WapTalk
WhatsApp Business API setup

How to get your WhatsApp Business API credentials

Find your Phone Number ID, WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) ID and a permanent access token in Meta’s Developer Portal. Four screens, no code. Keep this tab open alongside it.

Step 1 of 4

Create a Meta app

  1. 1Go to the Meta Developer Portal and log in.
  2. 2Click My Apps → Create App.
  3. 3Select Other → Business as the app type.
  4. 4Fill in your App Name and Contact Email.
  5. 5Scroll down to WhatsApp and click Set Up.

WhatsApp Business API setup: what to know

Before you start

  • A Meta Business account (business.facebook.com) for your business. Meta may ask you to verify the business with documents such as GST or Udyam registration; verification can take a few days.
  • A phone number that can receive an SMS or call for the one-time code. A number already in use on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app must be moved off the app (or connected through Meta’s coexistence option, where offered) before the API can use it.
  • A payment method, with INR as the currency, on your WhatsApp Business Account in Meta Business Settings. Meta charges per delivered message, and stops delivering messages - including replies - from accounts without a valid payment method. Indian accounts must move to INR billing by 31 December 2026.

Temporary vs permanent access token

The token shown on the API Setup page is a temporary test token that expires after about 24 hours. For a live number, create a System User in Business Settings and generate a token for it (step 4); set it to never expire. Treat it like a password: anyone holding it can send messages from your number.

Common errors and what they mean

  • 131042 - a payment problem on the WhatsApp Business Account. Add a payment method and currency in Meta Business Settings.
  • 190 - the access token has expired or was revoked. Generate a new System User token.
  • 131047 - more than 24 hours have passed since the customer’s last message, so a free-text reply is not allowed. Send an approved template instead.

Wondering what Meta charges once you are live? WhatsApp Business API pricing in India explains each message type.