# WhatsApp API integration with Retainful

### Prerequisites

* A verified WhatsApp Business Account.
* An active Retainful account.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Prerequisites

* A verified WhatsApp Business Account.
* An active Retainful account.

If you haven’t completed the initial setup, follow: [Getting started with WhatsApp integration](https://help.retainful.com/whatsapp-automation/getting-started-with-whatsapp-integration)
{% endhint %}

### Step 1: Open WhatsApp integration in Retainful

1. In the Retainful dashboard, go to Settings → WhatsApp.
2. Click Get Started.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2F3K0Zpgcd03fnph0Z3O0W%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d2bece93-cd49-417a-bfd6-83aca7a3eef7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 2: Start the connection (Login with Facebook)

1. A modal will appear describing the connection process.
2. Click Login with Facebook to continue.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FydIHjYx6WNMwhNMdcyI0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c2f7e872-be0c-4e8d-beff-8753866313a7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 3: Continue with the Facebook account

1. On Facebook, choose the account that manages your Business Manager and WhatsApp Business account.
2. Click Continue.

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FlOKmX9VPyUoW1O9zvtsu%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1cd98af2-d6b1-4baa-a14b-71c2e92fb2dc" alt="" width="425"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Step 4: Grant account permissions

1. Facebook/Meta will show the permissions Retainful (Cartrabbit) needs to manage your WhatsApp Business account.
2. Review the permissions (link phone numbers, create templates, send/receive messages, access metrics).
3. Click Get Started to approve.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FoNDPUR9bk3uQZARpxQar%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=acb1b0b5-53fc-4961-bbb7-e4002d39e0de" alt="" width="428"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 5: Fill in Your Business Information

1. Choose your Business portfolio from the dropdown
2. Enter your Business name
3. Add your Business website or profile page
4. Select your Country
5. (Optional) Add your business address
6. Click **Next to proceed**

{% hint style="warning" %}
&#x20;**Tips:**

* Select the portfolio linked to your Business Manager account
* Make sure your business name matches your registered brand name
* Ensure the website link is publicly accessible
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FjJwJxDcxuggowXpyRTC6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0df80b92-74ce-4271-af1c-65696874d551" alt="" width="431"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 6: Create or Select Your WhatsApp Business Account

1. From the dropdown, choose an existing WhatsApp Business account (if available)
2. If you don't have one yet, click Create a WhatsApp Business account.
3. Once selected, click Next to continue

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Tips:**

* If you already use WhatsApp Business, always select the existing account to avoid duplication
* If creating a new account, make sure the details match your registered business information
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FDZvzS2njY5OBqeajI4xA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fb2b9bcf-632c-4e24-9144-0ed8248c2fdc" alt="" width="439"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 7: Create a WhatsApp Business Profile

This profile will show information about your business to people on WhatsApp. You can edit this information anytime by going to Business assets in Meta Business Suite Settings and selecting this WhatsApp account.

1. Enter your WhatsApp Business account name (4/255 characters)
2. Add your WhatsApp Business display name - this should match your business name and adhere to WhatsApp Business display name guidelines
3. Select a Category that best describes your business from the dropdown
4. Click Hide options to see additional fields if needed:
5. Business description (Optional) - Tell people about your business (0/512 characters)
6. Click Next to continue

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Tips:**

* &#x20;Keep your display name consistent with your brand and website
* Choose a category that accurately represents your business type
* The business description is optional, but it helps customers understand what you do
* You can learn more about display name guidelines by clicking this link: <https://www.facebook.com/business/help/757569725593362>
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FweFGqNoy7fmWjZwckwKu%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=21c651b0-4fd5-42d0-8e9d-ca650114798a" alt="" width="443"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 8 – Reviews & Next Steps

Once you finish the setup, Meta will automatically run a few checks before your WhatsApp Business account can be fully used. These include:

1. **Commerce Policy Compliance**
   * Meta will verify that your business follows [WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy](https://business.whatsapp.com/policy).
   * Businesses selling prohibited items (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, weapons, adult products, etc.) may face rejection.
2. **Business Verification**
   * Your business details (like legal name, documents, and website) are reviewed to ensure your portfolio belongs to a **legitimate business or organization**.
   * You may be asked to submit supporting documents (e.g., business license, tax certificate, or official registration).
3. **Display Name Approval**
   * The display name you entered will be checked to ensure it matches your business brand and complies with naming rules.
   * The name should not be misleading, generic (like “Clothes Store”), or violate Meta’s policies.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Need More Help?**\
\
We’re here to make things easier for you!

* Email Us: Reach out anytime at <support@retainful.com><mark style="color:orange;">.</mark>
* Schedule a Call: Still stuck or need a hands-on walkthrough? Book a quick session with our support team, and we’ll guide you step-by-step.

[<mark style="color:blue;">**Schedule a call with us**</mark>](https://zcal.co/retainful/onboarding)<mark style="color:blue;">**.**</mark>
{% endhint %}