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

# Set up WhatsApp

> Connect your WhatsApp Business account to send messages from your automations.

WhatsApp gives you a second channel with open rates email can only dream about. Once connected, the **Send WhatsApp Message** step becomes available in your [automations](/automations/steps).

## What you need

* A **Meta Business account** (the same kind used for Facebook/Instagram business tools).
* A **phone number** to dedicate to WhatsApp Business — it can't be a number already active on the regular WhatsApp app.
* Admin access to approve the connection.

## Connect your account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the connection">
    Go to **Settings → WhatsApp** and click **Connect**. You'll be taken through Meta's embedded signup.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in with Meta">
    Log in to the Meta account that owns (or will own) your WhatsApp Business profile, and create or select your WhatsApp Business account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register your phone number">
    Add the number you'll send from and verify it with the code Meta sends. Manage numbers later under **Settings → WhatsApp → Phone numbers**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm in Retainful">
    When the flow completes, the WhatsApp settings page shows your account as **Connected**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How sending works

WhatsApp is stricter than email:

* Business-initiated messages must use a **pre-approved template** — see [Message templates](/whatsapp/message-templates).
* Contacts need a **phone number with opt-in** — collect consent through your signup forms or checkout.
* Recipients can opt out at any time; configure your unsubscribe behavior under **Settings → WhatsApp → Unsubscribe**.

<Warning>
  Only message contacts who explicitly agreed to receive WhatsApp messages from you. Meta enforces quality ratings per number — too many blocks or reports and your number's sending limits drop.
</Warning>

## Where WhatsApp shines

* **Cart recovery** — a WhatsApp nudge with the checkout link, often alongside the email sequence.
* **Order updates** — utility messages like shipping confirmations.
* **Time-sensitive offers** — a coupon expiring tonight gets seen on WhatsApp in minutes.