meta Business API integration.
    * **WhatsApp Lite** — for quick setup via QR code.

    <Info>
      Each channel type has different requirements. WhatsApp Business (Official) requires Meta credentials, while WhatsApp Lite uses a QR code to connect.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the basic details">
    Complete the channel configuration form:

    * **Channel name** — choose a descriptive identifier, for example "WhatsApp Sales" or "WhatsApp Support".
    * **Default team** — select the team that will receive conversations from this channel.
    * **AI agent** (optional) — choose an AI agent to reply automatically, or leave it as "None" for manual handling.

    <Warning>
      The **Default team** field is required. All conversations from this channel will be routed to that team initially.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the channel-specific setup">
    Depending on the type you selected:

    * **WhatsApp Business (Official)** — enter your Meta credentials: Phone Number ID, WABA ID, Business ID, and Access Token. See [Configure WhatsApp Business API (Official)](/channels/configure-whatsapp-official) for details.
    * **WhatsApp Lite** — scan the QR code displayed on screen. See [Configure a WhatsApp Lite channel](/channels/configure-whatsapp-lite) for details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish">
    After completing the setup, the channel is created. Its status will be **Active** (for Official channels with valid credentials) or **Configuration** (for Lite channels awaiting a QR code scan).

    You are redirected to the channel detail page.

    <Tip>
      After creating the channel, you can edit the name, default team, and AI agent at any time from the channel detail page.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>