> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/home/whatsapp-business-api-documentation/getting-started/whatsapp-setup.md). # WhatsApp Setup The setup method depends on how your business currently uses WhatsApp and whether the phone number is already connected to a WhatsApp Business Account. Taqnyat supports the following setup options: * Connecting an existing WhatsApp Business API account. * Migrating a number from another WhatsApp Business API provider. * Moving a number from the WhatsApp Business App to the API. * Connecting the WhatsApp Business App and API through **Coexistence**. * Registering a new phone number. The Taqnyat team will confirm the suitable option based on the current status of your phone number and Meta account. *** ### Using an Existing WhatsApp Business API Account Choose this option when your business already has: * A Meta Business Portfolio. * A WhatsApp Business Account, commonly called a **WABA**. * A phone number registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform. The existing account and number can be connected to Taqnyat, provided that the business has the required Meta permissions and the account is eligible for connection. This option may be suitable when the number was previously managed directly through Meta or when the business wants to connect an existing WABA to Taqnyat services. *** ### Migrating from Another WhatsApp API Provider Migration allows a business to keep its existing WhatsApp phone number while changing the provider used to manage the WhatsApp Business API service. This option applies when the number is already registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform through another provider. During migration, the business normally keeps: * The same WhatsApp phone number. * Its existing Meta Business Portfolio. * Its WhatsApp Business Account, depending on the selected migration arrangement. * Approved message templates, where supported by the migration scenario. The business must have access to the relevant Meta assets and be able to verify ownership of the phone number. The number’s two-step verification may also need to be disabled before the migration can be completed. > A suitable migration time should be agreed upon before starting because sending may be temporarily affected while the number is transferred and reconnected. *** ### Moving from the WhatsApp Business App to the API A phone number currently used through the WhatsApp Business App can be moved completely to the WhatsApp Business API. After the move: * The number is managed through the Taqnyat portal and connected services. * Campaigns and approved template messages can be sent through Taqnyat. * Customer conversations can be managed through LiveChat or another connected system. * The phone number will no longer be managed through the WhatsApp Business App in the same way. This option is suitable for businesses that want to replace their app-based workflow with a centralized platform, multiple users, automation, campaigns, and reporting. Before proceeding, the business should confirm that it no longer needs to continue using the WhatsApp Business App with that number. *** ### WhatsApp Coexistence WhatsApp Coexistence allows an eligible business to use the **same phone number** through both: * The WhatsApp Business App. * The WhatsApp Business API through Taqnyat. This allows the business to continue handling messages through the mobile application while also using API capabilities such as campaigns, automation, LiveChat, and system integration. Messages sent through the API can appear in the WhatsApp Business App, while supported messages sent through the app can also be reflected through the connected API environment. #### Coexistence is suitable when * The business already actively uses the WhatsApp Business App. * Employees still need access to the mobile application. * The business wants to add campaigns or automation gradually. * The business is not ready to move completely to an API-only workflow. #### Important considerations * Coexistence is available only to eligible WhatsApp Business App accounts. * Eligibility is determined by Meta and may consider account activity, history, and quality. * Newly created or inactive Business App accounts may not be immediately eligible. * The WhatsApp Business App should not be uninstalled after connection. * The app should be opened regularly to keep the connection active. *** ### Registering a New Number A new phone number can be registered when it is not currently connected to: * WhatsApp Messenger. * The WhatsApp Business App. * Another WhatsApp Business API provider. This is generally the simplest setup option because the number does not need to be migrated from an existing WhatsApp environment. The phone number must be able to receive a verification code through SMS or a voice call. *** ### Expected Setup Time The time required depends on the selected setup option and whether all account requirements are ready. | Setup option | Expected processing time | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | New number registration | Usually completed during the onboarding session | | Existing WABA connection | Usually completed during the onboarding session when access and permissions are ready | | Migration from another API provider | Usually completed during the migration session after number verification | | Business App to API migration | Usually completed during the onboarding session | | Coexistence connection | Usually completed during the onboarding session, followed by synchronization | | Meta review or synchronization | Allow up to 24 hours where review or synchronization is required | Meta does not guarantee an exact completion time. Delays may occur when: * The display name requires review. * The business information requires verification. * The phone number cannot receive the verification code. * The account has insufficient Meta permissions. * The number is still connected to another provider. * The account is restricted or not eligible. * Coexistence history or contact synchronization is still being processed. For Coexistence, the connection itself may be completed during onboarding, but message-history synchronization must be initiated within Meta’s permitted 24-hour synchronization period. > Businesses should allow up to **24 hours** for the account, number, or synchronized information to appear completely across all connected systems. More complex verification or policy reviews may take longer. *** ### Before Starting Make sure that: * You know how the number is currently being used. * You have access to the Meta Business Portfolio. * You have administrator access to the relevant Meta assets. * You can receive a verification code on the phone number. * The requested business display name is ready. * Existing providers or integrations have been identified. * A suitable time has been selected for migration. * Important app conversations or operational information have been reviewed. > Do not delete, disconnect, or migrate an active WhatsApp account before confirming the correct setup option with the Taqnyat team.